Difference between revisions of "Online Course Guidelines"

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__NOTOC__
 
__NOTOC__
 
[[File:Home-Banner wiki.png|center|alt=Online Course Guidelines page banner]]
 
[[File:Home-Banner wiki.png|center|alt=Online Course Guidelines page banner]]
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[[File:PageUnderConstruction.png|200 px|center|alt=page currently under construction]]
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<p style="padding-top:3%;>Durham Tech's Online Course Guidelines summarize the best practices of quality online instruction.</p>
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<big>
 
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<p style="padding-top:5%;>Durham Tech's Online Course Guidelines summarize the best practices of quality online instruction.</p>
 
 
<p>The guidelines are intended to provide guidance for instructors who are new to online teaching; to help experienced online instructors identify areas for improvement; to assist supervisors with evaluating online instruction; to guide professional development and training efforts; and to communicate the college's expectations internally (faculty/staff) and externally (accrediting bodies).</p>
 
<p>The guidelines are intended to provide guidance for instructors who are new to online teaching; to help experienced online instructors identify areas for improvement; to assist supervisors with evaluating online instruction; to guide professional development and training efforts; and to communicate the college's expectations internally (faculty/staff) and externally (accrediting bodies).</p>
 
<p>The guidelines were originally written for asynchronous online courses but are largely applicable to synchronous online courses as well. More guidance for synchronous instruction is being developed.</p>
 
<p>The guidelines were originally written for asynchronous online courses but are largely applicable to synchronous online courses as well. More guidance for synchronous instruction is being developed.</p>
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</big>
 
 
<small><h2>Downloadable options</h2></small>
 
<small><h2>Downloadable options</h2></small>
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
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<li style="padding:3px;">Online Course Guidelines Checklist (PDF) - COMING JAN 2022</li>
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<li style="padding:2px;">[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/c/c6/Online_Course_Guidelines_revised_Dec_2021.pdf Printable Online Course Guidelines (PDF)]</li>
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<li style="padding-bottom:2%;">Printable Online Course Guidelines (PDF) - COMING JAN 2022</li>
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<li style="padding:2px; padding-bottom:3%;">[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/5/58/OnlineCourseGuidelines-Checklist.pdf Online Course Guidelines Checklist (PDF)]</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
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<h2 style="width: 65%; margin-left: 15%; text-align: center; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; border: 1px solid #E87722; border-left: 20px solid #E87722; border-right: 20px solid #E87722;">In the list below, click each guideline's '''EXPAND''' link to view additional information and resources</h2>
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<h2 style="width: 50%; margin-left: 23%; text-align: center; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px; border: 1px solid #E87722; border-left: 20px solid #E87722; border-right: 20px solid #E87722;"><small><small>In the list below, click each guideline's '''EXPAND''' link to view additional information and resources</small></small></h2>
 
<br/>
 
<br/>
 
<hr style="height:5px;background-color:#84bd00">
 
<hr style="height:5px;background-color:#84bd00">
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<small>
 
<small>
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For online classes, it’s especially important to lay out expectations for communication in the class.<br/>
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For online classes, it’s especially important to lay out expectations for communication in the class.<p>
 
Be sure your syllabus clearly conveys:
 
Be sure your syllabus clearly conveys:
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Your contact information, preferred method of communication, and response time response time students can expect when they contact you</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Your contact information, preferred method of communication, and response time response time students can expect when they contact you</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Turnaround time for assignments to be graded and returned to students</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Turnaround time for assignments to be graded and returned to students</li>
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<li>Expectations for communication with classmates, including ground rules that foster a respectful and inclusive learning environment</li>
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<li style="padding:3px;">Expectations for communication with classmates, including ground rules that foster a respectful and inclusive learning environment</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
See [[Online_Course_Guidelines#Instructor_presence_.7C_Communication|Guideline 12]] for additional tips.
 
See [[Online_Course_Guidelines#Instructor_presence_.7C_Communication|Guideline 12]] for additional tips.
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<small>
 
<small>
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
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<li style="padding:3px;">[https://www.durhamtech.edu/employees/instructional-resources#templates Syllabus Template for Online/Hybrid/Blended Courses (located on Instructor Resources page of Durham Tech’s website)]</li>
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<li style="padding:3px;">[https://www.durhamtech.edu/sites/default/files/media-files/instructional/Syllabus-Template-Online-Hybrid.docx Syllabus Template for Online/Hybrid/Blended Courses (DOC)]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">When planning your course, be sure to read and adhere to Durham Tech’s [https://go.durhamtech.edu/attendance-rules Attendance Rules for Online, Hybrid, and Blended Classes (PDF)]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">When planning your course, be sure to read and adhere to Durham Tech’s [https://go.durhamtech.edu/attendance-rules Attendance Rules for Online, Hybrid, and Blended Classes (PDF)]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Working with the Syllabus in Sakai:
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Working with the Syllabus in Sakai:
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   <ul>
 
   <ul>
 
   <li style="padding:3px;">If applicable, list any class meeting days/times and location (including synchronous online meetings).</li>
 
   <li style="padding:3px;">If applicable, list any class meeting days/times and location (including synchronous online meetings).</li>
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   <li>Full-time instructors, list office hours and location.</li>
+
   <li style="padding:3px;">Full-time instructors, list office hours and location.</li>
 
   </ul>  
 
   </ul>  
 
</ol>
 
</ol>
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<li style="padding:3px;">First impressions matter! The Overview page should be the entrance to your site, the first thing students see. Help your students get off to a good start by providing an overview page that is welcoming and informative.</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">First impressions matter! The Overview page should be the entrance to your site, the first thing students see. Help your students get off to a good start by providing an overview page that is welcoming and informative.</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Optionally, in addition to the items listed in the guideline, the instructor can also add an image, welcome video, course description, list of course outcomes, or other items to make the site welcoming and unique.</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Optionally, in addition to the items listed in the guideline, the instructor can also add an image, welcome video, course description, list of course outcomes, or other items to make the site welcoming and unique.</li>
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<li>TIP: Make sure the Overview button is the top item on your course menu. Otherwise, students will not see this page when they enter the course.</li>
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<li style="padding:3px;">TIP: Make sure the Overview button is the top item on your course menu. Otherwise, students will not see this page when they enter the course.</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</small>
 
</small>
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<li style="padding:3px;">[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/8/84/Organize_your_Lessons_page_and_Course_Menu.pdf Organizing Lessons and the Course Menu (PDF)]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/8/84/Organize_your_Lessons_page_and_Course_Menu.pdf Organizing Lessons and the Course Menu (PDF)]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/f/f7/Tips_for_Using_Sakai_Lessons.pdf Lessons Tips and Best Practices for Effective Course Design]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/f/f7/Tips_for_Using_Sakai_Lessons.pdf Lessons Tips and Best Practices for Effective Course Design]</li>
−
<li>Tip: When importing content from another Sakai site, all due dates must be updated! See [https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/4/4e/ImportContent.pdf Importing Course Content (PDF)]</li>
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<li style="padding:3px;">Tip: When importing content from another Sakai site, all due dates must be updated! See [https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/4/4e/ImportContent.pdf Importing Course Content (PDF)]</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</small>
 
</small>
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<small>
 
<small>
 
<ol start="5">
 
<ol start="5">
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<li style="padding-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-right: 15%;">Materials, resources, and examples reflect the diversity of the local and global community. .</li>
+
<li style="padding-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-right: 15%;">Materials, resources, and examples reflect the diversity of the local and global community.</li>
 
</ol>
 
</ol>
 
</small>
 
</small>
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<li style="padding:3px;">[https://keepteaching.ucdavis.edu/teach/create-inclusive-class-environment-online#techniques Create an Inclusive Class Climate Online (UC Davis)]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://keepteaching.ucdavis.edu/teach/create-inclusive-class-environment-online#techniques Create an Inclusive Class Climate Online (UC Davis)]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://www.diverseeducation.com/faculty-staff/article/15106475/the-four-es-to-increasing-diversity-of-course-materials The Four E's in Increasing Diversity of Course Materials]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://www.diverseeducation.com/faculty-staff/article/15106475/the-four-es-to-increasing-diversity-of-course-materials The Four E's in Increasing Diversity of Course Materials]</li>
−
<li>[https://crlt.umich.edu/gsis/p3_1 Creating Inclusive College Classrooms (University of Michigan)]</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://crlt.umich.edu/gsis/p3_1 Creating Inclusive College Classrooms (University of Michigan)]</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</small>
 
</small>
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<li style="padding:3px;">[[Active Learning in Online Classes]]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[[Active Learning in Online Classes]]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/8/83/How-Do-I-Do-that-Online.pdf How Do I Do That Online? (PDF)]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/8/83/How-Do-I-Do-that-Online.pdf How Do I Do That Online? (PDF)]</li>
−
<li style="padding:3px;">[[Sakai:_Lessons#Interactive_Features|Interactive features in Lessons]] that encourage active learning: Questions, Comments, Checklists, Student Pages</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">[[Sakai:_Lessons#Interactive_Features_in_Lessons|Interactive features in Lessons]] that encourage active learning: Questions, Comments, Checklists, Student Pages</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[[IDEAS to get students ACTIVELY ENGAGED in LEARNING|Ideas to get students actively engaged]]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[[IDEAS to get students ACTIVELY ENGAGED in LEARNING|Ideas to get students actively engaged]]</li>
−
<li>[[Sakai: Forums|Sakai Forums: Basics and Best Practices]]</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">[[Sakai: Forums|Sakai Forums: Basics and Best Practices]]</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</small>
 
</small>
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| style="width: 50%; background-color:#FFFFFF; border-top: 1px solid #E87722; border-bottom: 3px solid #E87722; border-right: 1px solid #000000;"|
 
| style="width: 50%; background-color:#FFFFFF; border-top: 1px solid #E87722; border-bottom: 3px solid #E87722; border-right: 1px solid #000000;"|
 
<small>
 
<small>
−
When incorporating multimedia, consider copyright and accessibility (for details see the two guidelines for Legal Obligations).
+
When incorporating multimedia, consider copyright and accessibility (for details see the two guidelines for [[Online_Course_Guidelines#Legal_obligations|Legal Obligations]]).
 
</small>
 
</small>
  
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<li style="padding:3px;">[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/0/0d/Embedding_YouTube_videos_in_Lessons.pdf Embedding (Displaying) YouTube videos in Sakai Handout (PDF)]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/0/0d/Embedding_YouTube_videos_in_Lessons.pdf Embedding (Displaying) YouTube videos in Sakai Handout (PDF)]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Find free images to use in your course on [https://pixabay.com/ Pixabay] and [https://www.pexels.com/ Pexels]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Find free images to use in your course on [https://pixabay.com/ Pixabay] and [https://www.pexels.com/ Pexels]</li>
−
<li>[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/9/94/HowtoAddImagestoyourTests.pdf Using Images in Test Questions (PDF)] </li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/9/94/HowtoAddImagestoyourTests.pdf Using Images in Test Questions (PDF)] </li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</small>
 
</small>
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</li>
 
</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/1/17/InstructorHandout-Allowing-Students-Warpwire-Access.pdf Allowing Students to Create/Share Videos with Warpwire (PDF)]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/1/17/InstructorHandout-Allowing-Students-Warpwire-Access.pdf Allowing Students to Create/Share Videos with Warpwire (PDF)]</li>
−
<li>[https://support.blindsidenetworks.com/hc/en-us/articles/360024516512-Create-and-manage-breakout-rooms Create and Manage Breakout Rooms in Sakai Meetings]</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://support.blindsidenetworks.com/hc/en-us/articles/360024516512-Create-and-manage-breakout-rooms Create and Manage Breakout Rooms in Sakai Meetings]</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</small>
 
</small>
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<li style="padding:3px;">The U.S. Department of Education requires “regular and substantive interaction between the students and the instructor(s)… on a predictable and scheduled basis” ([https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/02/2020-18636/distance-education-and-innovation 34 CFR § 600.2]).</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">The U.S. Department of Education requires “regular and substantive interaction between the students and the instructor(s)… on a predictable and scheduled basis” ([https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/02/2020-18636/distance-education-and-innovation 34 CFR § 600.2]).</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">The instructor may use a variety of tools to maintain communication (Announcements, Email, Forums, Chat, Meetings, etc.)</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">The instructor may use a variety of tools to maintain communication (Announcements, Email, Forums, Chat, Meetings, etc.)</li>
−
<li>Providing regular feedback to students on their work is a key component of communication (for details, see Guideline 17).</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">Providing regular feedback to students on their work is a key component of communication (for details, see [[Online_Course_Guidelines#Assessment_.7C_Grading_.7C_Feedback|Guideline 17]]).</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</small>
 
</small>
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<ul>
 
<ul>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/4/4e/Handout-Opportunties_for_Interactions_examples.pdf Opportunities for Social Interactions with Your Online Students (PDF)]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/4/4e/Handout-Opportunties_for_Interactions_examples.pdf Opportunities for Social Interactions with Your Online Students (PDF)]</li>
−
<li style="padding:3px;">[http://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/9/98/Tips_for_Instructor_Presence_in_Online_Course.pdf Tips for Instructor Presence in Online Courses (PDF)]</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/9/98/Tips_for_Instructor_Presence_in_Online_Course.pdf Tips for Instructor Presence in Online Courses (PDF)]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[[Sakai: Forums|Sakai Forums: Basics and Best Practices]]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[[Sakai: Forums|Sakai Forums: Basics and Best Practices]]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://sakai.screenstepslive.com/s/sakai_help/m/81161/l/954377-what-is-the-chat-room-tool How to use the Chat Room]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://sakai.screenstepslive.com/s/sakai_help/m/81161/l/954377-what-is-the-chat-room-tool How to use the Chat Room]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[[Sakai: Meetings|Sakai Meetings: How to hold "live" online meetings with students]]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[[Sakai: Meetings|Sakai Meetings: How to hold "live" online meetings with students]]</li>
−
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://www.everettcc.edu/files/programs/elearning/Regular_and_Substantive_Interaction_Primer.pdf Regular and Substantive Interaction: An Overview for Instructors of Online Courses (Everett Community College)]</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://www.everettcc.edu/files/programs/elearning/Regular_and_Substantive_Interaction_Primer.pdf Regular and Substantive Interaction: An Overview for Instructors of Online Courses (PDF) (Everett Community College)]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://lsa.umich.edu/technology-services/news-events/all-news/teaching-tip-of-the-week/communication-plans-for-online-classes.html Communication Plans for Online Classes (University of Michigan)]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://lsa.umich.edu/technology-services/news-events/all-news/teaching-tip-of-the-week/communication-plans-for-online-classes.html Communication Plans for Online Classes (University of Michigan)]</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
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<li style="padding:3px;">Posting announcements on a regular schedule helps situate students each week, providing predictability and consistency.</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Posting announcements on a regular schedule helps situate students each week, providing predictability and consistency.</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Announcements also provide a record in the course site of your communications with the whole class.</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Announcements also provide a record in the course site of your communications with the whole class.</li>
−
<li>Also, the U.S. Department of Education requires that instructors provide regular communications that are “predictable and scheduled” ([https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/02/2020-18636/distance-education-and-innovation 34 CFR § 600.2]).</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">Also, the U.S. Department of Education requires that instructors provide regular communications that are “predictable and scheduled” ([https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/02/2020-18636/distance-education-and-innovation 34 CFR § 600.2]).</li>
 
</small>
 
</small>
  
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<ul>
 
<ul>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://sakai.screenstepslive.com/s/sakai_help/m/81161/l/954338-how-do-i-add-an-announcement How do I add an announcement?]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://sakai.screenstepslive.com/s/sakai_help/m/81161/l/954338-how-do-i-add-an-announcement How do I add an announcement?]</li>
−
<li>Tip: When creating an announcement, it is a good idea to select the option to send an email notification to all participants. </li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">Tip: When creating an announcement, it is a good idea to select the option to send an email notification to all participants. </li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</small>
 
</small>
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| style="width: 50%; background-color:#FFFFFF; border-top: 1px solid #E87722; border-bottom: 3px solid #E87722; border-right: 1px solid #000000;"|
 
| style="width: 50%; background-color:#FFFFFF; border-top: 1px solid #E87722; border-bottom: 3px solid #E87722; border-right: 1px solid #000000;"|
 
<small>
 
<small>
−
Define clear expectations or ground rules for communications to foster an inclusive learning environment where students feel respected. Restate these expectations regularly and consistently.  
+
Define clear expectations or ground rules for communication to foster an inclusive learning environment where students feel respected. Restate these expectations regularly and consistently.  
 
</small>
 
</small>
  
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<ul>
 
<ul>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://cfe.unc.edu/initiatives/structuring-the-classroom-for-inclusive-teaching/ Structuring the Classroom for Inclusive Teaching (UNC)]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://cfe.unc.edu/initiatives/structuring-the-classroom-for-inclusive-teaching/ Structuring the Classroom for Inclusive Teaching (UNC)]</li>
−
<li>[https://www.chronicle.com/article/how-to-make-your-teaching-more-inclusive/ How to Make Your Teaching More Inclusive: Advice Guide (Chronicle of Higher Education – free sign-up required)]</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://www.chronicle.com/article/how-to-make-your-teaching-more-inclusive/ How to Make Your Teaching More Inclusive: Advice Guide (Chronicle of Higher Education – free sign-up required)]</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</small>
 
</small>
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<ul>
 
<ul>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Aligning assessments with course outcomes enables you and your students to know how well they have mastered the skills and knowledge required for the course.</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Aligning assessments with course outcomes enables you and your students to know how well they have mastered the skills and knowledge required for the course.</li>
−
<li>Provide a variety of opportunities and activities for students to demonstrate skills and knowledge.</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">Provide a variety of opportunities and activities for students to demonstrate skills and knowledge.</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</small>
 
</small>
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<li style="padding:3px;">[https://www.cmu.edu/teaching/assessment/basics/alignment.html Why should assessments, learning objectives, and instructional strategies be aligned? (Carnegie Mellon University)]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://www.cmu.edu/teaching/assessment/basics/alignment.html Why should assessments, learning objectives, and instructional strategies be aligned? (Carnegie Mellon University)]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://sites.psu.edu/onlineassessment/gather-evidence/ Online Assessment (Penn State)]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://sites.psu.edu/onlineassessment/gather-evidence/ Online Assessment (Penn State)]</li>
−
<li>[https://www.waikato.ac.nz/staff/assessment-handbook/assessment-types/online-assessment-examples Examples of Various Online Assessment Activities (University of Waikato)]</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://www.waikato.ac.nz/staff/assessment-handbook/assessment-types/online-assessment-examples Examples of Various Online Assessment Activities (University of Waikato)]</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</small>
 
</small>
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<small>
 
<small>
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
−
<li style="padding:3px;">[http://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/3/3c/Test_Tips_Sakai.pdf Recommended Settings to Deter Cheating and Minimize Technical Problems on Sakai Tests (PDF)]</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/3/3c/Test_Tips_Sakai.pdf Recommended Settings to Deter Cheating and Minimize Technical Problems on Sakai Tests (PDF)]</li>
−
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://sakai.durhamtech.edu/access/lessonbuilder/item/72268164/group/1ebfa38f-446f-4f35-be48-fc8c3c8b6190/Handouts/Best%20Practices%20for%20Tests%20and%20Quizzes%2010-1-19.pdf Best Practices for Tests/Quizzes (PDF)]</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://sakai.durhamtech.edu/access/lessonbuilder/item/72268164/group/1ebfa38f-446f-4f35-be48-fc8c3c8b6190/Handouts/Best%20Practices%20for%20Tests%20and%20Quizzes%2010-1-19.pdf Best Practices for Tests/Quizzes (PDF) - Sakai login required]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://www.canva.com/design/DAECQUXNSSQ/view?utm_content=DAECQUXNSSQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=embeds&utm_source=link Simple Scalable Academic Integrity Tips]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://www.canva.com/design/DAECQUXNSSQ/view?utm_content=DAECQUXNSSQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=embeds&utm_source=link Simple Scalable Academic Integrity Tips]</li>
−
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/091f0b52-b7c7-46a1-9752-681bec600a65 Webinar recording: Resources for Encouraging Academic Honesty on Online Tests] – presented by Karen McPhaul and Scott Berrier on 10/7/2021</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/091f0b52-b7c7-46a1-9752-681bec600a65 Webinar recording: Resources for Encouraging Academic Honesty on Online Tests (Microsoft Stream video)] – presented by Karen McPhaul and Scott Berrier on 10/7/2021</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Proctoring options at Durham Tech:
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Proctoring options at Durham Tech:
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
 
<li>On-campus proctoring<br/>
 
<li>On-campus proctoring<br/>
 
[https://www.durhamtech.edu/employees/faculty-proctor-make-up-testing In-Person Proctored and Make-Up Testing Faculty Guidelines (Center for Academic Excellence)]</li>
 
[https://www.durhamtech.edu/employees/faculty-proctor-make-up-testing In-Person Proctored and Make-Up Testing Faculty Guidelines (Center for Academic Excellence)]</li>
−
<li>Online, automated proctoring<br/>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">Online, automated proctoring:
−
[[Sakai: Proctorio|Proctorio Info for Faculty]]<br/>
+
<ul>
−
[[Proctorio for Students|Proctorio Info for Students]]</li>
+
<li>[[Proctorio for Instructors|Proctorio Info for Instructors]]</li>
 +
<li>[[Proctorio for Students|Proctorio Info for Students]]</li>
 +
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</li>
 
</li>
Line 715: Line 714:
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">The instructor sets clear expectations regarding when assignments will be graded and returned.</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">The instructor sets clear expectations regarding when assignments will be graded and returned.</li>
−
<li>At a minimum, by the mid-point of the course, grades and feedback should be available to students so they know how they are doing and can seek tutoring or other supports if needed.</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">At a minimum, by the mid-point of the course, grades and feedback should be available to students so they know how they are doing and can seek tutoring or other supports if needed.</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</small>
 
</small>
Line 756: Line 755:
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Receiving frequent feedback allows students to monitor their learning and gives them the opportunity to seek support (from the instructor and/or tutors) at the time it is needed so they can benefit and improve.</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Receiving frequent feedback allows students to monitor their learning and gives them the opportunity to seek support (from the instructor and/or tutors) at the time it is needed so they can benefit and improve.</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">To be useful to students, feedback and grades should be provided before subsequent, related assignments are due.</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">To be useful to students, feedback and grades should be provided before subsequent, related assignments are due.</li>
−
<li>The U.S. Department of Education requires that instructors monitor students’ “academic engagement and success” and provide substantive, prompt feedback when needed based on that monitoring ([https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/02/2020-18636/distance-education-and-innovation 34 CFR § 600.2]).</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">The U.S. Department of Education requires that instructors monitor students’ “academic engagement and success” and provide substantive, prompt feedback when needed based on that monitoring ([https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/02/2020-18636/distance-education-and-innovation 34 CFR § 600.2]).</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</small>
 
</small>
Line 766: Line 765:
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
 
<li>[https://youtu.be/FdPId5SRtuA How to Grade an Assignment in Sakai (YouTube video)]</li>
 
<li>[https://youtu.be/FdPId5SRtuA How to Grade an Assignment in Sakai (YouTube video)]</li>
−
<li>[http://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/d/db/How_to_Grade_Student_Submissions_in_Assignments.pdf How to Grade an Assignment in Sakai Handout (PDF)]</li>
+
<li>[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/d/db/How_to_Grade_Student_Submissions_in_Assignments.pdf How to Grade an Assignment in Sakai Handout (PDF)]</li>
 
<li>[[Sakai: Assignments|More Information about Sakai Assignments]]</li>
 
<li>[[Sakai: Assignments|More Information about Sakai Assignments]]</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
Line 773: Line 772:
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
 
<li>[https://youtu.be/HA6wnPy_drA How to Grade Students' Forum Posts (YouTube video)]</li>
 
<li>[https://youtu.be/HA6wnPy_drA How to Grade Students' Forum Posts (YouTube video)]</li>
−
<li>[http://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/8/81/How_to_Grade_Forum_Posts.pdf How to Grade Students' Forum Posts Handout (PDF)]</li>
+
<li>[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/8/81/How_to_Grade_Forum_Posts.pdf How to Grade Students' Forum Posts Handout (PDF)]</li>
 
<li>[[Sakai: Forums|More Information about Sakai Forums]]</li>
 
<li>[[Sakai: Forums|More Information about Sakai Forums]]</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
Line 781: Line 780:
 
<li>[https://blog.teachingandlearning.unc.edu/2013/10/23/feedback-on-online-sakai-tests/ Setting up Feedback for Sakai Tests & Quizzes (UNC)]</li>
 
<li>[https://blog.teachingandlearning.unc.edu/2013/10/23/feedback-on-online-sakai-tests/ Setting up Feedback for Sakai Tests & Quizzes (UNC)]</li>
 
<li>[https://youtu.be/qnnz054C-0w How to Grade Tests (YouTube video)]</li>
 
<li>[https://youtu.be/qnnz054C-0w How to Grade Tests (YouTube video)]</li>
−
<li>[https://sakai.screenstepslive.com/s/sakai_help/m/81161/l/954733-how-do-i-grade-tests-quizzess How to Grade Tests Handout (PDF)]</li>
+
<li>[https://sakai.screenstepslive.com/s/sakai_help/m/81161/l/954733-how-do-i-grade-tests-quizzess How to Grade Tests in Sakai]</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</li>
 
</li>
Line 867: Line 866:
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://training.durhamtech.edu/node/571 Fundamentals of Digital Accessibility for Instructors (FunDAI): Workshop description and registration]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://training.durhamtech.edu/node/571 Fundamentals of Digital Accessibility for Instructors (FunDAI): Workshop description and registration]</li>
−
<li>[http://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/5/5f/FunDAI_Basic_Competencies.docx FunDAI Workshop Competencies (DOC)]</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/5/5f/FunDAI_Basic_Competencies.docx FunDAI Workshop Competencies (DOC)]</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</small>
 
</small>
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<hr style="height:5px;background-color:#84bd00;">
 
<hr style="height:5px;background-color:#84bd00;">
  
−
==[[File:icon-rocket.png|45px|alt=""]] Launching the Course==
+
==[[File:icon-rocket.png|45px|alt=""]] Launching the course==
 
<!---GUIDELINE 20--->
 
<!---GUIDELINE 20--->
 
<div class=" mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:auto; margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 15%; margin-bottom: 1%; overflow:auto; font-size:1.25em;">
 
<div class=" mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:auto; margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 15%; margin-bottom: 1%; overflow:auto; font-size:1.25em;">
Line 916: Line 915:
 
<small>
 
<small>
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
−
<li style="padding:3px;">Sample welcome emails from instructors
+
<li style="padding:3px;">Sample welcome emails:
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
−
<li>[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/3/30/Welcome-Letter-ENG_111-FA21.pdf Kris’s Welcome email for ENG 112 FA21 (PDF)]</li>
+
<li>[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/3/30/Welcome-Letter-ENG_111-FA21.pdf Kris’s Welcome email for ENG 111 (PDF)]</li>
−
<li>[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/3/31/Nikkis_Welcome_Letter_Message_Therapy.pdf Nikki’s Welcome email for Massage Therapy (PDF)]</li>
+
<li>[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/3/31/Nikkis_Welcome_Letter_Message_Therapy.pdf Nikki's Welcome message for Massage Therapy (PDF)]</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</li>
 
</li>
−
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://youtu.be/-a6S4-uN9Q8 Sakai Tour for Students (YouTube video)]</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://warpwire.durhamtech.edu/w/2ScBAA/ Sakai Tour for Students (Warpwire video)]</li>
−
<li style="padding:3px;">Printable handouts:
+
<li style="padding:3px;">Printable handouts for students:
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
 
<li>[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/7/7c/SakaiStudentLogin.pdf Credit Classes: Getting Started with Sakai (PDF)]</li>
 
<li>[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/7/7c/SakaiStudentLogin.pdf Credit Classes: Getting Started with Sakai (PDF)]</li>
Line 929: Line 928:
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</li>
 
</li>
−
<li style="padding:3px;">[[Sakai: Logging in|Logging in to Sakai]]</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">[[Sakai:_Logging_in|Logging in to Sakai]]</li>
−
<li>[https://www.durhamtech.edu/online-learning/about-online-learning Durham Tech website: About Online Learning]</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://www.durhamtech.edu/online-learning/about-online-learning Durham Tech website: About Online Learning]</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</small>
 
</small>
Line 964: Line 963:
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Instructors may publish their course sites before the class start date; however, if doing so, they must make sure that all assignments, quizzes, and forums are set to become available to students on or after the class start date. Student submissions before the start date cannot count for attendance or course entry.</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Instructors may publish their course sites before the class start date; however, if doing so, they must make sure that all assignments, quizzes, and forums are set to become available to students on or after the class start date. Student submissions before the start date cannot count for attendance or course entry.</li>
−
<li>Due to state attendance requirements, instructors should not hold an online meeting prior to the course start date. (For details on attendance requirements, see Guideline 23.)</li>
+
<li>Due to state attendance requirements, instructors should not hold an online meeting prior to the course start date. (For details on attendance requirements, see [[Online_Course_Guidelines#Launching_the_Course|Guideline 23]].)</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</small>
 
</small>
Line 973: Line 972:
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[[Sakai_Procedures#Student_Access|How to publish your course site on Sakai]]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[[Sakai_Procedures#Student_Access|How to publish your course site on Sakai]]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://sakai.screenstepslive.com/s/sakai_help/m/81161/l/954338-how-do-i-add-an-announcement How do I add an announcement?]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://sakai.screenstepslive.com/s/sakai_help/m/81161/l/954338-how-do-i-add-an-announcement How do I add an announcement?]</li>
−
<li>Tip: When creating an announcement, it is a good idea to select the option to send an email notification to all participants. The course site must be published in order for students to receive the email notification.</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">Tip: When creating an announcement, it is a good idea to select the option to send an email notification to all participants. The course site must be published in order for students to receive the email notification.</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</small>
 
</small>
Line 1,011: Line 1,010:
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Where to find various course components (for example, how will they access feedback)</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Where to find various course components (for example, how will they access feedback)</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">How to get started on assignments</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">How to get started on assignments</li>
−
<li style="padding:3px;">Details about the required “course entry” activity and when it is due (for details, see Guideline 23)</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">Details about the required “course entry” activity and when it is due (for details, see [[Online_Course_Guidelines#Launching_the_Course|Guideline 23]])</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Key points in the syllabus and course schedule</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Key points in the syllabus and course schedule</li>
−
<li>Student services at Durham Tech that may be useful to students in your class (e.g., [https://www.durhamtech.edu/student-services/center-academic-excellence/online-tutoring online tutoring], library resources for distance learning)</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">Student services at Durham Tech that may be useful to students in your class (e.g., [https://www.durhamtech.edu/student-services/center-academic-excellence/online-tutoring online tutoring], library resources for distance learning)</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</small>
 
</small>
Line 1,021: Line 1,020:
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[[Sakai Help for Students]]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">[[Sakai Help for Students]]</li>
−
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpwpa82O9h3qlvn_Gdu70uV3A6N36EUn- Sakai Videos for Students]</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpwpa82O9h3qlvn_Gdu70uV3A6N36EUn- Sakai Videos for Students (YouTube playlist)]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Sample orientation and course tour video from Durham Tech instructors:
 
<li style="padding:3px;">Sample orientation and course tour video from Durham Tech instructors:
 
<ul>
 
<ul>
Line 1,028: Line 1,027:
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</li>
 
</li>
−
<li>[https://www.warpwire.com/support/capture/multi-source-capture/ How to create a screencast in Warpwire]</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">[https://www.warpwire.com/support/capture/multi-source-capture/ How to create a screencast in Warpwire]</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</small>
 
</small>
Line 1,062: Line 1,061:
 
<li style="padding:3px;">State regulations require that instructors collect and accurately record each student’s exact date of “entry” (first activity) in the course.</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">State regulations require that instructors collect and accurately record each student’s exact date of “entry” (first activity) in the course.</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">To comply with state regulations, instructors must carefully follow Durham Tech’s [https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/f/ff/Attendance-rules-IN-HY-BL_7-21-20.pdf Attendance Rules for Online, Hybrid, and Blended Classes (PDF)]</li>
 
<li style="padding:3px;">To comply with state regulations, instructors must carefully follow Durham Tech’s [https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/f/ff/Attendance-rules-IN-HY-BL_7-21-20.pdf Attendance Rules for Online, Hybrid, and Blended Classes (PDF)]</li>
−
<li>Examples of acceptable activities for course entry include a syllabus quiz or a discussion prompt asking what students hope to learn in the class.</li>
+
<li style="padding:3px;">Examples of acceptable activities for course entry include a syllabus quiz or a discussion prompt asking what students hope to learn in the class.</li>
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
</small>
 
</small>
Line 1,068: Line 1,067:
 
| style="width: 50%; background-color:#FFFFFF; border-top: 1px solid #E87722; border-bottom: 3px solid #E87722;"|
 
| style="width: 50%; background-color:#FFFFFF; border-top: 1px solid #E87722; border-bottom: 3px solid #E87722;"|
 
<small>
 
<small>
−
<p style="text-align:center;">N/A</p>
+
<ul>
 +
<li style="padding:3px;">
 +
[https://wiki.durhamtech.edu/wiki/images/f/ff/Attendance-rules-IN-HY-BL_7-21-20.pdf Attendance Rules for Online, Hybrid, and Blended Classes (PDF)]</li>
 +
</ul>
 
</small>
 
</small>
 
|-
 
|-
Line 1,075: Line 1,077:
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
<hr style="height:5px;background-color:#84bd00;">
 
<hr style="height:5px;background-color:#84bd00;">
 +
<p style="text-align:center; padding-top:1%; padding-bottom:20%;">''These guidelines were developed by Durham Tech's Distance Learning Committee and approved by Teaching and Learning Council on 12/3/2021.''</p>

Latest revision as of 08:46, 17 June 2022

Online Course Guidelines page banner

Durham Tech's Online Course Guidelines summarize the best practices of quality online instruction.

The guidelines are intended to provide guidance for instructors who are new to online teaching; to help experienced online instructors identify areas for improvement; to assist supervisors with evaluating online instruction; to guide professional development and training efforts; and to communicate the college's expectations internally (faculty/staff) and externally (accrediting bodies).

The guidelines were originally written for asynchronous online courses but are largely applicable to synchronous online courses as well. More guidance for synchronous instruction is being developed.

Downloadable options

In the list below, click each guideline's EXPAND link to view additional information and resources


"" Course expectations | Basic course information

  1. The instructor posts a syllabus in the course Sakai site that clearly communicates course policies and expectations.

    The instructor uses Durham Tech’s Syllabus Template for Online/Hybrid/Blended Courses (DOC) or another template provided by their supervisor to provide clear expectations for the class.

Guideline ## Explanation and Resources

Guideline Explanation

Guideline Resources

For online classes, it’s especially important to lay out expectations for communication in the class.

Be sure your syllabus clearly conveys:

  • Your contact information, preferred method of communication, and response time response time students can expect when they contact you
  • Turnaround time for assignments to be graded and returned to students
  • Expectations for communication with classmates, including ground rules that foster a respectful and inclusive learning environment

See Guideline 12 for additional tips.

  1. The Overview page of the course Sakai site lists the course title and instructor name(s) and contact information.
    • If applicable, list any class meeting days/times and location (including synchronous online meetings).
    • Full-time instructors, list office hours and location.

Guideline ## Explanation and Resources

Guideline Explanation

Guideline Resources

  • First impressions matter! The Overview page should be the entrance to your site, the first thing students see. Help your students get off to a good start by providing an overview page that is welcoming and informative.
  • Optionally, in addition to the items listed in the guideline, the instructor can also add an image, welcome video, course description, list of course outcomes, or other items to make the site welcoming and unique.
  • TIP: Make sure the Overview button is the top item on your course menu. Otherwise, students will not see this page when they enter the course.

"" Course organization and content

  1. The Lessons area of the course Sakai site contains a subpage for each week or unit of the class. Each weekly/unit subpage includes clear and complete details for assignments and activities, including due dates.

Guideline ## Explanation and Resources

Guideline Explanation

Guideline Resources

The Lessons tool is the central hub where students find all assignments, readings, materials, etc. for the week or unit.

If some activities or assignments take place outside Sakai (such as on a publisher platform), the instructor should provide a clear note in the weekly/unit folder in Lessons, so it is evident what course activity is taking place and where.

Follow the Weekly Lesson Template (PDF) to ensure your weekly/unit subpages are clear, complete, and easy for students to navigate. Utilize headings to structure your page content, as described in the template.

  1. For asynchronous online classes, the instructor provides at least one activity each week for students to complete (submit).

Guideline ## Explanation and Resources

Guideline Explanation

Guideline Resources

Durham Tech’s attendance rules require all online, hybrid, and blended classes to have a “course entry” activity in Sakai that students are required to submit by the class census date. (For details see Guideline 23.)

For ongoing attendance AFTER the census date, asynchronous online courses (and hybrid/blended classes with an asynchronous component) must have at least one activity per week that requires student submission and can be used to determine attendance for the week. For details, see page 3 of the attendance rules.

NOTE: Synchronous online courses (those that meet on a regular schedule via web-conferencing), do not require students to submit an activity every week. For these classes, attendance at the “live” online class meetings is the basis for ongoing attendance.

For full details, see Attendance Rules for Online, Hybrid, and Blended Classes (PDF)

N/A

  1. Materials, resources, and examples reflect the diversity of the local and global community.

Guideline ## Explanation and Resources

Guideline Explanation

Guideline Resources

N/A

  1. Course materials and links are carefully reviewed prior to the start of the course (and regularly during the semester) to minimize errors and broken links.

Guideline ## Explanation and Resources

Guideline Explanation

Guideline Resources

Errors do happen and may hinder students’ progress. Encourage your students to let you know if they encounter an error or something not functioning on the site.

N/A

"" Student engagement

  1. The course includes assignments that promote active learning.

Guideline ## Explanation and Resources

Guideline Explanation

Guideline Resources

Promoting active learning means providing opportunities for students to interact with course content – and with each other – in thoughtful, purposeful ways.

  1. The course incorporates multimedia elements (such as images, videos, links to external resources) that support learning outcomes.

Guideline ## Explanation and Resources

Guideline Explanation

Guideline Resources

When incorporating multimedia, consider copyright and accessibility (for details see the two guidelines for Legal Obligations).

  1. Opportunities are provided for students to interact with and feel connected to their peers.

Guideline ## Explanation and Resources

Guideline Explanation

Guideline Resources

  • By its nature, online learning involves distance between learners, which requires intentional action to overcome. Without a feeling of connection and community, students can feel isolated, which can negatively impact their persistence and success.
  • Provide a variety of ways for students to interact throughout the course. These might include:
    • a welcome forum where students introduce themselves
    • group projects
    • peer review
    • student-created videos
    • breakout rooms in online meetings

"" Instructor presence | Communication

  1. The instructor maintains regular contact with students in multiple ways throughout the course.

Guideline ## Explanation and Resources

Guideline Explanation

Guideline Resources

  • Research indicates that instructor communication helps students feel connected in the online environment. It keeps students on track, increases their sense of self-efficacy and overall satisfaction, and can lead to greater persistence in the course.
  • It’s important for the instructor to provide regular, encouraging communication with the entire class and to reach out to individual students – for example, contacting a student who misses multiple assignments.
  • The U.S. Department of Education requires “regular and substantive interaction between the students and the instructor(s)… on a predictable and scheduled basis” (34 CFR § 600.2).
  • The instructor may use a variety of tools to maintain communication (Announcements, Email, Forums, Chat, Meetings, etc.)
  • Providing regular feedback to students on their work is a key component of communication (for details, see Guideline 17).

  1. The instructor posts an announcement in Sakai at least once a week to provide updates, reminders, or comments related to course content.

Guideline ## Explanation and Resources

Guideline Explanation

Guideline Resources

  • Online classes lack the regular schedule and predictability of face-to-face classes. Instructors need to create structure for students in multiple ways.
  • Posting announcements on a regular schedule helps situate students each week, providing predictability and consistency.
  • Announcements also provide a record in the course site of your communications with the whole class.
  • Also, the U.S. Department of Education requires that instructors provide regular communications that are “predictable and scheduled” (34 CFR § 600.2).
    •

  • How do I add an announcement?
  • Tip: When creating an announcement, it is a good idea to select the option to send an email notification to all participants.

  1. The instructor responds to student emails and requests for help in a timely way, consistent with the response time stated in the syllabus.

Guideline ## Explanation and Resources

Guideline Explanation

Guideline Resources

  • Students need a clear statement of the response time frame to expect when they contact you for assistance.
  • Think through what kind of response time frame is reasonable and workable for you.
  • In the syllabus, set specific and reasonable expectations for responding to student emails and requests -- and then follow through.
  • A common expectation is to specify a 24–48-hour time frame. Some instructors specify a different time frame for weekends.

N/A

  1. The instructor maintains a respectful learning environment so that all students feel included.

Guideline ## Explanation and Resources

Guideline Explanation

Guideline Resources

Define clear expectations or ground rules for communication to foster an inclusive learning environment where students feel respected. Restate these expectations regularly and consistently.

"" Assessment | Grading | Feedback

  1. Assessment of student learning is aligned with course outcomes, conducted throughout the duration of the course, and uses multiple methods.

Guideline ## Explanation and Resources

Guideline Explanation

Guideline Resources

  • Aligning assessments with course outcomes enables you and your students to know how well they have mastered the skills and knowledge required for the course.
  • Provide a variety of opportunities and activities for students to demonstrate skills and knowledge.

  1. Assessments are designed and administered to uphold academic integrity. Online tests and quizzes use recommended settings to deter cheating and minimize technical problems.

Guideline ## Explanation and Resources

Guideline Explanation

Guideline Resources

  • Students cheat for many reasons and unfortunately there is not one perfect solution. Upholding academic integrity in an online environment requires a multi-faceted approach and a reconsideration of assessment practices.
  • Instructors are strongly encouraged to use recommended settings for Sakai tests and to consider an array of best practices to promote academic integrity throughout the course.
  • In addition, Durham Tech provides the following proctoring options that instructors may use for online and hybrid/blended classes:
    • The Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) offers in-person proctoring services on campus.
    • Proctorio – an online, automated proctoring tool – is available for tests delivered in Sakai.
    •

  1. The Sakai Gradebook is set up and consistent with the grading procedures stated in the syllabus. Grades are posted regularly, allowing students to track their progress.

Guideline ## Explanation and Resources

Guideline Explanation

Guideline Resources

  • The instructor sets clear expectations regarding when assignments will be graded and returned.
  • At a minimum, by the mid-point of the course, grades and feedback should be available to students so they know how they are doing and can seek tutoring or other supports if needed.

  1. The instructor provides timely, specific, actionable feedback to students on their work, consistent with expectations stated in the syllabus or other course documents.

Guideline ## Explanation and Resources

Guideline Explanation

Guideline Resources

  • Receiving frequent feedback allows students to monitor their learning and gives them the opportunity to seek support (from the instructor and/or tutors) at the time it is needed so they can benefit and improve.
  • To be useful to students, feedback and grades should be provided before subsequent, related assignments are due.
  • The U.S. Department of Education requires that instructors monitor students’ “academic engagement and success” and provide substantive, prompt feedback when needed based on that monitoring (34 CFR § 600.2).

"" Legal obligations

  1. The instructor makes a good faith effort to comply with copyright laws and fair use principles.

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N/A

  1. Course design indicates a conscious effort to comply with accessibility standards.

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Durham Tech has a multi-year Digital Accessibility Plan that lays out training requirements for instructors and timelines for implementation of supports, including video captioning and discipline-specific accessibility needs.

The plan requires full-time faculty and adjuncts who teach online/hybrid/blended courses (credit and noncredit) to complete the Fundamentals of Digital Accessibility for Instructors (FunDAI) online workshop. Faculty are expected to apply digital accessibility skills learned in FunDAI as they create new digital content and as they revise existing content over time.

NOTE: When instructors receive an accommodation plan from a student, they will work with supervisors and Accessibility Services to implement the modifications contained in the plan. For more info, see: Steps for Faculty Working with Students with Disabilities at Durham Tech

"" Launching the course

  1. Prior to the start of the course, the instructor sends a welcome email explaining when and how the course will start, orientation requirements, how to log in, any special tools or materials needed, etc.

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  • With the wide variety of delivery options (such as synchronous and asynchronous, as well as hybrid/blended) students sometimes don’t clearly understand what they signed up for.
  • Before the class starts, it’s important for the instructor to email students and explain the class format clearly, so students know what to expect and what they need to do.
  • This initial communication with students is also an opportunity for the instructor to set a positive, enthusiastic tone which helps students begin to feel a personal connection to the instructor and to feel welcome in the class.
  • IMPORTANT:
    • Be sure to send the welcome email to all students, including those who register late or near the start date.
    • Use the Email tool in Sakai to send the welcome message – this tool works even if the site is unpublished!
    • NOTE: If you post an Announcement in Sakai while the site is unpublished, students will NOT receive the email notification. If your site is not yet published, use the Email tool (not Announcements) to communicate with students.
    •

  1. The instructor publishes the course site by 8:00 AM on the class start date and posts a welcome announcement telling students what to do to begin.

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  • Instructors may publish their course sites before the class start date; however, if doing so, they must make sure that all assignments, quizzes, and forums are set to become available to students on or after the class start date. Student submissions before the start date cannot count for attendance or course entry.
  • Due to state attendance requirements, instructors should not hold an online meeting prior to the course start date. (For details on attendance requirements, see Guideline 23.)

  1. An orientation is provided that introduces students to the course.

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The orientation can be provided as an online meeting, as a video tour of the course, a module for students to complete, etc.

The orientation typically covers:

  • Course purpose, requirements, and expectations
  • How to navigate the course site
  • Where to find various course components (for example, how will they access feedback)
  • How to get started on assignments
  • Details about the required “course entry” activity and when it is due (for details, see Guideline 23)
  • Key points in the syllabus and course schedule
  • Student services at Durham Tech that may be useful to students in your class (e.g., online tutoring, library resources for distance learning)

  1. The instructor provides an initial activity in Sakai to capture each student’s official entry into the course, in compliance with Durham Tech’s Attendance Rules for Online, Hybrid, and Blended Classes (PDF).

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  • State regulations require that instructors collect and accurately record each student’s exact date of “entry” (first activity) in the course.
  • To comply with state regulations, instructors must carefully follow Durham Tech’s Attendance Rules for Online, Hybrid, and Blended Classes (PDF)
  • Examples of acceptable activities for course entry include a syllabus quiz or a discussion prompt asking what students hope to learn in the class.

These guidelines were developed by Durham Tech's Distance Learning Committee and approved by Teaching and Learning Council on 12/3/2021.

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