The best thing you can do to get started is to think small. What one new thing do I want to try this semester?

• Many folks have started by putting their course syllabus and notes online for students to access anytime they need them.
• Another good way to start is to put a presentation or two into PowerPoint and try them out in a face-to-face class.

Check out some of the workshops and tutorials posted on this site. They have been designed or selected to give you a place to start. We will also be adding some specific step-by-step directions under "How To...." over the weeks to come. And please contact Aimee Dixon, acdixon@ualr.edu, or me, lxmusun@ualr.edu for help too!

What follows is a timeline for putting an entire course online that I shared with group of faculty who were doing this for the very first time. They found it helpful as a way to plan their time. I hope you do too.

Starting 6-9 months ahead of when will teach course for the first time:

• Start with a course that you have taught before!
• Develop a plan by answering these questions:
  • What do I want the students to know, be able to do, or to think as a result of being in this course?
  • What am I assuming about the students who will be in this course?
  • What materials, etc., will I use to accomplish each objective/outcome?
  • Which technology would be the best match for what I want to teach/ show/demonstrate/do?
  • How much should I expect them to do? How about their work/time expectations?
  • How much online material am I going to have to develop?
  • How can I divide this work up into manageable pieces?
  • How much time will this take?

• Construct modules as outlined in your plan
• Decide on testing/assignment format
• Load modules into course management system
• Test out individual course modules
• Remember to order texts or other materials included in your plan

• Identify back-up strategies if/when there are major technical problems
• Include a FAQ page that includes what to do if X goes wrong
• Define clear classroom rules & guidelines
• Include the "Students with Disabilities" statement in the syllabus

• Try to contact each student as soon as possible, have the student roster set up and a "Welcome to the Course" email or page
• If needing proctored testing, get students started on identifying suitable proctor
• Try to get each student to log on at least once to make sure everything is working
• Pat yourself on the back and take a deep breath!
• Remember the first time you taught a course!

• Start with first "assignment" of communicating with you and with other students
• Try to establish sense of community
• Double-check for technical deficits/problems before a major assignment is due
• Include a course navigation exercise
• Plan on at least one disaster!
• Set realistic goals regarding content objectives

Updated October 25, 2001     

Off-Campus Credit Programs Provides Support for On-Line Course Development
Need support to get a course online? The Off-Campus Credit Programs (OCP) office is ready and waiting to help you. They can provide a variety of types of assistance to get you up and running.

Application forms for proposals for support.

Any questions should be directed to Sonja Sanderson, Director, OCP.

e-Packs
Faculty can incorporate an e-Pack, publisher-provided academic materials for use in the WebCT course management system, into a WebCT online course, and start teaching online without having to create course content from scratch.

Faculty can view e-Pack demos, request 30-Day evaluations, or request e-Pack adoptions online at http://www.webct.com, in WebCT's "Content Showcase."