Twelve Step Program to

Meeting Quality Matters

Standard One

Dr. Susan BussmannDr. Sharon Lalla

Sandra Johnson, MS, MANew Mexico State

University

Step One (1.1)Welcome Email

Send a welcome email to students that contains the following-

WELCOME to your course WHERE to find your course HOW to access the course WHAT to click first to get started

Step Two (1.1)What do I do first?

Students have accessed their course. What do they do now? Provide specific steps on what you want them to do to get started.

Step Three (1.2)The Foundation-Your

Syllabus

States the purpose of the course Explains how the content is structured

and carried out Contains a course schedule Explains delivery modalities (online or

blended) Discusses modes of communication Describes types of learning activities States how learning will be assessed

Step Four (1.2)Course Outline/Pacing Guide

A course outline or pacing guide provides an overview of your course and should include –

Times Places Scheduled Events Assignments Assessments Due Dates

Step Five (1.3)Netiquette

An etiquette or "Netiquette" statement provides-

o Expectations for communication o Examples of netiquette considerations:

o Expectations for the tone and civility used in communication

o Expectations for email contento “Speaking style” requirements (abbreviations,

emoticons, etc)o Spelling and grammar expectationso Discussion board participation

Step Six (1.4)Student Resources

o Academic supporto Libraryo Writing assistanceo Math assistanceo Any specific student resource required or

suggested for your courseo Tech assistance

Step Seven (1.5)Prerequisites Needed

o Information about prerequisite knowledge (i.e., passed BIO 100)o Any required competencies (i.e., Native Spanish speaker, ACT score of 20

or above, BA in English)o Information should be found within the course in documents linked to the

courseo Supporting material provided to the student

Step Eight (1.6)Tech Skills Needed

o General as well as course-specific technical skills o Examples of technical skills might includeo Using the learning management systemo Using email with attachmentso Creating and submitting files in commonly used word

processing program formatso Copying and pastingo Downloading and installing softwareo Using spreadsheet programs

Step Nine (1.7)Instructor Information

o Initial introduction should-

o Include the instructor’s name, title, field of expertise, email address, phone number, and times when the instructor is typically online or may be reached by phone.

o Create a sense of connection between the instructor and the students

o Present the instructor as a professional

o Include comments on teaching philosophy

o May include personal information such as hobbies, family, travel experiences, etc.

o May include a photograph

Step Ten (1.8)Student Introductions

Student introductions help to -

o Create a welcoming learning environment

o Establish community

o Open lines of communication between students and the instructor

Instructions for the introduction should include-

o Guidance on where and how students should share their introduction

o May ask students to respond to specific questions.

o May provide an example of an introduction and/or start the process by introducing her/himself

Step Eleven (1.1)Social Café and Tech Help Area

Social Cafe- Provides students an inviting, safe place to question,

discuss, document, share thoughts, and experiences for your course.

Tech Help - Provide directions or links for help with technical issues. Strive to create a learning environment where students can focus on learning and not be troubled with technical problems.

Step Twelve (1.1)What do I do next?

Provide specific directions on what you want your students to do next. For example-

o Click on Module 1 and begin your lessons.o Navigate to Unit 0 and begin!

Websites for Help with Best Practice

o Online Course Improvement Program-NMSUo Las Positas Collegeo Teaching Online-University of South Florida

o Online Course Improvement Program Resource Wiki