Syllabus - The PLAID Criteria

PLAID (Peer-Led Analysis of Instructional Design) provides guidelines for strong Canvas courses. This module will address the following PLAID criteria:

Course Design

• Course materials articulate or link to an explanation of how the institution’s student services and resources can help learners succeed and how learners can obtain them.
• Minimum technical skills and technology requirements expected of the learner are clearly stated, and path to technical support is identified.
• Required technology, textbooks, and other resources purchased by students are responsibly chosen and reasonably priced.
• The grading policy is transparent and easy to understand.

Content and Outcomes

• Syllabus is readily accessible and clear and accurate; reflects course content.
• Syllabus includes required elements (link currently unavailable).
• Learning outcomes are clearly stated, and focus on what the student/learner will be able to do.
• Course grading structure is clear (e.g. number and value of assignments, quizzes, etc.)

Communication and Interaction

• Instructor provides ground rules for interaction in the course.
• Instructor describes best contact methods and expected response time.
• Instructor clearly delineates the role the online environment will play in the total course.

For more information on the PLAID Rubric, and how it works, see the PLAID page on the Instructional Design website.