Template-Working Document - 1/27/2014.docx



UNM-LA Online Course Template User Guide – BETA-05130616 v0.2Compiled by the UNM-LA eLearning Committee: Carol Furchner (chair)furchner@unm.edu Tracy Thompsontthompsn@unm.eduSusan Schauersschauer@unm.eduDeBray Baileybaileyd@unm.eduRenae Mitchellrmitchell@unm.eduFor further information, contact one of the above people. This document covers the UNM-LA Online Course Template. Its sections include:Overview: UNM-LA Online Course Template User Guide 1. Getting Started: Import the UNM-LA Online Course Template2. Setting up your course3. Modifying template files for your course4. Other things to consider adding to your course5. Final checklist: Am I done?Appendix A: Access course examples in CourseSitesAppendix B: Some useful (and mostly free) software toolsBegin with 1. Getting Started Guide, which takes you through the process of installing the template in your online course. Then work through 2. Setting up your course, which describes steps you need to take in order to set up your course using the template, adding your own materials and modifying some of the template contents. Section 2 also contains tables that list and describe the contents of the template.Table of Contents: TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u Overview: UNM-LA Online Course Template User Guide PAGEREF _Toc390720500 \h 31. Getting Started: Import the UNM-LA Online Course Template PAGEREF _Toc390720501 \h 4BEFORE YOU BEGIN IMPORTING THE COURSE TEMPLATE: PAGEREF _Toc390720502 \h 4Import the UNM-LA Online Course Template into Learn PAGEREF _Toc390720503 \h 42. Setting up Your Course PAGEREF _Toc390720504 \h 11BEFORE YOU BEGIN SETTING UP YOUR COURSE: PAGEREF _Toc390720505 \h 12Overview of steps for setting up your course. You will: PAGEREF _Toc390720506 \h 12Conventions used in the template PAGEREF _Toc390720507 \h 13Examples using this Template PAGEREF _Toc390720508 \h 13Step 1: Examine the Template PAGEREF _Toc390720509 \h 13Course Menu PAGEREF _Toc390720510 \h 13Course Unit Folder Template and Course Unit Learning Module Template PAGEREF _Toc390720511 \h 14Course Orientation and Resources Folder PAGEREF _Toc390720512 \h 14Discussion Board and Discussion Templates PAGEREF _Toc390720513 \h 14Site Map PAGEREF _Toc390720514 \h 15Step 2: Find and explore the UNMLA TemplateBox PAGEREF _Toc390720515 \h 15Step 3: Decide on course organization and folders vs learning modules PAGEREF _Toc390720516 \h 16Step 4: Decide on course activities and tools PAGEREF _Toc390720517 \h 16Step 5: Add your syllabus, schedule and welcome letter PAGEREF _Toc390720518 \h 16Syllabus PAGEREF _Toc390720519 \h 17Schedule and welcome letter PAGEREF _Toc390720520 \h 18Link syllabus and schedule to Course Menu PAGEREF _Toc390720521 \h 18Step 6: Course Orientation and Resources setup PAGEREF _Toc390720522 \h 19TABLE: Course Orientation and Resources PAGEREF _Toc390720523 \h 21Step 7: Set up Home Page and other Course Menu links PAGEREF _Toc390720524 \h 29Home Page PAGEREF _Toc390720525 \h 29Other Course Menu Links PAGEREF _Toc390720526 \h 29TABLE: Home Page and Course Menu Contents PAGEREF _Toc390720527 \h 30Step 8: Create course materials in Course Units PAGEREF _Toc390720528 \h 38Create course unit folders/modules. PAGEREF _Toc390720529 \h 39TABLE: Course Unit Contents PAGEREF _Toc390720530 \h 403. Modifying template files for your course PAGEREF _Toc390720531 \h 414. Other things to consider adding to your course PAGEREF _Toc390720532 \h 45TABLE: Other Optional Items PAGEREF _Toc390720533 \h 465. Final Checklist: Am I done? PAGEREF _Toc390720534 \h 47Appendix A: Access Course Examples in CourseSites PAGEREF _Toc390720535 \h 49Appendix B: Some Useful (and mostly free) Software Tools PAGEREF _Toc390720536 \h 49Overview: UNM-LA Online Course Template User GuideThis course template for UNM-LA has been designed with the following objectives:To make it easier for instructors to get started building online courses by providing a template and a structure.To provide materials and templates for information, such as netiquette, that are included in most/all online courses and that many instructors are have been re-inventing for their own courses; this will decrease the amount of work and reduce duplication of effort needed to build an online course.To present a more consistent interface to online courses, which should make making it easier for students to move from one UNM-LA online course to another.To help instructors get started on building courses that are compliant with the Quality Matters rubric and similar rubrics. which Such rubrics are becoming standards as evaluation criteria for the design of online courses. Meeting QM or QM-like standards is increasingly a criterion for offering an online course. These standards are also being adopted as an accreditation standard. The Quality Matters rubric for 2011-2013 can be found in the UNMLA TemplateBox, here: HYPERLINK "" Regarding Quality Matters (QM):This template, in combination with the course syllabus template, will fulfill several of the QM standards. It will also fulfill several of the new UNM online course standards which are based on QM. This template does not, and cannot, address 100% of the QM standards. Those that it satisfies or helps to satisfy are identified in the tables below. Using the template will help your course to meet, or nearly meet, the QM standards that are listed in the tables below, especially those in QM Sections 1, 6.3, and 7. There are other QM standards regarding the design of the course and alignment of course elements that are not and cannot be addressed in the template. However, the template does provide some structural underpinnings for meeting these standards. Training is available that deals with these aspects of online course design.What is the UNMLA Template? What does an instructor do with it?The UNMLA Template itself is a course shell that was built in Learn. It embodies several elements of an online course, in a particular organization. The template file is stored in the UNMLA TemplateBox (see below). The instructor downloads the UNMLA Template from the TemplateBox and then imports it into a new course shell. After importing the template, the instructor then adds course materials to the template. Instructions for completing these steps are found below, in Section 1. NOTE: This template is primarily designed for use in instructor-designed courses that run in Learn, not for courses that primarily or exclusively use materials that are linked from publisher course packs or serve as a pass-thru to publisher sitespublisher sites or publisher course-packs that have been installed in Learn. However, courses that use publisher materials still need to meet course quality standards, and the elements contained in this template and User Guide should be of use in achieving that goal.1. Getting Started: Import the UNM-LA Online Course TemplateBEFORE YOU BEGIN IMPORTING THE COURSE TEMPLATE:You must have a Learn course shell, in which to build your course. You may obtain a course shell in one of two ways:Send an email to learn@unm.edu and request a Learn course development shell for your course. You will need to specify your course number, semester that you plan to teach it, and your UNM NetID. You may do this any time. You can copy everything that you do in your development shell into the “real” course after it becomes available.Use the Learn course shell that is set up for your online course automatically after registration opens for the semester in which that course will be taught, usually within 2-3 days. This is the “real” course shell from which you will deliver your course.You need to have a working familiarity with Learn. At a minimum, you will need to know how to upload files into Learn, modify the course menu, add items and tools to a folder, and modify the text on items in a folder. You should know how to hide or unhide items and folders from students. You may acquire this information in several ways, by taking the “Getting Started with Learn” workshop that is offered periodically at UNM-LA, by taking a similar workshop at UNM, or by using training materials supplied by UNM ( HYPERLINK "" ). Contact Carol Furchner for information about the UNM-LA workshop. Import the UNM-LA Online Course Template into LearnIf you are very familiar with using Learn already, you can follow the simplified, brief instructions in Figure 1.1: Getting Started. More detailed instructions are given below, but these also refer to Figure 1.1. You may want to print out Figure 1.1 and refer to it as you go through the detailed instructions.In this section you willObtain a copy of the UNM-LA Online Course Template (“the template”) and store it on your computer.Import the template into your new Learn course shell.Make a few changes to the course menu that couldn’t be included in the template.In the instructions for importing the template, numbers in blue refer to steps in Figure 1.1: GETTING STARTED.Download the Template to your PCYou will find the template in the UNMLA TemplateBox. The link to TemplateBox is (or ). Click on this link or click on UNMLA TemplateBox in the course menu. When it opens, you will see a list of UNMLA folders. One will be called “Template Package.” Click on Template PackageYou will see only a single file, which begins with TemplatePackage and is followed by other letters and numbers. Its name ends in .zipClick on the file that begins with TemplatePackage and ends in .zip, and then click on Download.What you see next will depend on which browser you are using. Take the necessary steps to save this file on your computer in a location that you will remember, e.g., on your desktop. DO NOT OPEN THIS FILE. (You will not need to keep this file after you complete this section.)Login to LearnFrom your browser, login to Learn at using your NetID and password.Figure 1.2: Brand new course shell screenFind your new course shell in the center column, and click on the course name. This will open the nearly empty course shell for your course. It should look like Figure 1.2.Scroll to the bottom of the course menu, into the Course Management section, and Click on Packages and UtilitiesClick on Import Package / View LogsImport the Template into your courseThis will open a window called “Import Package / View Logs”. Find the red button called “Import Package” and click on it:Click on This will take you to the “Import Package” form. In this form, section 2 is called “Select a Package.” Here, you will specify the file you just downloaded, which begins with “TemplatePackage”. Click on the “Browse My Computer” button.This will bring up a form that allows you to navigate to where you saved TemplatePackage on your computer (e.g., Desktop), select that file, and complete the action in the form to upload the file. (What this looks like depends on your browser.) On the Import Package form, you will see a confirmation that the TemplatePackage file has been selected.In Section 3 of the form, “Select Course Materials,” click on radio button “include starter posts,” click on the “Select All” button, and then click on the large red “Submit” button in Section 4:Click on Select All and on radio button Include Starter PostsClick on Submit.WAIT. You will see a yellow or orange box with a confirmation that your package has been imported. IT IS LYING. DO NOT INTERACT WITH YOUR COURSE. It can take up to 30 minutes for the import process to complete. TO BE SAFE, WAIT FOR 30 MINUTES. WAIT. Wait until youYou will receive an email in LoboMail (or forwarded from LoboMail) stating that the course import is complete. IT MAY BE PREMATURE. WAIT FOR 30 MINUTES, THEN click on the Home icon next to the name of your course. The home page should look similar to Figure 1.3. If the course STILL has not imported, log off and then log in again. At this point, you should see the imported course.Figure 1.3. Screen appearance after the Template has been imported.The main things you will notice in the UNM-LA Template are that the Dashboard has been replaced with a Course Number-Course Title home page, with instructions in yellow, and that there are more items in the course menu.Remove some items from the course menu.To delete an item from the course menu, hover with the mouse pointer on the item, and then click on the little gray circle with a white “V” at the right of the item. This brings up a menu which will include the term “Delete.” Click on Delete to remove the item. You will be asked to confirm the deletion twice; yes, you want to delete the item. (These items are duplicated in other parts of the template; you have not lost them.)Delete the following items from the top two sections of the course menu, as shown in Figure 1.4232410115570Figure 1.4. Items to delete from the course menu.Delete -“Course Information ” - “Instructor Tips ” - “How to Use Learn” - the 1st and 2nd horizontal divider bars, and - “University Libraries.”DO NOT DELETE “Create a Support Ticket”When you have completed your deletions, the top section of the course menu should contain “Course Dashboard” and “Create a Support Ticket,” followed by a bolded label, Course Information, and additional menu items.Rearrange the course menuYou will drag two items to other positions on the course menu. To do this, position the mouse pointer in the left side of the course menu, next to an item. You will see a 4-arrow cursor, similar to this: . Click and hold while you move the cursor up or down in the left margin (it must remain 4-arrow the whole time). This will drag the item to a new position. When it is in position, release the mouse button.Drag Course Dashboard down from the top of the menu into the “Course Information” section of the course menu until it is just below “Announcements.”Drag Create a Support Ticket down into the “Support and Resources” section of the course menu until it is below “Technical Support.”When you have completed steps 5.2 and 5.3, the Course Information section of the course menu should look like Figure 1.5, and the Support and Resources section should look like Figure 1.6. Figure 1.5. Course Information section of course menu.Figure 1.6. Support and Resources section of course menu.Remove Duplicate Columns in Grade Center (not shown in Figure 1.1)In Course Management, click on Grade Center, and then click on Full Grade Center. You will see duplicate columns for Total and Weighted Total. Delete one Total and one Weighted Total. To delete a column in Grade Center, hover and then click on the “v” in the disk at the right of the column total. In the menu that appears, click on “Delete Column.” Now you are ready to begin setting up your course. In Section 2, below, follow steps 1-8 in order.2. Setting up Your CourseOverview of stepsConventions used in the templateExamples using this templateStep 1: Examine the templateStep 2: Find and explore the UNMLA TemplateBoxStep 3: Decide on course organization, and folders vs learning modulesStep 4: Decide on course activities and tools Step 5: Add your syllabus, schedule and welcome letterStep 6: Course Orientation and Resources setupStep 7: Set up Home Page and other Course Menu linksStep 8: Create course materials in Course UnitsBEFORE YOU BEGIN SETTING UP YOUR COURSE: It is assumed that you have completed the steps in described in Section 1: Getting Started. That is, you have:Obtained a Learn Course ShellImported the UNM-LA Course Template into that course shellMade minor changes to that shell to move, hide, or remove a few of the basic template elements provided by UNM, as instructed.If you have completed all of these steps (as detailed in 1. Getting Started), you are ready to begin using the template to build your own course.Overview of steps for setting up your course. You will:Log in to your course and look over the template to see what it contains. Find the TemplateBox, which contains all of the template files.Decide how you will organize your course and whether you will group course unit materials using folders or learning modules.Decide what activities you plan to require of your students (e.g., discussions, assignments, tests, blog posts, wiki, use of an external publisher site, etc.), and plan the structure of your course on paper (or in your head).Add your syllabus, schedule, and welcome letter to the course.Work through Course Orientation and Resources and add/modify/delete items according to how you will use them in the course. Set up (change, add, delete) other links in the Course Menu.Create and upload your course materials, place them in course units, and add them to the Course Menu.Conventions used in the templateAs you look through the course template, you will notice that all items don’t look the same.A RED TITLE means that you need to look at the item and decide whether or not to use it, to modify it, or to delete it. Items with RED TITLES are hidden from students; if you edit the item, you will see that in “Standard Options,” “Permit Users to View This Content” is checked “No.” If you are going to use the item, you must select "Yes".Instructions for the instructor are highlighted in yellow. Most items containing highlighting are hidden from students. In a few items, you need to make the change/decision suggested in the highlighted material and then remove the highlighting or delete the highlighted text from the item.PH – Place Holder, for other tools, links, or folders that you may wish to add. These are initially hidden from students. In the course menu, “hidden” is indicated by this icon: Examples using this TemplateAs you build your online course, you may find it helpful to consult the UNM-LA Online Course Template example site that has been set up on Blackboard’s CourseSites. Examples of learning modules and folders using this template are available there. See Appendix A for instructions on accessing CourseSites. You can also find examples of files that instructors have used for things such as welcome letters, syllabi, schedules, etc. in the UNMLA TemplateBox (see Step 2, below).Step 1: Examine the TemplateCourse MenuThis template is structured around a Course Menu, which is described in detail in Step 7 below. Login to the online class where you just installed the template, and look at its parts as you read through this step.The course menu is organized into five sections, one of which is for the instructor only and, therefore, is hidden. These sections are labeled:Course InformationCommunications and ToolsCourse ContentSupport and Resources[Instructor tools – all hidden from students, no label]Within each section of the course menu, you will find links to course content, course tools, or external web sites. You will be able to modify anything in the course menu, and most of the items to which it links, but we recommend that you use this organization in your course menu so that your course will be consistent with other online courses offered by UNM-LA.Course Unit Folder Template and Course Unit Learning Module TemplateThis template is organized with the premise that you will organize your materials into “course units,” that is, by chapter, week, or other organizational unit. Within a “course unit,” you will present links to all of the materials that the student needs in order to complete the unit so that the student isn’t required to hop all over the course trying to find the links to assignments, discussions, quizzes, readings, etc., in different places. “Course Units” can be placed in folders or learning modules, the two basic organizational tools that are provided by Learn, and a template is provided for each one. These templates have the same organization, but one is set up for presenting materials in folders, and the other is set up for presenting the materials in learning modules. It’s your choice which you use; folders tend to be easier to set up, but it’s generally easier for students to find things with less scrolling in learning modules.Course Orientation and Resources FolderThe Course Orientation and Resources Folder is linked from the Course Menu. It’s the point from which students will learn how to use Learn, understand how you (the instructor) will use Learn in your course, become familiar with course policies and procedures, and access links to technical support and resources. The Course Orientation section of this folder is set up to provide an orientation to Learn and your course. The Course Resources section is set up to provide additional information about grading, writing, how you expect students to use tools, and resources for technical and academic support. Aside from your course content, this is the section that will require the most attention from you to make it consistent with your policies, with tools used in your course, and with how you want to run your course.Discussion Board and Discussion TemplatesWe have not attempted to set up templates for all possible things you might want to do in your online courses, but because discussions are commonly used, we have set up templates for two discussion items. One is an “introduce yourself” item, and the other is a general discussion item. You will set up discussion items in the Discussion Board (on the course menu), and then provide links to them in the course unit folder or learning module that uses them.Site MapA site map that summarizes the contents and organization of the online template can be found in the UNMLA TemplateBox (see below). Its name is SiteMap.pdf. An Excel version is also available there.Step 2: Find and explore the UNMLA TemplateBoxThe UNMLA TemplateBox (“TemplateBox”) contains all of the template files and checklists that are mentioned in the Template, plus some example files that other instructors have prepared. UNMLA TemplateBox:Source (docx) files for files used in this template can be found in theUNMLA TemplateBox at this link:UNMLA_Online_Course_Template_File_Access.htmA link to the TemplateBox is also provided in the Course Menu. We recommend that you bookmark this link. It takes you to the top level of the TemplateBox where you will see folders for Templates (UNMLA_Template_Files), Checklists (UNMLA_Checklist_Files), Example files (UNMLA_Example_Files), and Instructions (UNMLA_Template_Instructions). Filenames in these folders should be (we hope) self-explanatory. A link to the TemplateBox is also provided in the template course menu.The names of supporting or linked files are provided in the tables within the steps that follow. In the Supporting or Linked files column, file names begin with a designator that shows their type.C- means that the file contains a checklist for what the instructor should include in a file or information that the instructor prepares. An example is a welcome letter checklist. These are in the UNMLA_Checklist_Files folder.T- means that the file is a template. Some can be used as-is and some require minor editing. There is a template file for the course syllabus, for example. These are in the UNMLA_Template_Files folder.E- means that the file contains examples from other online courses. They are not part of the template, but they are provided for your convenience. These are in the UNMLA_Example_Files folder.TI- means that the file contains instructions for use of the template or instructions that are copied from the template and provided in printable form. Where these are available, a link will be provided within the Template item containing the instructions. These are in the UNMLA_Template_Instructions folder. Throughout the template, you will see direct links to files that are in the TemplateBox. Most of these files are either .pdf format or .docx format. Those that are in .pdf format are links for students, and you may be able to use them as is. However, if you want to modify them, most of them have a corresponding link in the TemplateBox to a .docx formatted file which you can download, modify, create as pdf, and upload into your course, into the Content Collection. If you do that, you will need to relink your modified file into the proper course location. Note: You can only view and download files from the TemplateBox to your computer. You cannot upload a file into this TemplateBox. If you modify a file that is stored in this TemplateBox to make it available in your course, your edited file must be saved on your computer and uploaded into your course, and then linked into the place in your course where you want it to appear. Detailed instructions for how to do this are provided in Section 3 of this User Guide.Step 3: Decide on course organization and folders vs learning modulesAs mentioned in Step 1 above, we are assuming that you will organize your course into “course units” which you will present either in learning modules or in folders. It’s possible to switch between these two modes of presenting materials, but it’s a good idea to decide up front which you want to use since this will impact the instructions you provide to students for how to access course materials.Step 4: Decide on course activities and toolsDecide which course activities and tools you plan to use, including both those that are built into Learn and other activities that you create or obtain from an external site such as a publisher’s site.Step 5: Add your syllabus, schedule and welcome letterYou will add your syllabus and schedule items to your course in two places, first in the Course Orientation and Resources folder, and second, in the Course Menu. You will also add your welcome letter to the Course Orientation and Resources folder. You can find supporting template, checklist, and example files in the TemplateBox.SyllabusDownload the syllabus template from the TemplateBox, from the UNMLA_ Template_Files folder. The template filename is T-online-syllabus-template-v2014.doc . Edit the syllabus template with information for your course as instructed in the syllabus template file.Save your edited syllabus on your computer.Convert your syllabus to a .pdf file. You may do this by saving it in Word as a .pdf file (Save As…), or you may use another .pdf converter such as Adobe Acrobat or CutePdf (Print…). Use a filename that you will remember and can reuse, such as Syllabus.pdf or Syllabus-ENG101.pdf. We will use Syllabus.pdf in the example below.Open your course in Learn.Click on Course Orientation and Resources in the Course Menu to open this folder.Click on the Build Content button, and then select File from the menu that appears. You will see a “Create File” page.Give the file a name to identify it to students such as “Syllabus.”Upload the syllabus file: Under Find File, click on Browse My Computer, locate and select your file (Syllabus.pdf), and then proceed with the upload. This will upload the file into the Content Collection (file cabinet) in Learn) and create a link to the file in the Course Orientation and Resources folder.Under File Options, set “Open in New Window” to “Yes.”Under Standard Options, make sure that users are allowed to view the file.Click on Submit. This will add your syllabus to the BOTTOM of the Course Orientation and Resources folder. You will see it as an item at the end of the listing of this folder.Reposition “Syllabus” so that it is located just above the item “Syllabus Placeholder.” (You will find this easier to do using Keyboard Accessible Reordering (this button) – it’s much easier than dragging items in a large folder. (Instructions are here under the “Keyboard Accessible Reordering” heading): (or )After your syllabus is in place, delete the “Syllabus Placeholder” item from the Course Orientation and Resources folder.Schedule and welcome letter The steps for adding a schedule and a welcome letter to the Course Orientation and Resources folder are similar to the syllabus, above.You need to include a copy of the welcome letter that you send to students before the beginning of the semester because not all students read their UNM LoboMail regularly and because you will have students who register late who may immediately login to the class before seeing a welcome letter from you.If you incorporate a detailed schedule in your syllabus, you do not need to include it separately here.Prepare your schedule (welcome letter). A checklist is available for each of these in the TemplateBox UNMLA_Checklist_Files folder.Save your schedule (welcome letter) on your computer.Save or print your schedule (welcome letter) as a .pdf file with a file name that’s easy to remember and reuse (e.g., WelcomeLetter.pdf, Schedule.pdf).As described above for the syllabus in steps 5-14, open your course in Learn, open the Course Orientation and Resources folder, and upload your schedule (welcome letter), and position it in the Course Orientation and Resources folder. After each item is in position, delete its “placeholder.”Link syllabus and schedule to Course MenuIt is standard practice to also provide a link to your syllabus and schedule in the Course Menu, and a folder has been created for that purpose. Steps for syllabus are given below; repeat the same steps for the schedule, if it is separate from your syllabus.In the Course Menu, click on “Syllabus and Schedule”. This opens the Syllabus and Schedule folder.Click on Build Content, and select File.Under Name, provide the name that you want to use (probably Syllabus).Under Find File, click on Browse Content Collection. You have already uploaded your syllabus to your course, and it now resides in the Content Collection (file cabinet). You don’t want to link a separate copy here, so you will use the one you uploaded (above).In the Content Collection, you should see the name of your syllabus listed. Click on the DISK on the left next to the name, and then click on the red Submit button. This will link your syllabus to this item, and you will see it listed back on the File creation page.Under the options, set Open in New Window to Yes. Make sure users are allowed to view it, and set other options as you desire. Click Submit to finish.You will now see a syllabus file link in the Syllabus and Schedule folder.Repeat the above steps for your schedule if it is separate from your syllabus.Step 6: Course Orientation and Resources setupThis folder is organized into Course Orientation and Course Resources sections. These materials are generally considered to be important to any quality online course. You will want to organize these materials to suit your course emphasis and tone and to delete or hide items that are not relevant to your course. You may also need to add items that are not supplied.The top part of this folder contains Course Orientation materials. The second part of this folder contains other Course Resources, which consist of more detailed information about how the course is run. Because of the overlap between orientation information and resources, these materials are contained in the same folder.?Most of these materials have been created for you, and you will be able to use them "as is," so these are NOT hidden. However, you will need to supply and upload some files or modify others. These items have?RED?titles in the template, and they are set up as "not available to students" in this template. Instructions for you are highlighted in yellow in the template.The Course Orientation and Resources link should appear near the top of the course menu, in the Course Information section of that menu. Students should be directed to the Course Orientation on the first day that the online course is available.Setting up the Course Orientation and Resources folder is the most complex part of setting up a course because its contents will vary considerably depending on how you run the course. As a result, there are several files that need to be included, but you will need to edit these to customize them for the course. Files included in the template that refer to tools or activities that you do not use in your course must be deleted or hidden from students. And you will need to create items/files for tools and activities that you use in the course that are not included in this template.The files and items in the Course Orientation section of this folder that you will need to create or modify include:Course Introduction,Welcome Letter,Syllabus,Schedule,How to Use Publisher's or Other External Site (if you use one),Communications in This CourseThe discussion board activity.You may find that you need to modify other items as well depending on how your run your course.You may need to hide or delete the items in the above list, as well as other items, and, in a few cases, edit brief instructions out of items that will be shown to students. The table below lists the contents of the Course Orientation and Resources folder, with information and instructions for each item. An “item” is one entry in the folder, which contains many “items.”Definitions – things that appear in the tables below, and the columns that contain them:* Column: An asterisk (*) in the first column means that it is likely that you will need to modify the item. See the instructions below and in the template. Course Orientation and Resources Item Column: The name of the item in the folderCode Column:M: Mandatory to include this item in this folderMS: Mandatory to include this item in this folder OR in the syllabusMO: Mandatory to include this item if used in the courseH: Hidden from studentsO: OptionalPH: Place-holder, for items you may or may not include. These items are initially hidden.QM Sections Column: The section(s) of the Quality Matters 20122011-2013 Rubric for Online Courses that the item helps to meet. in this column means that the item can help meet one or more QM standards, but other factors, such as the design of course content and the relationship among and alignment of course elements, are also important as mentioned in the Overview in this document.Course Unit: A “Course Unit” is the basic unit of organization and delivery of the course. The course might be organized by weeks, chapters, or units. That organization should be reflected by using a folder or learning module to contain all of the materials and activities, or links to them, that are needed to complete the work in a course unit.Supporting or Linked Files Column – lists files that are linked in the template, or provided as templates or checklists for the instructor’s use in the TemplateBox. “Item” means that the item contains information for student use in the template rather than, or in addition to, a linked file. “Tool Link,” “Web Link,” “Course Link,” and “File” refer to other types of Learn content items.Instructions and Information Column – provides instructions and information about the use of each item in the table.“My Learn” is the portal page that you see after you login to the course; it has the list of your/the student’s courses in the center column. TABLE: Course Orientation and Resources*Course Orientation and Resources itemCodeQM SectionsSupporting or Linked FilesInstructions and Information6. Course Orientation and Resources Table* Course Orientation and Resources: ContentsM6.3Item containing a list of folder contentsT-Course-Orientation-and-Resources-Contents.docxGives students a list of the contents of this folder since it’s a large folder. Edit this to correspond with the list in your course after you have decided what to include and remove.Course Orientation sectionThe Course Orientation supplies the information that students need to start working in your course in the Learn environment. These materials should provide the basic ground rules and instructions on how students will participate in the course, where materials are located and how to find them, and how to use the tools that you employ.The objectives of a course orientation are to acquaint students with:online courses (if they have not taken an online course)Learn and the tools you useexternal tools, or publisher-supplied tools, that you use in your coursehow your course will be structured, set up, and runyour expectations of students in the course*Course OrientationM6.3ItemMarks the beginning of Course Orientation section and contains brief instructions for students for participating in course orientation. Instructor will probably augment these instructions.*Introduction to [Your Course]M1.1, 1.2ItemProvide a brief introduction to your course and a description and overview of what will be covered, etc. Here, in the syllabus, and/or in the schedule, you should provide a thumbnail overview of what students will do in a typical course unit, e.g., take a pretest, read and watch videos, complete an assignment, participate in a discussion, and take a quiz. This helps students recognize repeated patterns of activities. You can also include the course learning objectives and outcomes, reiterating those that are in the syllabus.*Welcome LetterM1.1, 1.2C-WelcomeLetterChecklist.docxProvide a copy of the welcome letter that you emailed to your students after they registered. Several will not have seen it because they don’t read their UNM LoboMail. A checklist of welcome letter content is supplied.*SyllabusM1.1-1.6, 3.2, 5.3, 5.4, 7.1-7.3, 7.4, 8.1T-online-syllabus-template-v2014.docUsing the UNM-LA Online Course Syllabus Template, create a syllabus for your course, save it or print it as a .pdf file, and upload it into this location in the Course Orientation and Resources folder. See Step 5 in Section 2 for detailed instructions on handling the syllabus and schedule. *ScheduleM1.1, 1.2C-SemesterSchedule Checklist.docxUsing the checklist for creating a detailed semester schedule, create a semester schedule, save it or print it as a .pdf file, and upload it into this location in the course. You may combine the schedule with the syllabus. See Step 5 in Section 2 for more detailed instructions on handling the syllabus and schedule. Is This Your First Online Course?M1.1, 1.5, 1.6Item T-ComputerSkillsForTakingOnlineCourses.pdfA docx version of this file is available, in case you need to modify the skills listPrimarily for students who have not taken an online course in the past. These links are already in the template:Online Learning at UNM-Los Alamos: Student Guide) Are you Ready for an Online Course (Appendix A p. 13 of above Student Guide) Computer Skills needed for an Online Course) Link to unm. for computer skills training videos Set up your computer to work with LearnM7.1T-SettingUpComputerForLearnInThisCourse.pdfA docx version is availableProvides links to tools and software needed to set up computer, find out which browsers are supported, special tools needed for this class (a basic list for Learn is furnished; instructor should modify if needed for class). This file is duplicated in the Technical Support folder.Video: Getting Started with UNM LearnMO1.1, 1.2Web Link This links to a video produced by UNM that gives a high-level tour of the Learn environment. Use this if you do not produce your own introductory screencast or in addition to your screencast.Video: Tour of YOUR course(not in folder)O6.4, 7.1T-CourseOrientationVideo Checklist.docxE-CourseOverviewVideos.docxMany instructors make introductory course-tour videos. The UNMLA_Example_Files folder in the TemplateBox contains examples of video course tours. Ask DeBray Bailey or Carol Furchner for help if you want to make a screencast tour of your own course.*Navigation and Tool Use In Learn – General ORNavigation and Tool Use In Learn – Customized for your courseM – use one of these1.1, 1.5, 1.6T-Navigation+ToolUse-General-a.pdf (included)ORT-Navigation+ToolUse.docx (requires editing for your course)This guide describes how to navigate and use several tools in Learn. It may contain tools that you do not use. If your course is set up to be very close to this template, you probably can use T-Navigation+ToolUse-General-a.pdf, which is linked in the Template. It is written for the “general” course; it is not customized for any particular course. A navigation template is also provided, but if you use it, it must be edited for your course. If you do this, specifically describe how you use Learn tools and external tools, if any, in your course. Provide UNM Links or other links to how-to instructions for use of each tool that you use. How to Use Tools in Learn – Quick Step-by-step InstructionsM6.4, 7.1Web link Mostly pictorial quick getting-started instructions that were created by main campus for the major tools in Learn.*Placeholder: How to Use Publisher or Other External SiteMO6.4, 7.1C-UsingExternal Websites.docxIf you’re using external tools or sites, you should provide information about how to access and use them and how they will be used by students in this course. You should include how to register, obtain and use an access code, etc. E.g., registering for and using a museum site, using a publisher site, etc. A checklist is provided.*My Grades: Where to see your grades and get feedback from your instructorM6.4T-MyGrades+GettingFeedbackLearnSP13.pdfDescribe how to use My Grades and how students will obtain feedback from you. The supplied template file is general; you may wish to supplement it with your own information. If you don’t use My Grades, replace this information with a description of how students can view their grades and get feedback on their work.*Communications in This CourseM1.2, 1.3, ItemT-Communications-In-This-Course.docxDescribe how students should expect to communicate with you. May be in syllabus instead of here; see syllabus template. This item is written for using Course Messages. You may need to modify this to be consistent with your use of messages or if you use iquetteMO1.3T-Netiquette.pdfM if students will be communicating with each other. Describes expectations online and course communication etiquette.Course Orientation ActivitiesOptional Orientation activities: It is a good idea to set up several "low cost" assignments that require students to use the tools, such as discussions, quizzes, assignments, etc. that you use in the course, and to visit and use tools on external publisher's site if you use one of these. This brings students to the same level at the beginning of the course, and it will cut down on the number of "How do I" questions later in the semester. It is also a good practice to give the students a quiz on key points in the syllabus and other orientation materials to ensure that they read them. You may make these materials as part of the course orientation or include them as tasks in the first week of your class.Two orientation activities are included in the template, sending a Course Message and participating in an introductory discussion.*DO: Send a Message to the InstructorMO5.2, 6.2ItemInstructs student to send a message to the instructor to make sure student knows how to communicate with you. Written for Course Messages; revise if you use Learn Email.*DO: Discussion 1: Introduce YourselfMO1.8, 5.2, 6.2Tool linkT-DO-Discussion-1-Introduce-Yourself.docxThis links to a discussion that is already set up but needs to be edited for instructions, due date, points, and options. Make the edits first in the Discussion Board (in the course menu), and then copy the instructions to this item in the Orientation section of the folder. You should have an introductory discussion if your students will interact with each other in any way during the course; it helps break the ice and makes them more comfortable with each other and with you. NOTE: The first time you click on Discussion Board, you will be asked to provide an author for anonymous posts that were brought over in the template. Normally, that author will be you (instructor).Course Resources SectionThe Course Resources portion of this folder contains more detailed instructions and information for students. Some of these materials are required, and others are optional. Many of these can be used as supplied, although instructors will have to create and upload some of them. Those that require instructor work are marked with a *. Source files are located in the UNMLA TemplateBox.*Course ResourcesM6.3Brief description of course resources for studentsTechnical Resources and Support (folder)M7.1This folder contains links to basic and informational technical resources. All materials are supplied, but you can edit their source files to meet the needs of your course. List the contents on the folder, and edit the contents as needed if you add materials to this folder.--Where to get Technical SupportM7.1Item supplied in the folderDescribes several ways of getting help and technical support --How to Create a Support TicketM7.1T-HowToCreateSupportTicket.pdfTwo ways to create a support ticket*--Set up your computer to work with LearnM6.4, 7.1T-SettingUpComputerForLearnInThisCourse.pdfProvides links to tools and software needed to set up computer, find out which browsers are supported, special tools needed for this class (a basic list for Learn is furnished, you should modify if needed for class, e.g., if you require hardware or software that is not on the list). --Check your browser’s compatibility with LearnM6.4, 7.1 Link to an external site that provides some feedback for incorrect setups*--Computer Skills Needed in Online CoursesM1.6T-ComputerSkillsForTakingOnlineCourses.pdfList of computer skills needed for a basic online course (basic list is furnished). You may add your own for special course needs, e.g., knowledge of Excel or JavaScript.--lynda – free online computer skills trainingM6.4, 7.1 Link to free training videos available through UNM. Logging in with UNM NetID and password is required.--Create a Back-up Plan and Back Up Your FilesM6.4, 7.1T-CreateABackupPlan.pdfBack-up/disaster recovery plan for what students should do to prepare for a computer crash or loss of access to internet, and how to back up files on your computer to an external location.--Keep Your PC Free from Viruses and MalwareM6.4, 7.1T-How to keep your PC virus free.pdfHow to keep your files safe from malware and viruses.--Printing Course Content from LearnM6.4, 7.1T-PrintingfromBlackboardLearn.pdfInstructions for how to print from the content area in four different browsers; the method is different for each one.*--AnyMeeting InstructionsO6.4, 7.1T-AnyMeeting Instructions-v1.0a.pdfIf you use a tool for synchronous communications or web conferences, such as AnyMeeting, Skype, or Google+ Hangouts, provide instructions here about how students should access and use it. Instructions for AnyMeeting are provided. See DeBray Bailey for help. You may need to customize the instructions in the student section for your course.Academic and Student Support (folder)M7.3, 7.4 This folder contains the same links as Academic and Student Support in Course Menu. See the Course Menu table for a list of its content.*Rubrics Used for Grading Student Work (folder)MS3.3It’s necessary to tell students how they will be graded on each work item or type of item. This can be done using rubrics or something less formal. A rubric can be included with each work item, or a rubric that is used for several different items, such as for discussions, can be kept together with other rubrics in a folder. If you provide rubrics with each assignment, you don’t need to duplicate them here, especially if they vary from assignment to assignment. The syllabus should contain the overall grading scheme such as how points will be calculated and how points translate to letter grades. Information about grading can be in the Course Orientation and Resources folder or elsewhere, but it should be provided. If you don’t collect rubrics in one place, delete this item.*Writing in this Course (Folder)MO2.4T-AvoidingPlagiarismResources.pdfIf students will be doing any writing in the course, you should provide them with information regarding what you expect and how to avoid plagiarism. Provide information related to student writing or other work as appropriate, about your expectations, resources they can use, rubrics if not in Rubrics folder, avoiding plagiarism, research tools, search tools, special library info, etc. Provide information about the file formats that you will accept (e.g., doc, docx, pdf, rtf). The Avoiding Plagiarism file contains links to resources to teach students what plagiarism is and how to avoid it. If you expect papers to be written in a particular style, such as APA or MLA, you should provide information or links to style tutorials or manuals. Examples of APA and MLA style information are included in the Examples folder in TemplateBox and in the CourseSites example course. If no writing or other opportunities for plagiarism is included in your courses, you may delete this folder.*Information – [Activity](one example is in template)For each type of activity in your course (discussions, assignments, exams, blogs, etc.) you should provide instructions and mention your expectations, examples, hints, etc., for how students should most effectively participate in the course item or use the course tool. Add publisher site or external site information if needed for your course. You can insert a separate item for each tool. An example/template is provided in the Information-Discussions folder.*Information – Discussions (folder)MO2.4, 3.3, 5.4How discussions are used: C-HowDiscussionsAreUsedInThisCourse.docxHow to Participate: T-HowToMakeOnlineCourseDiscussionsASuccess-General.pdfYou should have information on participation in discussions if you use discussions: mechanics, how to participate, frequency of participation, how students will be graded (rubric or description). A checklist is provided. A file with general information on making discussions successful is included in the folder. A docx version of T-HowToMakeOnlineCourseDiscussionsASuccess.docx is provided in case you want to edit this file.If you don’t use discussions, delete this folder.Studying and Learning: Strategies for Success (Folder)O7.3T-memory_applied_to_studying_v3.pdfT-Learning_robert_leamnson.pdfTwo files are provided in this folder. Editable versions are not provided. Add more of your own, as appropriate for your course. Notes about the Course Orientation and Resources and its contents:The following items are required to be in the syllabus, and we recommend that they also be placed in the Course Orientation and Resources folder. Both can be placed in the Introduction to [Your Course] item. Course description Course learning objectivesThe reasons they should appear in both the syllabus and the online course are as follows: It may be easier for students to find this information if it’s in the course introduction in the online classroom.Students who are transferring credits to another college are usually required to provide a syllabus, and the above information can help the institution decide whether to accept the credit. Accrediting bodies will look in the syllabus for the above information, so it must be in the syllabus even if you repeat it in the Learn classroom.Step 7: Set up Home Page and other Course Menu linksHome PageThe Home Page of a course is the first page that students see when they open the course and when they click on the “home” icon. It should contain, at a minimum, the following items:Name of courseInstructor contact informationIndicator or link to what student should be working on, e.g., mention name of or link to the current week’s learning module or folder, especially during the first couple of weeks. You can do this in the first item on the page or in a second item that you edit each week (included in template).A template for the home page is set up as the first item in the content area of the course, and it is delivered with the template. You need to edit this item for your course.Other Course Menu LinksReview the following items and determine which ones work "as is" for your course and which ones you need to delete, add, or change.In Learn, the home page is divided into two major sections, the Course Menu, used for navigation, and the Content Area, where course content is delivered. This section deals only with the Course Menu. The Content Area is just a “container” for course content.The items in the table that follows have been identified as items that should be standard or optional in the course menu, depending on the course. You may add items that are not included in the template as appropriate.The order and organization of the Course Menu is shown anization of the Course Menu:The course menu is organized into five functional sections of links to course content items. The first four areas are labeled and separated with horizontal lines. The last one is not labeled.Course Information Communications and Tools (that are used in the course)Course ContentSupport and Resources [(a) Technical Support (b) General Resources (c) Subject Matter Resources]Instructor Private Area - Hidden links, for instructor use only (can actually go anywhere, since students can’t see them). Not labeled.The following table lists and describes items that are in the Course Menu in the Template. See the Instructions and Information column for what you need to do with each one. TABLE: Home Page and Course Menu ContentsCourse Menu ItemCodeQM sectionSupporting or linked FilesInstructions and Information7. Course Menu TableCourse InformationInformation about the course, how to get started, how it’s run, how to navigate, etc.*[Your Course] Home PageM1.1, 6.3(Item in Content Area)This item is set up in the template to be the Home Page of the course. That means that it’s the item that appears when students first enter the course, and it’s the item they return to whenever they click on the little “house” icon.The template contains a suggested format. You should edit this and replace [items in brackets] with information for your course. Make sure you include a statement about what students should do each week, and especially for the first week of classes, exactly what they should do first upon entering the course.We recommend that you do NOT use the Course Dashboard as the home page.Course Orientation and Resources (link to folder)M6.3 and see chart aboveContent area - FolderSee Step 6 above for information on setting up the contents of the Course Orientation and Resources folder.*Syllabus and Schedule (link to content area)M6.3Content Area – FolderSee Step 5 above for instructions for setting up a link to the Syllabus and Schedule in the Course Menu*- Syllabus M1.1-1.6, 3.2, 5.3, 5.4, 7.1-7.3, 7.4, 8.1T-online-syllabus-template-v2014.rtfSee Step 5 above*- ScheduleM1.1,1.2C-Semester Schedule Checklist.docxSee Step 5 aboveCalendarO1.2Tool LinkThe Calendar is automatically populated when you set a due date on a tool (assignment, discussion, test). You can also edit the calendar and create additional “events.” Just click on Calendar, and then click on a date or on the “+” in the upper right; the “create event” box will appear. Not sure if it interfaces with publisher-provided calendars, may vary.*AnnouncementsMTool LinkNo prepared announcements are supplied with the template. Click on Announcements to open the Announcements window, and then on “Create Announcement” to create an announcement of your own.*Course DashboardO6.3Tool LinkThe Course Dashboard as supplied with the template comes with modules for Announcements, Alerts, What’s New, and Needs Attention. We recommend that you add two additional modules, Messages and UNM-LA Learn Support, and that you remove the “Needs Attention” module, because it is updated only for instructors.To add these modules:Click on Course Dashboard in the Course Menu. This will open the Dashboard.Click on Add Course Module, just under the Course Dashboard title. This brings up a list of modules that are, or can be added, to the Dashboard.Locate Messages and UNM Learn Support, and click the “Add” button below each of these.Locate Needs Attention, and click the “Remove”button.Click on “OK” in the lower right corner when you are munications and Tools*Course Messages[or Course Email]M(Tool Link)A tool link to Course Messages is supplied with the template.No prepared course messages are included with the template. You may want to create a message and send it to all of your class members and ask for a reply to ensure that they know how to use this tool.NOTE: if you are not using Course Messages, you should replace this link with the Tool Link to Email and make corresponding changes in the Course Orientation and Resources “Communications” item.Strong recommendation – don’t use Learn’s email. It’s buggy and confusing, and all of it ends up in your UNM mailbox; it is not retained inside the course, and people cannot direct replies to email sent from Learn back into the course. Use Course Messages instead.*My Grades(or alternative location)MO3.2Tool Link to student view of gradesStudents should be able to get feedback on their work in a timely fashion and find out their course grades. Learn delivers all feedback via My Grades. If you teach primarily using the tools of Learn, you should use My Grades. You manage the gradebook using “Grade Center” in the Course Management section of the Learn menu. If you use publisher materials, they may come with their own gradebook, and you can direct students to use that instead. In that case, provide a direct link to the external gradebook, if possible.*Discussion BoardMOTool LinkIf you don’t use discussions, delete this tool link. When you click on Discussion Board, you’ll see two discussion forums in the template. The first forum, Discussion 1: Introduce Yourself is a template/example for setting up an initial introductory discussion in the class. If you use it, edit it as appropriate for your class. Note that it is initially hidden, so you should change the “Available” option [to display content to students] to Yes. After editing this, you should copy the content of the Forum Information panel and then go to Course Orientation & Resources and paste the content into the Forum Information panel of the “Discussion 1: Introduce Yourself” item there. Note that due dates, point values, and other options are set on the Discussion Board, not on links to discussions in folders and learning modules. The second forum, “Discussion [n] – [Title]” is a template for any other discussion forums that you choose to create. You will need to edit this as needed for your course and change Availability to “yes” in your edited copies.*Other Tool Links PH (hidden) – may use forBlogsJournalsAssignmentsTests (Quiz, Exam)Etc.OTool Links - if you use any of these, you may add them as a “Tool Link” using the “+” at the top of the course menu.This is a placeholder for other tool links that you may want to place in the course menu, both tools in Learn and tools from external sites. Clicking on this link opens a folder where you can place these links. Alternatively, you can place the links directly in the course menu.If you wish to use a tool not linked in this area of the course menu, simply add a link here. You should always provide the primary links to individual discussions, blogs, assignments, tests, etc. in the course unit folders or learning modules so that they will be available when the students need to use them. All of the materials for each course unit, or links to the materials, should be organized in ONE place where students can find them. Do not simply list, “do assignment 3, discussion 4, blog 8, quiz 2.” Instead, put a primary link to each of these inside a course unit learning module or folder. Then, you may choose to place secondary tool links in the menu for your own convenience or the convenience of students, but course menu lists of these tools should NOT be the students’ primary access point to the items. If you are not using any other tools, delete this item from the course menu. Other examples of secondary tool links are shown below – these are NOT shown in the course menu in the template, but you can add them to the course menu if you use them.*Groups (Not shown)MO(Tool Link) – if you use Groups, add this as a “Tool Link” using the “+” at the top of the course menu.Include link for student to access groups, if you use them. There are several Learn facilities that support groups, but be aware that some group features are buggy in SP13. We’ve put this at a low priority for now with the current recommendation that if an instructor wants to use groups, work with Learn Support on main campus.*[Synchronous Communications Tool] (not shown)O6.3, 6.4(Web link to URL of tool)If you use a tool such as AnyMeeting or Skype or Google+ Groups for synchronous communications with students, put a link to access it here and put instructions for its use in Course Orientation and Resources (separate table, see above). You can also place the link on the home page.*[Smart Board](not shown)O6.3, 6.4(Web link to URL of tool)If you want to capture classroom activity on the Smart Board and post it for later use, contact DeBray Bailey for help. Provide a link to Smart Board here and instructions for accessing/using it in Course Orientation and Resources. See DeBray Bailey for help in setting this up.*[Media Site](not shown)O6.3, 6.4(Web link to URL of tool)Post the link for your course’s Media Site captured Lectures here. Or place a link to each lecture in the appropriate Course Unit folder and instructions for accessing it in Course Orientation and Resources. See DeBray Bailey for help in setting this up.Course ContentM(choose one of the 4 options below)Put at least one link to the course materials in this section. You may opt to create one content area folder and list all course unit folders or learning modules there. Or you may opt to list the individual course unit folders or course unit learning modules separately in the course menu, or to list these both in the Course Menu and on the Home Page. Choose one of the schemes as illustrated below. Templates are supplied for a course unit folder and a course unit learning module. See Step 8 for information on setting these up.The four schemes shown in the next four rows are not actually in the course menu; the course menu contains only links to a template for course unit folders and a template for a course unit learning module.*[Learning Modules]ExampleLink in course menu goes to a content area folder containing a list of links to each course unit learning module.* [Week 1 – Chapter 11 Week 2 – Chapter 12 Week 3 – Chapter 15… ]ExampleEach course unit learning module is linked in the course menu. “Week 1 – Chapter 12 ” as the name of a learning module is for illustration; you might also use “Chapter 1” or “Unit 1” titles, depending on how you organize your course materials.*[Chapter folders]ExampleLink in course menu goes to content area or folder containing links to each course unit folder.*[Chapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3…]ExampleEach chapter unit folder is linked in the course menu. “Chapter 1” is for illustration; you might also use “Week 1” or “Unit 1,” depending on how you organize your course materials.*[Course Unit Folder Template]TemplateLinks to the course unit folder template; you may make as many copies as you need for your course and modify the contents.*[Course Unit Learning Module Template]TemplateLinks to the course unit learning module template; you may make as many copies as you need for your course and modify the contents.*External or Publisher site (hidden)MO6.3Item with URL to publisher site.If you have a link to the publisher site where students do most of their work, it should go in Course Materials. (If it’s an optional, supplementary site, put it under 4c.)Support and ResourcesThe Support and Resources section of the course menu contains primarily links to files and locations that you will not need to modify. Look through this section, and if you decide that you do need to modify any items, you can find .docx versions of .pdf files in the UNMLA TemplateBox, UNMLA_Template_Files folder.Technical Support (folder)M7.1Content Area (folder) containing links to the following documents in the TemplateBoxThe following documents are in the TemplateBox - UNMLA _Template_Files folder-- Where to Get Help and Technical SupportM7.1Item:Where to Get Help and Technical SupportItem describing how to access tech support. The same item is in Course Orientation and Resources in the Technical Support folder.--How to Create a Support TicketM7.1File: T-HowToCreateSupportTicket.pdfGives instructions on how to create a support ticket. The same file is in Course Orientation and Resources in the Technical Support folder.-- Set Up Your Computer To Work With Learn M7.1File:T-SettingUpComputerForLearnInThisCourse.pdfA .docx file is also supplied in the UNMLA_Template_Files folder for you to edit if you want to add required software or hardware to the standard computer setup. The same file is in Course Orientation and Resources in the Technical Support folder.-- More Technical InformationM7.1Course link This course link to Technical Information folder in Course Orientation and Resources folder allows the student to get additional technical information. See Course Orientation and Resources, above, for a list of its contents.Create a Support TicketM7.1Tool LinkStudents may use this to request technical support.Academic and Student Support (folder)6.3Course Link“Academic and Student Support” links to a folder containing links to the following items (This folder is also found in the Course Orientation and Resources folder): -- UNM-LA Academic Support CenterM7.2Web link to -- UNM-LA Student ServicesM7.4Web link to -- UNM-LA LibraryM7.3Web link to -- UNM LibrariesM7.3Web link to UNM-LA students cannot access all of the main campus library resources that you, the instructor, can access. Going through the UNM-LA site may be safer in this regard. -- UNM Accessibility Resource CenterM7.2, 8.1Web link -- The Pathfinder - UNM student handbookM7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 8.1Web link -- UNM LoboAlertsO7.4Web link [Your Subject] Resources PH (folder) (hidden)OThis link is a placeholder; delete it if you do not supply additional resources for students in your subject matter. Use this folder to provide links to subject matter resources in a separate content area that is accessed from this link. You can place web links in this content area such as the examples below or others of your choosing. These links have not been set up in the template. The following types of information are suggested below:[ -- Publisher Textbook Resources] (Not in Template)O6.3Put this here if access to publisher site is optional (If it’s mandatory, put it with Course Materials). Also provide links to publisher site in course units if regular access to this site is required. [-- Professional or Student Society ] (Not in Template)OSome disciplines have professional or student societies that contain information that may be helpful, especially to majors.[ -- Other tools](Not in Template)OFor other external tools, depending on course needs. E.g., put link to Wolfram Alpha, museum sites, PubMed, Congressional Record, etc. (Can also place this on the top level of course menu rather than in a folder).Instructor Resources This section contains only hidden links. If you don’t want to see them, delete them. As delivered in the template, they are hidden from students.Instructor TipsHNA Tips for building courses and teaching with Learn, from main campusFaculty documentationHNA Faculty documentation for Learn that is developed by main campus.UNMLA TemplateBoxHNA Link to UNMLA TemplateBox, which contains templates, checklists, examples, and instructions for instructor use.Example Course for InstructorsHNA HYPERLINK "" See Appendix A for instructions on how to access this course and register with CourseSites. This course contains examples of many of the elements of the template, as used in real courses at UNM-LA.My Notes PRIVATE JournalHNAPrivate journal for keeping notes about the course, such as extensions given to students, decisions, what worked and didn’t, ideas for next semester, etc.Scratch folderHNAUse this for developing or testing out materials not yet ready for student view, and then move/copy the materials to their correct location. Since this folder is hidden, students can’t see it or its contents while you are working on the materials.Step 8: Create course materials in Course UnitsA “course unit” is an organization you can use to break down and group materials into manageable chunks for the students, e.g., by week, by chapter, by topic. Course units in Learn may be organized as either folders or learning modules (containers). Each course unit container should serve as a single location where students can go to find links to all of the materials that they will need to complete the work for that unit (with the exception of materials that are not available online).Templates showing the internal structure of a folder and of a learning module can be found in the UNMLA_Template_Files folder in the TemplateBox. These are linked in the Course Template. T-template-contents-for-Course-Unit-Folders.docx T-template-contents-for-Course-Unit-LearningModules.docxCreate course unit folders/modules.For each course unit, create, upload, and link overview, materials, tools, etc. into its learning module or folder, and then link the course unit folder/module into the course menu.Course unit folders should contain ALL of the materials (links) that students need to complete the work for that unit, gathered together in this single place.The first item in a course unit learning module or folder (chapter, week, or however the course is organized)?should contain an overview of activities for that unit. The overview, together or separately in other items, should mention:Brief overview of unit, what students will learn/doLearning objectives/outcomes for the course unit (what do you want students to be able to do when they complete this unit?) – strongly recommendedChecklist of items to be read, watched, started, completed, turned inDue dates, either explicit dates or link to something that contains them, such as the schedule.Learning objectives/outcomes for the course unit (what do you want students to be able to do when they complete this unit?) – strongly recommendedAdditional items the folder should/may containMaterials needed (readings, videos, media) to complete the unit - provide description or linksLinks to work items that students must complete for the unit, e.g., discussion, assignment, blog, quiz, journal, external work, etc.Link to publisher site or materials if applicable?Optional and extra credit materialsTemplates are provided for “typical” course units, one for folders and one for learning modules. Use whichever format you like. For each one, you can make copies of the template and then edit them to add your course materials and information. You will need to modify their contents and possibly their structure to suit your course and the activities it contains. Change the color of the “name” from dark red to black, and change the color of the discussion and assignment to Dark Azure-Cyan (#006699) or the color used for links in your class. Remember to make the items available to students after you are done editing each one.TABLE: Course Unit ContentsCourse UnitCodeQM SectionSupporting or Linked FilesComment8. Course Unit Table[Course Unit Descriptor] - OverviewM4.2Overview of the course unit (Template). Gives students an overview of the contents of this unit (see above). In the course template, you are given two versions for this. One version organizes the list of work in a table, and the other organizes it in a list. Use either the table or the list format, not both.Materials/Activities for this [course unit]MLinks to or items containing readings, videos, study guide, screencast, video of lecture, external web sites, other things students need to read, do, or have on hand in order to complete the work in the unit. You may want to insert several items or web links rather than making a single long list of materials. Obviously, hard-copy materials that can’t be linked or included must only be mentioned (e.g. a textbook chapter.)Discussion [n] – [Title]MOTemplate/Example. Provide instructions for participating in the discussion, discussion questions, and link to the same discussion forum in the Discussion Board. Delete if not used. See “Discussions,” above, for more information on using the Discussion board and linking each forum to a folder or learning module.Assignment Instructions[number, title, etc.]MOA template is not provided for an assignment because you can’t copy an assignment (you can only move one), and each assignment must be graded, which would place an entry for a template in Grade Center. Instead, instructions for the assignment are provided in an item, which you should replace with the assignment itself in each Course Unit. Create an assignment using the “Assessment” button, next to “Build Content.” Provide instructions for completing the assignment including instructions for submitting it. You may want to attach a file containing the instructions if they are lengthy. Remember to tell students the purpose of the assignment, how you expect them to submit their answers (e.g. attach a file, submit a link, etc.), the file format you expect (e.g., doc, docx, pdf, rtf), and how the assignment will be graded. Delete if not usedDelete or hide the instructions in the template..Other things that the student must do[Not in template]MOCreate links to tools etc. for things that students need to do – discussion, assignment, blog, group work, journal, test - including links to publisher site or external site if used. Include instructions for completing and submitting the work.OPTIONAL: Supplementary MaterialsO4.6Provide links or information about any optional, supplementary materials you want to provide for your students. These should be clearly labeled as OPTIONAL.NOTE: If your course requires files that need to be accessed or downloaded to complete some assignments, such as files containing data (depends on course needs), either put these in Course Orientation (see Step 6) with instructions on how to unpack/unzip/store them for future use, or put links to individual files that are needed for specific assignments in the course unit folder or learning module where they are used (Step 8).3. Modifying template files for your courseIn the UNM-LA Online Course Template, several .pdf files are linked. (Netiquette.pdf is an example). We attempted to make these as general as possible, but we recognize that you may still want to modify them for your own courses. For some other files, such as with the syllabus, we only provide template or checklist files for files that you will need to create for your course. Instructions that are specifically written for the syllabus for how to obtain a template, download it to your computer, modify it for your course, create a pdf file, and then upload it into your course are given in Section 2, Step 5, in the discussion of setting up your syllabus link. This section describes how to do that more generally for any of the template files that you may want to modify.Figure 3.1 contains a pictorial model of what you are doing. Figure 3.1: Locations of and relationships among files in TemplateBox, your computer, and your course in LearnThe steps for replacing a file in the course template with one that you have modified are listed below. Because it has a short name, I will use Netiquette.pdf as an example.Identify the file in the online course template that you wish to modify, and note its present location. Example: Netiquette.pdf, located in Course Orientation and Resources folder.Open the link to the UNMLA TemplateBox in the instructor section of the course menu (panel A in Figure 3.1).Click on the folder called UNMLA_Template_Files (Panel A).Locate the template file that you would like to replace, and specifically, the .docx version of it (T-Filename.docx) (Panel A).Locate the template file for Netiquette, called T-Netiquette.docx.Click on T-Filename.docx – it’s a link (Panel A).Click on T-Netiquette.docx. The file will download to your computer (Panel A to Panel B). The behavior for downloading will depend on your browser and how you have it optioned. It may ask for a location to download to (Firefox), or it may download the file and open a restricted version (Chrome). Do whatever you need to do in order to download the file, save it in a location on your computer that you can find, and then open it in Word or a word processor that can handle a docx file. (Panel B). (If you need a different version of the file, contact a member of the eLearning committee.)Now T-Filename.docx is on your computer. (Panel B)Now T-Netiquette.docx is on your computer.Edit the file and make your changes in T-Filename.docx, and save it as MyFilename.docx on your computer. (Panel B)Make your changes in T-Netiquette.docx and save it as Netiquette.docx on your computer.Convert MyFilename.docx to a .pdf file. You can do this either by using “Save as” .pdf in Word or by printing it with a .pdf converter program, and naming it MyFilename.pdf. If the file contains links to other files, save it as a .pdf in Word to ensure that the links will open in Chrome.Convert Netiquette.docx to Netiquette.pdfMyFilename.pdf is still on your computer. Go back into your classroom in Learn, and upload MyFilename.pdf into the Content Collection in Learn. See step 11, below. (Panel B to Panel C; from here on, you’re working in Panel C)Netiquette.pdf is still on your computer. Go back into Learn, and upload Netiquette.pdf into the Content Collection in Learn. Content Collection is the first tool listed under COURSE MANAGEMENT, at the bottom of your course menu. Click on Content Collection (1), and then click on the number (which identifies your course) just underneath it (2). Numbers refer to Figure 3.2. Figure 3.2: Opening the Content Collection for your course in Learn.That will open the Content Collection for your course – it’s your course’s file cabinet, where materials that YOU create are stored. Note that it is NOT the same as TemplateBox.Upload MyFilename.pdf from your computer into the Content Collection, by clicking on the Upload button (1) and following instructions on the screen. Following upload, your file will be listed in the content collection (2). Numbers here refer to Figure 3.3.Figure 3.3. Uploading a file in Content Collection.Click on Upload, then find and select Netiquette.pdf on your computer, and follow the instructions on the screen. Netiquette.pdf will appear in the Content Collection after upload is complete.Next, return to the location in the course where you want MyFilename.pdf to appear to the students.Using the course menu, open the Course Orientation and Resources folder and scroll down to the place where Netiquette is linked.Create a NEW File link: click on “Build Content”, and then select “File.” Follow the instructions on the screen that appears, and click on “Browse to Content Collection” to select your file, MyFilename.pdf. Click on the little gray spot at the left of MyFilename.pdf, and then click on the Submit your selection.Click on Build Content, and then select File. Follow the instructions on the screen that appears, and browse Content Collection to select your file, Netiquette.pdf. Click on the little gray spot at the left of Netiquette.pdf, and Submit your selection.Give your file link the same name as the old web link. Select other options on the screen, and then click on “Submit.” Your new File Link will appear at the BOTTOM of the list of items in Course Orientation and Resources.Give your Netiquette file link the same name as the old web link, Netiquette. Select other options on the screen, and click on Submit. Your new file link to Netiquette will appear at the bottom of the list of items in Course Orientation and Resources.Web link: File link: Move your new file link to a position next to the old web link for the file you are replacing. Delete the web link and leave the file link in place.Move your new file link (Netiquette.pdf) to a position next to the old web link for Netiquette. Delete the old web link and leave the Netquette.pdf file link in place.Now, when students click on MyFilename in the folder, they will see your modified file rather than the old template file, T-MyFilename.pdf.Now, when students click on Netiquette in the Course Orientation and Resources folder, they will see your modified Netiquette.pdf rather than the old template file, T-Netiquette.pdf.4. Other things to consider adding to your courseAlthough these are not in the template, you may want to consider adding them to your course to make it friendlier for your students.TABLE: Other Optional ItemsItemCodeQM SectionSupporting or Linked FilesCommentOther Items TableInstructor Information1.7C-InstructorInformationChecklist.docxThe syllabus template requires that you provide information about yourself, including when and how to reach you and office hours (onground and online); this must contain at least one way to contact you outside of the online classroom (e.g., your UNM email address). To make this more informative for the class, you may also include an item in the course menu or Course Orientation section that includes what students can expect from you and a little personal background information, such as your degrees, teaching experience, work experience outside of academia, hobbies, a photo. A checklist is provided. You may provide this in Course Orientation and Information, link it from the home page, or link it on the course menu, information section.Course-Level Learning Objectives & OutcomesCourse-level learning objectives and outcomes must be in the syllabus. We recommended that they also be added to the Course Orientation & Resources folder. These are required by Quality Matters.In each [course unit] you will…Currently this is combined with Introduction to [Your Course] in Orientation or provided within your course schedule. You may want to pull this information out and provide it as a separate item in Course Orientation.Learning objectives & outcomes for each course unitThese are required by Quality Matters, and we strongly recommend that you complete a list of these for each of your course units. They should align with your overall course objectives and the content and assessments in the course unit.Using Turnitin6.4, 7.1Currently not in template; if you use it, you should supply instructions in Course Orientation and Resources for how you will use it in the course and how students should submit their assignments. Each department may have its own requirements. Limited budget limits our use of this tool, so you must obtain permission from your Department Chair before signing up to use it.5. Final Checklist: Am I done?1. I have edited the Homepage item to include:Name of my courseInstructor name and contact informationA "start here" item or link that directs students to course orientation activities/materials2. I have organized the Course Menu:Deleted links specified in User GuideRearranged links within the sections of the menu as specified in User GuideNamed the homepage link Added suggested modules to the Dashboard areaAdded links to syllabus and schedule in Course Information area of menuAdded links to other tools if used (journal, blog), in Course Communications and Tools area of menuAdded links to course folders or learning modules in Course Content area of menuAdded link to a publisher's site if used, in Course Content area of menuAdded link to your subject resources folder and/or publisher resources site in Course Content area of menuAdded, changed, or deleted other links as appropriate for my course3. I have created and uploaded these items into the Course Orientation and Resources area:Course IntroductionWelcome LetterSyllabus and Schedule Other instructions for the course that are not included in the template (how to use tools, do activities)4. I have modified or deleted these items in the Course Orientation and Resources area:How to Use Publisher or Other External SiteCommunications in This CourseDiscussion 1: Introduce YourselfTechnical Resources and Support folder – do not delete this folder: add instructions if you use tools that are not included in the Learn documentation and delete instructions for tools that you do not use in your courseRubrics folder Writing in This Course folder Information – Discussions folder5. I have created course unit folders or modules, each containing:Unit overviewUnit learning objectives/outcomes (recommended)Checklist of items/activities to be done or completedDue dates Materials needed to complete the unit: reading, video, lecture material, etc.Links to work items for the unit: assignment, discussion, quiz, etc.Discussions, if used. Check that discussions are set up properly in both the Discussion Board area and the discussion link within the unit folder/moduleLink to publisher site if applicableOptional materials6. I have cleaned up as follows:Deleted items with red titles and yellow highlighting that were purely instructional for building the courseDeleted the yellow highlighted instructions within items that I have modified and retained for use in my courseChanged the red color of modified item headings to the color scheme used in my course styleDeleted all "placeholder" items Made modified items that were hidden "visible" to studentsMade certain that Discussion Threads have the correct owner, especially Introduce Yourself discussion from template7. I have:Gone to Student View to check the final appearance of the course to the student, making sure that items are hidden or visible as intendedVerified that all of the links in the course are working correctlyChecked all due dates to make sure that they are correct for this semesterChecked the arrangement of items in the Grade Center, to make sure that they will appear to the students in the correct order and that there are no duplicate entries for Total and Weighted TotalAppendix A: Access Course Examples in CourseSitesA "course" in Learn was developed by the eLearning committee in CourseSites by Blackboard using the UNM-Los Alamos Online Course Template.? It provides an example of what the online course template looks like when it is populated with content. To view this example course, you must first enroll by following the instructions below.Launch a browser and enter the following URL to the course home page: at the course enrollment page, click the “Self-Enroll in this course” button.Enter the code UNMLA (in all capital letters) in the box that instructs you to enter the course access code.If you already have a CourseSites account, click the “I Have a CourseSites Account” to log in. Or, if you do not have an account, click “I Need a CourseSites Account” to create one.If you create an account, you will be asked to play a little video in order to see some text that you must type in, in order to verify that you are not a machine.Once logged in, you will be able to view the UNM-LA Template populated with example content.????When signing up, take note that you can register using existing account information from popular web services like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Gmail, Yahoo and Windows Live to make it easier to login.Appendix B: Some Useful (and mostly free) Software ToolsThis appendix contains a list of some of the software tools that members of the eLearning Committee have found very useful in building and teaching online courses. Most are free or available on some campus computers. We make no representations about their quality or availability, only that we have used them ourselves and found them helpful.PDF converterCutePDF? Writer – free and basic, Windows only. Note that you will also need to install Ghostscript; its link is on the CutePDF download page: Mac users should find “Save as pdf” on the Print menu Adobe Acrobat – expensive and full-featured if you have access to itNote that the PDF converter that is packaged with MSWord (“Save as … pdf”) creates very large files which increase the time to download to student machines. However, if the file contains links to other websites, when you open your pdf file from Learn using the Chrome browser, the links will not be “live.” To make sure these links are “live,” the MSWord file (docx) must be saved as a pdf in MSWord. (Yes, it’s ugly.) Capture and label screenshotsJing – free and easy to use, used to make the screenshots in this guide Make video screencastsJing (basic, limited to 5 min.) - see aboveScreencast-O-Matic (basic version is free, Pro version subscription is $15/year) Camtasia (expensive, full-featured, loaded on computers in the Amazing Box – See DeBray or Carol)Social bookmarkingDiigo – allows you to quickly capture and store bookmarks online, accessible from anywhere, so that you can share lists of bookmarks with your students. Here’s an example: Check for malwareMalwarebytes – free, scans and removes malware, for Windows ................
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