Prepare for Delivery

Preview course materials by checking each link, proofreading descriptions, and view the course from the students' perspective.

Then...

• Document clear guidelines for answering student emails and acknowledging the receipt of assignments. This will help to reduce student anxiety and create realistic expectations as to when students can expect a response. The response time will depend on several factors, such as the nature of the course, the length of the course, and your time schedule. Email an announcement of the first session, and a copy of the guidelines to participants. The following are other items that you may want to define in the announcement:
  • If a synchronous format is selected, make sure students are given the time and date for online meetings
    
  • If students are in different time zones, keep this in mind and make sure they are given the correct time (and possibly date) for the discussion. Remind students that any posting can become a legal document, therefore they need to be careful in the way they word responses.
  • Encourage student-centered discussions
• Post an announcement welcoming the students, outlining course expectations and providing scaffolding for the first session.
• Show students how to lead an online discussion and how to moderate it by example. Encourage students to take charge of and lead online discussions. Be prepared to moderate or intercede when necessary.
• Post practice assignments during the first week or two that allow students to practice with the tools that will be used in the course for low risk activities. This will allow the participants to gain a comfort level with the tool before they engage in high stakes activities.
• If electronic conferencing is being used as an integral part of the course and is designed to be a vehicle of interactivity, then provide tutorials and practice opportunities to ensure that students are able to use this tool correctly.

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