DE Guideline 1 (DEG1): Course Overview and Information
DE Guideline 1 (DEG1): Course Overview and Information
Embedded Files
DEG1 focuses on 'Course Overview and Information,' which is fundamental in setting the stage for a successful learning experience. This guideline ensures that students receive a clear and thorough introduction to the course, including what to expect and how to navigate through their learning journey. Here, you'll find strategies to effectively communicate course details and establish an inviting and organized course environment from the very beginning.
DEG 1 Sub-Guidelines
DEG 1 Sub-Guidelines
Examples & Insights
Examples & Insights
1.1
The course has a course overview and clear instructions on how to get started.
Establish instructor presence, set the tone, and model professional interaction.
Explain how students are to proceed when they first access the course. Provide direction to ensure students will get off to a good start in the online course.
📌 Examples
Send a welcome email or Canvas Announcement to students before or on the first day of instruction. A welcome message provides context for what students will be learning, setting a tone for success from the start of the course.
Post a prominent welcome message on the homepage of the Canvas course. This message should greet students upon their initial login and reiterate key information and expectations, enhancing the course's welcoming atmosphere.
Encourage students to check Canvas Announcements and their CUH email account daily.
Create a 'Start Here' module in Canvas to guide how to get started in the course.
Create a short screencast video tour/orientation of the course, showing learners how to navigate the course, the structure of the learning modules, and how to locate and access materials and assignments.
Host a live online course orientation via web conferencing with screen sharing.
1.2
The course has an instructor self-introduction.
📌 Examples
Create a self-introduction video or write a detailed text introduction and upload the video or post the text on the homepage of the Canvas course for immediate visibility or incorporate it within the first module to ease students into the course.
Post your introduction in the course’s discussion forum, whether it's a video, text, or even an infographic. Prompt students to respond with their own introductions, facilitating early interaction and community building among classmates.
Compose an email that offers a warm welcome and includes information about your academic and professional experiences, what you look forward to in the course, and an invitation for students to engage actively. (Note: This is a great practice, but please note it may not be visible to peers or evaluators reviewing your course for a lecturer evaluation.)
1.3
The course has the instructor, division, and program contact information listed.
📍 Placement Suggestion
Include the instructor's, division's, and program's (if applicable) contact information in the syllabus is one effective way to meet DEG 1.3. Additionally, placing the instructor contact information prominently on the homepage of your Canvas course ensures immediate visibility and access, facilitating easy communication right from the start of the course. This dual placement strategy makes sure that contact details are readily available for students who need to reach out for support, whether they are navigating through the syllabus or the course homepage
1.4
The course modality, including any required synchronous sessions, is indicated and explained.
📍 Placement Suggestion
Indicating the course modality (asynchronous, synchronous, or hybrid) in the syllabus and on the homepage of your Canvas course is a key component of meeting DEG 1.4.
Clearly explain what student participation entails for each modality. For example, if the course includes synchronous sessions, ensure to include the dates and times of these sessions both in the syllabus and prominently on the course homepage. It is also helpful to provide meeting links ahead of time, giving students ample opportunity to prepare and adjust their schedules accordingly. This approach ensures that all necessary information is readily accessible and helps students manage their time effectively.
1.5
The course has a syllabus and course schedule that is online and printable.
🛠️ How-To
The syllabus should be provided in an accessible format, available for online download and printing. To ensure easy access, upload a PDF version of the syllabus and also embed it directly into Canvas. This allows students to view the syllabus within the course environment without needing to download it, while still having the option to print a copy if they prefer. Follow these steps to embed your syllabus into Canvas:
Navigate to the Syllabus Page and click on 'Edit.'
In the Rich Text Editor window, complete the following:
Uncheck 'Show Course Summary' to keep the syllabus page uncluttered as you add activities throughout the semester.
Click on the 'Insert' tab, hover over 'Document,' and select 'Upload Document'/'Course Documents.'
Click on your syllabus file to insert as a link
Click in the middle of the inserted link then click on 'Link Options.'
In the 'Link Options' window apply the following:
Check 'Preview inline.'
Check 'Expand preview by Default.'
Click on the 'Done' button.
Click on the 'Update Syllabus' button.
1.6
The course includes the mandatory Chaminade University syllabi information and campus policies.
Policies need to be communicated to students, with links to associated student services offices at the institution. Links should bring the student to:
The policy, in clear language.
Guidelines on the policy, including how the policy is enforced.
Contact information for policy-related offices and personnel.
Where to go for additional resources.
Campus policies should address student conduct and academic integrity.
📍 Placement Suggestion
Chaminade University syllabi information and campus policies should be included in the syllabus under a section titled 'Important Information.' This organization ensures that these critical details are easy to locate and reference for students.
1.7
The course policies are explained.
A clear explanation of course policies is provided and easy to understand. Course policies may include:
Grading policy
Late work submission
Student conduct
Communication
📍 Placement Suggestion
Course policies should be clearly outlined in the syllabus, each under its respective section.
1.8
The course provides access to campus resources (e.g., technical help, orientation, tutoring).
For example:
Campus resources for Distance Education students
Information about online readiness
Chaminade Client Services for technical help
Canvas’s Help link found at the left of any Canvas page
📍 Placement Suggestion
Campus resources can be included in the syllabus either in the 'Important Information' section or in a dedicated section titled 'Resources for You.' This ensures that students can easily find and access these essential supports.
1.9
Communication methods and expectations are explained.
Instructor and student communication methods and expectations are clearly stated.
How will your students communicate with you?
What is your preferred way for students to contact you?
What is your response time?
How will students communicate with each other?
Netiquette
📍 Placement Suggestion
Communication methods and expectations should be clearly listed both in the syllabus and on the homepage of the Canvas course.
1.10
Course outcomes and learning objectives are easily located, clearly stated, measurable, and written from a student’s perspective.
Outcomes/Objectives should be measurable and express some level of mastery that students will need to demonstrate as a result of participating fully in the course.
All course content, learning activities, interactions and assessments should align with these objectives/outcomes.
Outcomes/Objectives for the course and/or modules are easy for students to locate in the course.
Objectives are written from a student’s perspective to make it easy for students to understand.
📍 Placement Suggestion
Course outcomes and learning objectives should be clearly outlined in the syllabus. Additionally, learning objectives for specific activities must also be detailed within the instructions for each activity on Canvas to ensure students understand the goals associated with their coursework.
1.11
The course provides an opportunity for students to do self-introductions.
📍 Placement Suggestion
Students are encouraged to introduce themselves through a variety of creative formats such as a self-introduction video, a forum post, a shared class slide deck, or an infographic, all of which should be posted in Canvas.
🎯 Purpose
These options allow for personal expression and help foster a sense of community within the class.
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