Course Quality Checks

Before a course is visible to students, it must be fully associated with the system. This ensures that all course materials, assignments, and modules are properly linked and accessible. If a course is not yet associated, students will not be able to view or access it.

Instructors should reach out to their program directors or deans to confirm course association and request assistance if needed. Completing this step is essential to ensure a smooth start for students and prevent delays in course engagement. Note: courses should be associated prior to the 7 days before the course officially starts to ensure instructors have time to complete their Instructor Welcome, Tips for Success, Syllabus, and any updates such as due dates.

To verify your course is published look in the upper right-hand corner of your course. You should see under "Course Status" a green checkmark followed by the word "Published". If your course is not published, please contact us at itas@wsutech.edu

An instructor welcome is a warm, introductory message from the course instructor to the students. It sets a positive tone for the course, outlines what students can expect, and highlights key objectives. The welcome message often includes  the instructors credentials, a brief overview of the course content, teaching methods, and any essential resources or tools students will need. It also encourages open communication, inviting students to reach out with questions or concerns, and aims to foster an engaging and supportive learning environment from the start. 

We have provided instructors a template under the new Course Information module. Instructors may choose to use this template or their own. If using the template, make sure you are deleting any instructions. Please ensure your Instructor Welcome is published.

Providing Tips for Success helps students navigate the challenges of a college course. These tips offer practical advice on time management, study strategies, and resource utilization, aiming to enhance student performance and academic achievement. By sharing proven strategies and insights, instructors can support students in developing effective habits, staying organized, and overcoming obstacles, ultimately contributing to their overall success and confidence in their academic journey. 

We have provided instructors a template under the new Course Information module. Instructors may choose to use this template or their own. If using the template, make sure you are deleting any instructions. Please ensure your Tips for Success is published.

A syllabus is a comprehensive document outlining the structure of a college course. It includes essential information such as course objectives, schedules, reading lists, assignment details, grading policies, and instructor contact information. The syllabus serves as a guide for students, providing a clear roadmap of what to expect throughout the semester and helping them stay organized and prepared for classes. 

The syllabus is located in the new Course Information module. The syllabus should be completed, approved, and published. Please ensure your Syllabus is published.

At WSU Tech, our courses are organized into modules. Each module comprises a collection of lessons, each focusing on specific concepts or ideas. To maintain consistency and clarity, modules should be labeled using a standard naming convention such as "Module 1," "Unit 1," or "Week 1", etc. to help students easily navigate the course structure. Additionally, while a descriptive title for the module is optional, instructors may include one—such as the title of a corresponding textbook chapter—to provide further context for the content covered. This structured approach ensures that students can quickly identify their progress and understand the focus of each module. 

Instructors should establish current module dates or current assignment dates to provide students with clear expectations for coursework timelines. If using module dates, each module should have a defined start and end date to guide students through the course. Alternatively, if using assignment dates, all assignments must be set up with specific due dates to ensure consistency and prevent confusion. Clearly defined dates help students manage their workload effectively and stay on track throughout the course. 

Note: When setting assignment dates, the assignments will auto-populate in the calendar function. To ensure your assignments are showing in the calendar visit the Adding Assignments to the Calendar document.

Courses should contain at least one of the following: an assignment checklist, assignment dates, or an assignment link to help students stay on track. An assignment checklist serves as a to-do list, outlining required tasks and ensuring students complete all necessary coursework. Assignment dates provide clear due dates, helping students manage their time effectively and stay on top of deadlines. An assignment link consolidates all assignments in one easily accessible location, reducing confusion and improving navigation. Including at least one of these elements enhances organization, supports student success, and ensures a structured learning experience. 

Choose one of the following:

• Assignment checklists - if you choose to use assignment checklist make sure you outline what the student should complete each week such as: read & review, discussion, complete an assignment or quiz, etc. You may choose to use the assignment checklist provided to all instructors or create your own. Assignment checklists can be added to each module or as a single document that outlines all assignments throughout the course.

• Assignment Dates - All assignments should have their current due dates set up.

• Assignment Link - If applicable, the Assignment Link may be set up via the blueprint. Instructors do not generally have the ability to add the Assignment Link. The Assignment Link will be located in the left-hand Navigation menu and can only be added by an admin. If you would like the Assignment Link added, please contact your Program Director or Dean.

Each learning module should include a variety of instructional materials and assessments to provide students with a well-rounded learning experience. This may include lectures (written, video, or audio), assessments such as quizzes and discussion posts, readings, and other course-related learning tools like interactive activities, case studies, or multimedia resources. These components ensure that students engage with the material in multiple ways, reinforcing key concepts and promoting deeper understanding. A well-structured module helps students navigate the course efficiently, stay engaged, and meet learning objectives effectively. 

Accessibility ensures that all students, including those with disabilities, can access and benefit from course materials and activities. It promotes an inclusive learning environment by providing equal opportunities for success. Accessible courses accommodate diverse learning needs through features like screen reader compatibility, captions for videos, and alternative text for images. This commitment to accessibility enhances the overall educational experience and supports academic achievement for every student.