Online Course Management Course Protocols

Expectations for the students Expectations for the facilitator Include: Announcements courtesy Assignment submission guidelines Time-management expectations Frequency of participation Approach to obtaining support

Announcements Information: Post frequently Post before set time Use friendly language and humor Include reminders for assignment due dates and course protocols Communicate to Students: Days and time of announcement postings Additional announcements as needed When to check for new announcements Type of information in announcements

Courtesy Information: Specific header etiquette: Be polite Get to the point (short messages) Require long messages are attachments Model courtesy Be prompt in replying Set up online “office hours” Communicate to Students: Required header to use in subject line Who to contact Approximate time to expect response Best time to contact Requirements for etiquette Online “office hours”

Assignment Submission Information: Specific protocol for naming file Prompt feedback Communicate to Students: Required method to name file How to submit Time assignment is due When to expect feedback How feedback will be delivered

Time Management Information: Instructors must manage time to: Review student work Read s Upload course documents Post announcements Facilitate course discussions Be online for “office hours” Communicate to Students: Reminders for due dates of assignments Reminders for where students should be on assignments Notices for instructor response time on assignments and

Frequency of Participation Information: Determine when content will be available to students Facilitator must participate more frequently than students How to deal with students who are not meeting expectations for participation Communicate to Students: When content will be available Required frequency of participation Consequences for not participating as expected How facilitator will monitor participation

Approach to Obtaining Support Information: Determine how to be contacted ( , phone, discussion thread, etc.) Determine who to contact Instructional support Technical support When support will be readily available Instructional support Technical support Communicate to Students: How to contact the course facilitator Days and times for online “office hours” Who to contact for technical support When support will be readily available

Additional Resources Managing Electronic Communications y/effective6.htm y/effective6.htm UCF: Component protocols (sample protocols)