Getting Started

Taking your class online may seem like a daunting task, but it is really very simple. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll be on your way to creating a successful online component for your class.

Prepare Yourself to Teach Online
Educate yourself by reading articles about web-based training, instructional design, technology education, and online learning. Start with the two white papers located at Blackboard’s support site at http://www.blackboard.net
Practice using the software. Take a training class, do a tutorial, or explore the program.
Locate and introduce yourself to your Blackboard Administrator and your Instructional Designer on your campus. Ask questions regarding support. For example:
Whom can I call if I get into trouble? Is there a telephone number to call? Will I get special treatment if I call?
Establish a Class Site, a User ID and Password. Ask your administrator to create (or help you create) an empty Class Site.
Understand hardware and software specifications. Make sure your computer is set up with the correct requirements (such as browser). Again, refer to your administrator if you need assistance.

Prepare Your Materials
Gather your course materials and content in a central location. Include items such as handouts, slide shows, syllabus, overheads, lecture notes, projects, assessments, and discussion topics. Determine what formats your materials exist in. Take note of items already in electronic formats such as word documents, spreadsheets, and slides. Accommodate different types of learners. Make sure visual learners have graphics and text they can see to foster learning. Provide narration and text for verbal learners. Identify measurable class objectives. These should incorporate materials delivered both in class and online. Determine what core competencies and knowledge students will need to meet these objectives.
Then contact your Instructional Designer for more help

Make an Outline
Make an outline that matches each class component with associated date; lecture materials, labs, assignments and corresponding items. This comprehensive outline can be very helpful in Step 5 – Building a Class Skeleton.

Determine How To Deliver Materials
Determine which materials should be delivered in-class and which items can be delivered online. Select items that are relevant to class objectives and student learning experiences. Prepare the materials for electronic delivery. This may include scanning graphics, creating files in HTML or Word, or developing PowerPoint slides. If necessary, consult your administrator for assistance and advice. Avoid delivering materials that will distract the student from the class objectives. Do not add irrelevant information to "fill-up" your website. Ask your Instructional Designer for help.

Build a Class Skeleton
Create the organizational (or skeleton) structure of your class. This involves creating a series of clearly labeled folders that will hold class materials. Make a folder for every item in your outline (from Step 3) or mimic the structure of your syllabus.
Enter the Class Information area and create folders for the Syllabus, Grading Policies, and other basic items relating to class management.
Enter the Class Documents area and create folders that correspond with the main topics or sections of your class. Create sub-folders for sub-topics as necessary. For example:

• Week 1: Introduction to English Grammar, (folder)
• Week 2: Working with Nouns (folder)
• Week 3: Mastering Verb Tenses (folder)
• A) Regular Verbs, (sub-folder)
• B) Irregular Verbs (sub-folder)
• Enter the Assignments area, and create folders that correspond with your assignments.

Add Staff Information
Enter the Staff Information page editor and create an entry for yourself. If you have a picture of yourself, include that too!
Create additional entries for teaching assistants, graduate assistants, guest speakers or other class staff members.

Fill in the Content
Enter each folder and add the content.
Include a short description for each item. Indicate what the item is and how it is relevant to the lesson. This description helps students understand how to associate (frame/attend to) this item in relation to rest of the class materials.

Incorporate the Technology into Other Class Components
Enter the discussion board and post an introductory assignment. Ask each student to write one to three paragraphs explaining who they are and why they took your class. Require students to read entries from other students. This is the first step in creating an "online community" for your class.
Plan on adding one new topic to the discussion board each week. Make sure this topic requires students to formulate an answer and back it up with facts to demonstrate their understanding. Monitor and respond to student threads and encourage students to do the same. Locate at least three external websites that relate to information you are teaching. Place these in the External Links area and recommend students explore these sites on "virtual field trips." Optionally, structure an assignment that incorporates researching and reporting information from these field trips.

Create an Introductory Announcement
Post an introductory message in the announcements area. Welcome the students to your class and direct them to the Class Information area to obtain the syllabus, and indicate the location of the first class assignment or reading.

Complete the Process
Preview class materials by checking each link, proofreading descriptions, and viewing the course from a student perspective. Contact your Instructional Designer and schedule a meeting to review your class structure and the effectiveness of its content.
Provide students with the class URL. Instruct them on how to log in (consult your administrator for university-specific instructions).
Enjoy teaching your first online class!

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