"… the online course must have a considerable amount of instructor involvement … The instructor should introduce himself or herself, distribute periodic and regular organizational e-mails, personally contact individual students, make postings to threaded discussion, participate in chats, both spoken and typed, and make short and on-target presentations—single concept lectures."
Preparing for Students
- Complete eLearn Essential training if you’re new to online teaching.
- Add content to the course from the model course or approved shell.
- Review all course materials and links from a student's view. Fix or remove broken links.
- Update and post your accessible syllabus. Submit a copy to the department admin.
- Add your contact info and personalize your course.
- Add/update course announcements.
- Check (and update if necessary) all open, close, and due dates.
- Familiarize yourself with the weekly routine and major assignments.
- Check the grade book. Ensure all assignments are listed and organized.
- Compare your eLearn Classlist to Banner. Notify eLearn@volstate.edu of discrepancies.
Maintaining Regular Presence
- Login to the class at least five days each week.
- Communicate (via email, announcements, and/or discussions) to students an overview of the week.
- Post and hold online office hours using video conferencing.
- Respond to ALL emails within 24 to 48 hours (or sooner).
- Create and post mini-lectures (text or video-based) to reinforce difficult course concepts.
- Facilitate discussion boards:
- Respond to some posts
- Correct misconceptions
- Ask probing questions
- Use the Class Engagement tool to monitor student activity. Send individual emails regularly to offer help or kudos as needed.
- Make notes about course updates you’ve made or should make next semester. Send critical updates to the course developer immediately.
Timely Highlights
Day 1
Week 1, 2 & 3
- Watch for late student additions. Forward important emails to them.
- Continue to submit Banner attendance reporting as needed.
- Send Early Alerts to students who have not engaged in the class.
Semester 40% Complete: Nearing Midterms
- Send Early Alerts as necessary.
- Remind students of mid-term exam parameters.
- Look for email from Dual Enrollment for midterm grades.
Semester 60% Complete: Just After Midterms
- Communicate with at-risk students about the withdrawal deadline.
Semester 80%+ Complete
- Remind students to complete course evaluations.
- Remind students of final exam parameters, such as proctoring and important dates.
- Send encouraging emails.
- Post final grades by the due date
Substantive Interactions
- Post announcements that are academic in nature, not only reminders about assignments.
- Interact with student discussion board postings with academically relevant content.
- Grade assignments in a timely manner and provide individual feedback that enhances academic growth.
- Define “timely” in your syllabus so students are aware of when to expect individualized feedback.