With the instigation of the Learning Platform project, and our shift to Canvas LMS, CAD have collaborated with Titoko Student Success, Student Learning, Disability Services, and The Library to develop a new framework to inform the design and accessibility of our new online learning environment.

The framework is called the ‘Threshold Standards for the Online Student Learning Experience’ (or Toiere 2.0). The Threshold Standards define the design principles and quality of experience within our online course and virtual campus environment. They will also define our expectations in the use of our online learning environment, and aid in the development of new courses and programmes across our formal, informal and professional learning offerings.

The Threshold Standards for the Online Student Experience are the product of over two years of developing and supporting resilient courses through the Covid-19 pandemic. The acceptance and implementation of these standards through the Learning Platform project will not only ensure a more resilient learning and teaching organisation, but lay the platform for a more flexible and blended mode of delivery in the future.

Aligned to Te Herenga Waka | Victoria University of Wellingtons Ngā Herenga, the framework also supports key university academic policy and handbooks and is informed by international examples of good practice frameworks and guidelines. Alignment information to all internal and external documents in support of the Threshold Standards are included in the attached document. The following diagram also details alignment and support within the Threshold Standards for our Assessment Handbook, Programme and Course Design Handbook, Academic Review and Monitoring Policy and Paerangi Student Success Framework:

Image detailing the alignment of the threshold standards to university handbooks and guidelines

Application of these threshold standards are grouped into three areas of focus:

Baseline for all courses: The threshold standard that should be evident in any course, delivered in any mode, within the Learning Management System for all courses at Te Herenga Waka.
Good Practice: A recommended threshold standard based on literature and international standards for the delivery on high quality blended learning courses. A good aspirational target for a great online student learning experience!
Baseline for Fully Online: The threshold standard that should be evident in all fully online courses offered at Te Herenga Waka.

The following sections provide detailed descriptions of the thresholds, and the underpinning criteria that support their application.

Threshold 3:

Rangatiratanga

Threshold 6: