Syllabi and course structure
Structuring
There are many ways to structure an online course, including:
| 1. Using a mix of asynchronous and synchronous elements. For example, prerecorded (shorter) lectures can be uploaded to beachboard or other course website, which students view on their own time. This can be combined with assigned readings, discussion board posting requirements, and optional group meetings that utilize discussions and other activities. As noted by a student: "While it was difficult to transition from face to face to online, it helped to have the professor record the lesson and post it up on a streaming platform and them have a zoom meeting to discuss the readings and the class. It certainly allowed us to discuss more in class; sometimes, our discussions would take up the entire time that would have been one class. Therefore ... there was more discussion, and it made it easier to digest." |
| 2. Relying primarily on asynchronous elements. Here, the instructor can post a prerecorded lecture, assign a reading or selection of readings, and encourage interaction through discussion board postings. Having office hours via zoom regularly during the week in addition to these asynchronous elements can help students stay on track. As one student said: " I appreciate online courses as they provide flexibility. We're typically given the ability to finish tasks at our own pace. This allows those who have personal and professional obligations to be able to balance them all effectively." |
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Syllabi
CSULB has created a checklist of essential elements to incorporate into your syllabus for an online course. It is particularly important to specify the structure of the course (asynchronous? synchronous? both?) and what technologies will be used.
As noted by a student:
"During the transition from face-to-face to online instruction, there were 4 things that my professors did that greatly attributed to success in my courses. 1. Having the lectures on zoom recorded and posted on beachboard (Along with the ppt lectures). 2. Providing a schedule of class deadlines and a detailed description of assignments directly the syllabus 3. Having a reliable and quick way to be in contact with the professor (via email, office hours, etc.) 4. Having an understanding instructor that is willing to change deadlines according to the pace and workload of the class."
Other resources:
1. CSULB's Keep Teaching resources
2. Beachboard templates (various templates for setting up your courses in beachboard). These can save you a lot of time.
3. Academic Technology Services (ATS) has drop-in hours.
4. If you need help with beachboard, this is a good site to visit.