Tips for a Better Start to the Semester

Administrative

Introductory email

  • Send an introductory email to connect with students prior to the start of the semester
  • Provide information on how to access the course
  • Require a reply by the first day of the semester/session
  • Note students who do not replay and send a follow up email 

Syllabus 

  • Instructor’s name and contact information
  • Preferred method of communication
  • Expected response times to email and assignments
  • Policies specific to the course and instructor

Course Calendar

  • Current semester dates
  • Due dates of assignments, exams, etc

Grade Settings

  • Clearly state how grades are calculated in your syllabus and in the online course
  • Check Grade Center Columns for accuracy

Technical

Firefox 

  • Preferred browser for Blackboard
  • Chrome and Safari may also be used, but Firefox is best

Update Hyperlinks

  • Remedy dead or broken links

Check All Media

  • Be sure it displays properly
  • Remedy broken images, video playback etc.

Test Course 

  • Check navigation for accessibility

Tips for a Successful Semester

Communication

  • Use Announcements
    To send information to all students Announcements appear in the course and are emailed to students individually
  • Send Weekly Announcements
    Include reminders and/or weekly summaries
  • Check Course Emails Often
    Adhere to the expected response time stated in the course and/syllabus 
  • Check Class FAQ Discussion Forum
    Review this forum eveytime you log into the course

Multimedia

Use videos to

  • Establish instructor presence with bios, course /module intros, announcements, etc.
  • Explain a specific process or system step-by-step
  • Interview an expert in the field and record video chats via Zoom, Skype, Facetime, etc. 

Instructor presence on videos is great, but you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. If there is existing high 1uality material online, you can embed it into your course as well

Video Length Matters

  • According to studies from MIT instructors should segment videos into short chunks. Ideally less that 6 minutes.
  • All instructor materials are properly cited and checked for copyright compliance.