QLT Support
Teaching an Online or Hybrid Course, and Course Reviews
The CTLT is committed to supporting faculty who are interested in teaching courses in all modalities at Cal Poly. We offer a variety of opportunities for hands-on course development resources, help with the Curriculum modification process, and informal reviews of your hybrid or online course.
We adhere to the CSU standards for Quality Learning & Teaching (QLT) Rubric , a set of objectives and feedback tools built to encourage quality hybrid and online course development. Every year, hundreds of online and hybrid courses are submitted to the CSU for this peer review process. The CTLT will support all Cal Poly instructors interested in preparing their online and hybrid course for online delivery, as well as preparing your course for the review process and obtain CSU QLT Course Certification. You may also be interested in becoming a course reviewer.
Spring and Summer 2026 Workshops are also available for registration at the CSU Online Course Services site!
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Introduction to Teaching Online Using QLT: The content covered in this course includes orienting students to the online course, organizing a module framework, discussing Equity-Minded strategies, UDL principles, and accessibility, developing a community of learners, reflection on assessment strategies, and creating media. 6/22-7/19 7/27-8/16 |
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Advanced QLT Course in Teaching Online: This course will focus on how to create a course and module structure to align with objectives, promote social presence, use equity minded and engagement strategies, employ active learning with video, and utilize alternative assessments. Participants will complete a QLT Core-24 self review on their own course for reflection to guide them as they progress through the course in identifying areas to improve on.
Dates offered: 5/26-6/15 6/22-7/19 |
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Reviewing Courses Using the QLT Instrument: This course offers an in-depth experience with the CSU QLT rubric for reviewing online/hybrid courses. Participants will use objective-based examples to rate elements of a sample course, learn to write recommendations, and discuss the peer-review process. This course is ideal for serving as a peer-reviewer.
Dates offered: 7/27-8/16 |
Important first steps for potential online instructors and course reviewers:
- Review the Curriculum Handbook: Learn the process for submitting a course modification proposal and note important dates
- Complete the CTLT’s self-paced online workshop on navigating the proposal process through CTLT’s self-paced online workshop.
Option 1: Obtain a Course Certification
Design your course using the Quality Learning & Teaching Rubric: Develop your course according to the Quality Learning & Teaching (QLT) Rubric sections. You will need to conduct a self-review prior to requesting a peer review
- Request a peer review through the CTLT: Ensure your course aligns with CSU’s QLT Rubric and request a review.
- Undergo CSU Peer Review: Participate in the CSU peer review process facilitated by Online Course Services.
Achieve CSU QLT course certification upon meeting all QLT Rubric requirements and passing the peer review for the CSU CourseMatch system.
Option 2: Become a Course Reviewer
To review courses at Cal Poly and throughout the CSU for online delivery:
- Complete local certification or the CSU QLT training workshop, and teach an online course for at least one year. Local certification workshops include
- Introduction to Online Teaching & Learning (IOTL)
- Creating Accessible Course Materials (CACM)
- Apply for Reviewer Certification: Complete CSU Online Course Services’ free Professional Development Course
- Receive Stipends! The CSU offers $350 for acting as Course Review Chair (subject matter expertise required) or $200 per course reviewed as a team member
The QLT Rubric
The Quality Learning & Teaching Rubric is comprised of 52 objectives organized into nine sections, with 24 "Core" elements that must be present in an online course, and are part of the certification process. These sections are offered below as a preview of the rubric:
- Section 1: Course Overview & Introduction
- Section 2: Student Learning and Assessment
- Section 3: Instructional Materials and Resources
- Section 4: Student Interaction and Community
- Section 5: Facilitation and Instruction
- Section 6: Technology for Teaching and Learning
- Section 7: Learner Support and Resources
- Section 8: Accessibility and Universal Design
- Section 9: Course Summary and Wrap-Up
