Summer session is approaching and no doubt you are preparing for a new section as you finish grading final exams!
Your start of term checklist (for distance education) can provide you with some tips for ensuring that all of the pieces are in place for the teaching of your online or print based course this summer. The full pdf is attached below.
Here are some highlights:
Things to check 2 weeks before your course starts:
• Exams: If you have an invigilated exam as part of your course, Enrolment Services (Sheila.williamson@ubc.ca)) will schedule it and arrange for an invigilator. You will need to provide an exam for your course (or use a previously developed version). Contact Enrolment Services Sheila.williamson@ubc.ca
• Orientation to Online Learning: Your students will have access to a self-directed, online orientation site in WebCt or Vista (depending on which platform you use for course delivery). If you’d like access to this, contact our helpdesk (dethelpdesk@exchange.ubc.ca) with your CWL.
• Review your course site and check links: This is your opportunity to ensure that any previously requested changes have been made and that all links in the course are active and working.
Things to check at the start of term:
• View your class list from the Faculty Service Centre
• Send a welcome email to students. Send a welcome email to students by using the email feature from the FSC. This is an important first step in building online rapport with your students and encouraging early login to the course.
Things to check at the close of registration:
• Check your class list on the FSC against your WebCT class list after the close of registration to ensure that any students who have dropped are indicated as such on your list and denied access to your course site (your web programmer can help with this).
• Send a follow up email to any students who have not yet logged into the course or whom you have not heard from.
What’s Important About the FSC and Distance Education?
The Faculty Service Centre offers special features for the distance course sections to allow instructors access to student contact info. Just click on the student number for the student you want to contact and a window will appear with all relevant contact details.
Happy Spring!
