Online Course Peer Review

It’s that time of the year again — when online instructors are crazy-busy getting their courses ready for opening week.  Just a few things to remember as you put the finishing touches on your online courses:

• Welcome students to your class in the homepage news area.  Specifically tell them what they should do first upon entering your class.  Include in your message how they can contact you.
• Include an Ask the Instructor/Ask the Class forum on the discussion board.  Encourage students to ask class-related questions there instead of via email.  Other students will benefit from the questions and responses.
• Remind students to read the syllabus and other important course information carefully.
• Consider putting a photo of the required textbook (or other materials) in the news area.
• Encourage (or require) students to introduce themselves to one another in the discussion area.  Introduce yourself, too!
• Remember to include the course description and outcomes, word-for-word, from the official course outline on your syllabus.  Peggy Gustofson has all official course outlines available online and will email them to faculty, upon request.
  

Have a great semester — and remember to check in weekly for tips and online peer review updates!