Developing an Online Course Syllabus

A syllabus is a document that most college students have become accustomed to receiving at the start of each course they take, which normally outlines basic information that one needs to know and be responsible for throughout the course. With the steady emergence of online classes, tips have been suggested as to how professors can create an online course syllabus with a convenient "ABC" approach through a virtual learning environment.

The first step is to formulate a syllabus that anticipates and addresses questions that students may have. Course objectives should be easy to understand as well as outline course expectations. All information on the syllabus should be clear and nothing should have to be inferred.

Common information that should be provided to students include professor contacts, as well as books and required texts. The syllabus should also reflect the professors grading policy.

Whether the syllabus is provided to students in hand or online, it is important for professors to update it as necessary if course work changes. Another important factor is to make sure course guidelines stay consistent. If possible, professors should attempt to present their course in a unique and or personal way. The overall objective of the syllabus is that it should set the foundation and future groundwork for the course.

An online syllabus can be easily formatted and broken down into 3 parts known as The Contract, The Map and the Schedule:

The Contract includes:

• Name of the course
• Instructor contact info- whether by email, chat, or appointment
• Course description and goals
• Grading policy and proper ways to submit assignments
• Student expectations and standards

The Map includes:

• Given this is an online class, the syllabus should be easily located through the click of a mouse
• Headings should be clearly identified such as "lectures, discussion forums and other resources"
• Contact information should be listed in the event of technical difficulties

The Schedule includes:

• Course assignments should be laid out in a WEEKLY (or topical) format and should include subdivisions
• Assign specific dates for when assignments should be submitted and deadline times
• Give students flexibility depending on what days sessions are held- Most full time students access material in labs, dorms, and on campus, while working adults tend to do most of their work on the weekends. Allow both types of students to utilize their weekends in order to complete assignments

Fostering Personal Learning Environments thru Web 2.0

The newest advancement in internet technology has been the development of Web 2.0. Web 2.0 is a network of web sites aimed at networking. Common Web 2.0 Websites includes social and peer networking sites including Facebook Myspace, but also blogging and file sharing which are all incorporated under the Web 2.0.

The development of this new innovation can be beneficial in helping students learn in and outside of the classroom since the internet has virtually become part of everyone's life in some fashion. Web 2.0 focuses on building communities thru networking and filesharing, but is also being looked at a means of creating Personal Learning Environments for academia which would allow instructors and students to become organized online as they are assigned work, and after it is completed it is then archived.

http://www.campustechnology.com/articles/63593

Free Online Tool Helps Users Record and Share Research

iBreadcrumbs is a new online application used in conjunction with the Mozilla Firefox web browser that allows individuals to keep track of websites during research and saves them in a way similar to book marking.

One is able to press a button and “record” all the sites visited. When you’re done, you hit "stop" and saved sites appear. Those who use this application can share sites with others, while maintaining their research in an organized manner.

The site also provides an easy way to cite all sources in either MLA or APA format.

How Do I Create Student Groups in Blackboard?

Creating student groups can help your sort and manage large groups of students more effectively. Using groups is useful for emailing, discussion board and collaboration. To create student groups:

• From the Control Panel click on ‘Manage Groups' under User Management.
• Click on ‘Add Group'.
• Type a name for the group and if desired, a description.
• Check the ‘Group Options' that you wish to be available to the group (I recommend selecting all of them).
• Click ‘Submit' and ‘OK'.
• To add students to the group click on the ‘Modify' button next to the specific group.
• Click on ‘Add Users to Group'.
• Without entering anything in the Search field click on the ‘Search' button to show the list of enrolled students.
• Select the students you wish to add to the group by checking the box next to their name.
• Click ‘Submit' and ‘OK'.

To add more groups repeat the steps above.