Online Course Guidelines

Course expectations / Basic course information

The course syllabus addresses these items clearly:

• how online attendance will be tracked(complies with Durham Tech's procedure for Documenting Attendance in Online Classes)
• how to contact the instructor and expected response time
• ground rules for online communication
• expectations for participation (how often students should visit the course site and check email)
• any special tools or materials required
• course structure and due dates

The course home page lists the instructor's name and contact information.

Course design

• Course content is organized in a way that is logical, clear, consistent, and easy to navigate.

• The Lessons area of the course contains a subpage for each week of the class.

• Each weekly subpage includes appropriate, clear and complete details for assignments and activities, including due dates.

Communication

The course provides opportunities for regular student-instructor and student-student interaction. The instructor may use a variety of tools to accomplish this interaction (Announcements, Email, Forum, Chat, Blogs, Meetings, etc.)

The instructor posts an announcement at least once a week to provide updates and reminders.

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

Engagement

The course includes assignments that promote active learning and that utilize online tools and resources.

The course use appropriate multimedia elements (images, videos, links to external resources) that support learning outcomes.

Assessment / Grading / Feedback

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.

The instructor provides meaningful, timely feedback to students on their work.

Online tests or quizzes use settings recommended to minimize cheating and technical problems.

Legal obligations

The instructor has made a good faith effort to comply with copyright laws and fair use principles

The instructor is prepared to make accommodations for students with hearing, sight or other disabilities.

Launching your course

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.

The course site is published on or before the first day of the term and a welcome announcement is posted telling students what to do to begin.

A course orientation (online or face-to-face) introduces students to the course purpose, structure, policies, and requirements and acquaints students with the course site and online tools to be used.

An initial activity is assigned to record the student's official entry into the course ("E" date). This is often an "ice-breaker" activity in the Forum where students introduce themselves to the class or a syllabus quiz to assess students' knowledge of course polices.

Students are provided information on how to get technical assistance with Sakai and on learning supports available to them (tutoring, library, disability services, counseling)