
Online Pre-Term Checklist
A guide to starting the semester for all online Jefferson faculty
Before classes start:
The instructor has been certified by eLearning to teach in a fully-online delivery mode, either by successful completion of the Blackboard Proficiency Exam or exemption based on pre-2012 online teaching at Jefferson Community and Technical College.
- All information listed on the Online Master Syllabus Template is included in the course syllabus.
- All syllabus information is updated. This includes dates, textbook/materials info, and contact information.
- Learning outcomes are included on the syllabus and means of assessment have been determined. Note: This is absolutely mandatory for all online courses!
- The syllabus is loaded into the course in a conspicuous location.
- The course entry point has been chosen and set.
- (The course entry point is the page students see when they click into the course; this can be customized by the instructor.)
- The course has been browsed from a student’s perspective using a test student account, and any links to publisher content or products (MyLabs, etc.) have been tested.
- The class is not made available to students, nor have they been given any assignments until the class start date.
- A plan to use an assignment to determine no-shows is in place.
- Note: To determine no-shows, faculty can use an assignment, survey, or any other type of student engagement. A grade does not have to be tied to this activity, but a clear deadline must be attached so students know they must complete it within a set timeframe to avoid being labeled a no-show.
- Student engagement is clearly established in the course plan. Instructor-student and
student-content engagement is required.
- Student-student engagement is highly recommended as a best practice.
Day 1 of class
- The class has been made available to students in Blackboard.
- Note: Students cannot access the class until this is done. Please do not neglect to do this; it causes panic.
- Students are clearly directed in how to proceed with the course.
- An assignment is available to students to determine no-shows, a deadline for that assignment is clearly listed, and students have clear instructions on how to proceed with this assignment.
Week 1 and beyond
- Students have been contacted individually or en masse at least once during the first week, and again during the second week, following drop/add.
- Students are receiving responses from the instructor within the timeframe established in the course syllabus.
- (Ongoing) Efforts are underway to reach out to students who are performing poorly
in the course.
- Note: Faculty play a crucial role in our efforts to improve persistence and retention. Please make this a priority!