Checklists

Design, refine, and deliver high-quality online courses with confidence. These research-informed checklists from Kent State Online are built to help you focus on what matters most—whether you’re developing a new course or strengthening an existing one. 

Grounded in proven best practices and real instructional design experience, these tools support both new and experienced instructors in creating engaging, accessible, and effective learning experiences. Use them as a flexible guide to spark ideas, prioritize your time, and continuously improve your course.

 

Design and Development
Online Teaching
Course Copy & Prep
Accessibility

This checklist offers research-based guidance to help instructors design, review, and improve online courses. It serves as a flexible self-check tool to support course quality, organization, and student engagement.

Design and Development Checklist (PDF)

This checklist outlines practical best practices for online teaching across each stage of a course—from before it begins through the final week. It provides actionable strategies to help instructors engage students, communicate effectively, and support learning throughout the online experience.

Online Teaching Checklist (PDF)

This checklist guides instructors through preparing and updating their online courses each semester, including importing content, updating materials, and ensuring course accuracy. It helps streamline course setup and ensures students have a clear, up-to-date learning experience from day one.

Course Copy & Prep Checklist (PDF)

This guide outlines practical steps instructors can take to create more accessible online courses, including improving documents, media, and course content for all learners. It helps ensure materials are usable, inclusive, and aligned with accessibility best practices.

Accessibility Considerations for Online Courses (PDF)

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