Administration
To Begin - Launching Point
Course Homepage
The online student cannot size up the situation in the same manner as a student seated in a physical lecture hall or classroom. But first impressions, whether generated in person or online, can be long lasting. The intent of course homepage is to whet student's appetite. This is the opportunity to stimulate interest, while also sending messages about expectations.
By using the homepage to introduce the purpose and significance of a course and convey the mindset of the lecturer to the reader, the tone for the entire course can be set. This, according to Lang, “condition(s) student attitudes toward the entire course, the effort they are willing to put into it, and the relationship they will have with you and their peers throughout the semester”.
At a glance, the homepage should convey the “shape” of the course and how this fits within student's overall educational experience. Once students have completed reading through the page, they should be convinced about the competence of the lecturer, be able to predict the structure of class and sequence of activities, and know what is required of them.
|
Formal orientation |
Action orientation |
|
Course name and number |
Welcome to [INSERT COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE] |
| Lecturer information | Who is [INSERT LECTURER NAME] |
|
Course description |
Questions that will be addressed in [INSERT COURSE TITLE] |
|
Course outcomes |
What to expect by the end of the [INSERT COURSE TITLE] |
|
Format and readings |
Readings, resources and associated materials |
|
Pre-requisites & policies |
Participation, academic integrity, inclusion and diversity |
|
Schedule |
Dates to note in your calendar/diary |
|
Assessment |
Marks and grades |
|
Assignments |
Learning activities and weighting |