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Digital Course ReadinessA collaborative review that recognizes what works in your course, identifies what students need before the term begins, and supports ongoing improvement. Digital Course Readiness (DCR) is the University of Texas at Tyler's quality review process for courses delivered online, hybrid, or web-enhanced. The review evaluates a Canvas course against a defined set of structural and operational standards and provides the instructor with a written report identifying which standards are met and which require revision. |
Join the DCR Early Adopter Program
Faculty who want a head start can join the Early Adopter Program before the review becomes required. Early adopters get access to the DCR Resource Course, a series of hands-on workshops, and open lab hours where Office of Digital Learning staff work alongside you on your course. Complete the review during the program, and your course carries the Digital Ready designation from day one.
Join the Early Adopter ProgramDCR Review Process
Remember, getting your course ready is a shared effort. The Office of Digital Learning is here to help at every stage. As we like to say, if you're stuck for more than 10 minutes, reach out to us!
Step 1
Review the Framework and Your Course
Begin by using the DCR framework checklist as a reflective tool to identify the high-impact standards already present in your course and areas where we can further enhance the student experience together.
Step 2
Refine Your Course
Using the DCR framework checklist as a roadmap, apply any necessary updates to your course. This step focuses on the "Before Day One" essentials.
Step 3
Submit Your Course for Review
Once your updates are in place, our team joins you to walk through the course specifically through the lens of the learner. We will make sure everything from platform integrations to navigation clarity is ready for launch.
You will receive a summary of this review. If any adjustments are needed, we are here to support you through our workshops and open labs.
Step 4
Achieve the "Digital Ready Course" Designation
When your course meets all items in the readiness framework, it will officially be designated through the Office of Digital Learning. We will celebrate this achievement by:
✓ Placing the readiness seal on your course home page
✓ Sending email confirmation of this achievement
This seal signals to our students that they are entering a quality, high-impact learning environment.
Digital Course Readiness SealDigital Ready courses have completed a structural and operational readiness review that includes a framework built around:
To earn the Digital Course Readiness seal, your course must meet all items in the readiness framework and be reviewed in partnership with the Office of Digital Learning. |
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The DCR Resource CourseThe DCR Canvas course supports faculty through every stage of the review, with detailed guidance on each standard and resources for preparing a course. Faculty may self-enroll using the link below:Join the DCR Resource Course |
What UT Tyler Instructors Are Saying:
Frequently Asked Questions
Fully online courses must achieve Digital Course Ready status by Spring 2027.
The first time a course achieves DCR status takes faculty on average about 2 to 4 hours for each section. Resubmitting a course in subsequent semesters typically takes an hour or less.
Reports are typically returned to the instructor within 2 business days. Submission volume increases in the weeks preceding a term, and instructors are encouraged to submit earlier where possible.
No. The reviewer evaluates the course with the Digital Course Readiness framework and issues a report. All revisions are made by the instructor.
A course development shell that contains a copy of the previously taught course may be requested. The faculty member can update or change content in the development shell before importing into their live course.
Yes. The Office of Digital Learning regularly provides workshops and open labs.
One-on-one assistance is provided upon request on a first-come, first-serve basis.
A web-enhanced course is a face-to-face course that uses Canvas for the syllabus, readings, assignment submissions, or gradebook.
Because students in these courses depend on Canvas for materials, deadlines, and grades, they are included in the review alongside fully online and hybrid courses.
Digital Course Readiness is a section specific process designed to ensure that your course is ready for students on day one. Therefore, each section should be submitted each time it is delivered.
Connect with us
Office of Digital Learning
Email: Canvas@uttyler.edu
Phone: (903) 566-6200