DE Oracle @ UMUC

Mid-Semester Checklist for GSMT Online Classes

CSI Staff

Staff Writer

Center for Support of Instruction

Category: » Semester-checklist » Gsmt-checklist

Now that the semester is underway, it's time to assess your online classroom and make additions and corrections as needed. In order to teach effectively online, faculty must attend to presentation in addition to content. Post information in a consistent manner and provide clear, concise, and timely directions and instructions.

Note:MBA Faculty should contact their CSI Instructional Support Specialist for program specific information

Checklist for Online Classes

1. _____ Faculty Member Biographies

If you haven't already done so, create a generic biography. If you've already created one, remember that you may edit it at any time. We suggest that you add a photo because it makes your biography more interesting and inviting while encouraging your students to do the same. It also promotes conversation. In addition, you may add a link to your own web site from the biography area.

2. _____ Announcement Area

Update your Announcement area at least once a week. This serves the two-fold purpose of both adding an element of freshness to your class and encouraging students to check out newly posted or updated items. When you edit the Class Announcements area, add the new announcement at the top of the page so students don't have to scroll down to read it. Also, remember that if you keep adding announcements in this area, you'll start to lose text after about 30 screen scrolls. In order to avoid this problem, you can create a read-only announcements conference and archive your old messages there.

3. _____ Syllabus Area

Review your class syllabus. If you've made any changes or updates, let your students know in the class Announcements area.

4. _____ Course Content Area

If you add or update materials in the Course Content area, let your students know in the class Announcements area. Also, consider reordering your items, so the most current materials are at the top.

5. _____ Conference Area

Post new topics on a regular basis, read responses in a timely manner, and always follow up with relevant comments, feedback, and summaries. Let students know when they can expect a response from you and where they should post their comments and questions.

If you've experienced any fall-off in overall level of student activity, consider a mid-course correction to promote class participation on the part of all students. Consult your course manager and your DE Coordinator for advice and assistance. You may need to reconsider the number of required tasks and assignments. In addition, the DE Oracle @ UMUC features the following relevant articles:

• Fostering Interaction in the Online Environment
• An Interactive Student Activity
• Moderating Conference Discussions
• Enhancing the Atmosphere of Your Online Classroom -- Part I
• Enhancing the Atmosphere of Your Online Classroom -- Part II

If you've set up a conference that isn't class-content related (such as a "Cyber Café" or other conference) make sure to monitor it so student questions don't go unanswered.

6. _____ Study Groups

Check in with the groups and see if they need any assistance. Encourage teams to resolve any conflicts promptly in order to focus on the final deliverable.

7. _____ Webliography

Encourage students who have found relevant web sites to post the links in the class Webliography area.

8. _____ Assignment Area

Students expect regular and prompt feedback on their assignments. Let students know when and where to find your comments. If you're going to be delayed in posting feedback for any reason, let the students know in the class Announcement area or one-on-one as appropriate.

Check each student's portfolio and notify individual students regarding missed assignments or lack of participation. Provide clear guidelines for making up class work and explain penalties incurred for work not submitted.