Passport: Course Orientation & Structure

Whether you're teaching in-person, hybrid or online, it’s important that your online course site resources, activities, and information are organized in a way that will help your students find what they need. Ultimately, the success of a course organizational scheme depends on using a consistent structure across different parts of the course, down to naming conventions that identify the purpose of each course material. 

Why Does It Matter?

• Exploring ways to ensure your course is structurally sound reduces anxiety and stress.
• Extra time that students spend searching for readings, assignments, or other resources is time that’s taken away from their learning.
• Inability to find resources can be discouraging and frustrating for students, and can result in students accidentally missing important assignments, readings, or deadlines.
• If resources are difficult to find in a course, this won’t impact all students equally - those with more previous experience using Canvas will likely be more comfortable clicking around or asking questions.

 A well-organized course can actively draw students toward your course. It signals that the instructor or instructional team respects students’ time and wants them to succeed, making the online course environment feel more welcoming. Assisting learners in identifying course expectations and successfully navigating the course itself will save you time and students will be more prepared to successfully meet learning outcomes. 

Some of the objectives that are explored in faculty development opportunities within this passport stamp are: 

Current Destinations

• The Pre-Flight Checklist
• Canvas Module Requirements

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Lott <clott@uw.edu>