WEB SITE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE SKILLS

1. Master the courseware functions (e-mail, bulletin board, chat, drop box, calendar, course content and testing, etc.) and assist students to use them correctly, diagnosing, and correcting reported problems as needed.

2. Master the use of an HTML editor software (Desire2Learn has an internal HTML editor) to create consistent, readable, user friendly, web pages (syllabus, content pages, handouts, etc). Compile pages to HTML and load into the courseware.

3. Master courseware functions to manage instructional outcomes (test construction, grading, monitoring student performance, etc.).

TEACHER-STUDENT INTERACTION

1. Conduct an orientation for students (online) at the beginning of the term to ensure each understands the requirements of the course and can access it. Advise students of the time and energy demands of the course, as well as establishing clear limits on what the course is and is not.

2. Provide students access (by phone, appointment, e-mail, fax, etc.) on a regularly scheduled basis.

Publish office hours and response turnaround expectations on the WEB in more than one place and consistently keep that time open for students. Provide alternative departmental contact for students who are unable to reach you.

3. Personalize the learning environment so that it feels like a "place" for class. Use an informal but clear writing style that creates complete and encouraging responses. Empathize with students' frustrations with technology and help students adjust to them. A sense of humor and patience would be helpful. Maintain weekly contact with students to praise and encourage their efforts and progress on a regular basis. Respond to concerns and questions promptly. Follow-up on promises, raise questions, check answers, clarify misunderstandings, and summarize as needed. Respect diverse talents and ways of learning.

4. Create a course structure that encourages students to complete assignments and projects in a timely fashion. Emphasize time on task. Communicate high expectations. Clearly state learner outcomes and provide clear road maps of where they are going and what they can expect. Provide easy to find and easy to follow directions and instructions for all aspects of the course (projects, discussion assignments, etc.) and course navigation. Establish clear deadlines for work assignments and projects and consequences if they are not met.

5. Establish guidelines for decorum and interaction among students. Monitor on-line behavior and address problems that arise immediately.

6. Inform students and adhere to "fair use" copyright laws as well as the College's or University's policies regarding cheating and plagiarism. Enforce these rules and guidelines, making sure that everyone adheres to them.

COURSE MANAGEMENT

1. Maintain back-ups, threaded discussions, student feedback, performance of students, and profiles of students who withdraw. Report grades and "Last date of Attendance" as required by policy.

2. Make sure students have the opportunity and are encouraged to complete an end-of-course evaluation and provide opportunities during the term for students to provide feedback on their experience.

QUALITY INSTRUCTION

1. Ensure that the learning experiences included in the course are appropriate for the outcomes and are challenging to students.

2. Contribute to the on-going dialogue of faculty engaged in on-line teaching to improve the quality of instruction and service to students.