To all Online Faculty:

You must create a Course Preview/Welcome Page if you are teaching an online course.

Click here to see what other instructors have done.

To create your Course Preview page:

1. Open a Word document.

2. Type in a description, expectations, requirements, etc. for your course.

3. Insert photos, pictures, background color, etc. Set it up the way you would like it to look.

4. The Course Preview/Welcome Page should include the following:

ð Welcome-Course name, course number, department

ð Graphic

ð Instructor's Name

ð Instructor's E mail

ð Online Office Hours and Instructor Availability- it is important here to limit your student’s perception of your time online. Students live in the IM world with 24 hour access. A statement here which is realistic such as return emails usually with in 48 hours and not available on weekends will set realistic expectations.

ð What you expect from your students, and include: “NOTE: It is the student’s responsibility to make initial contact with the instructor either via e-mail, phone or as directed in the course site. Student must have a valid working email address on file with the instructor.”

ð If you require a face to face meeting/orientation, or a live web conferencing session (Elluminate Live Class) for this class, and if these classes/sessions will be captured for those who are unable to attend.

ð Course Title

ð Course Description (catalog description)

ð Course Objectives

ð Credits

ð Prerequisites

ð Technical Requirements, such as “minimum computer skills” or specific software knowledge needed (i.e.: Photoshop, Excel, etc.)

ð Required Textbook and Materials

ð Asynchronous: Most of class will be of this type

ð This kind of distance education is characterized by an emphasis on "learning on demand" or "as needed communication" between students and faculty from multiple locations at times convenient to participants.

When your document is ready, email it as a Word document to Lisa Clark at lclark@wsc.ma.edu. I will convert it to HTML and post it on our Course Listings page & put a link in by your course listed on Plato.

·

· If you already have a page created for your course that you would like to post, simply email me the link.

· If you create it in HTML please remember to send me the folder with the images along with the document.

If you need help with this feel free to contact Lisa Clark at lclark@wsc.ma.edu.