These guidelines were developed by the committee based on researched best practices in online learning. Their purpose is to inform new and existing instructors of the expectations for teaching online courses for FSW. These guidelines are supplements to the College Operating Procedures that govern eLearning. Online teaching and learning is a constantly evolving medium, so be sure to visit this site regularly for possible updates.
Guidelines for Course Introductions
Research has shown that students want to learn about their online instructors and are more successful when they can identify with them. Creation of an introduction provides students an opportunity to get to know their instructors, sets the tone for the class, and incorporates a human element to the course. An introduction also allows the instructor to explain what he/she expects from students, as well as what students can expect from the instructor.
ATC strongly encourages instructors to create an introduction page that allows students to “meet” their instructor for each online course they teach. This page should include a video [1, 2] of the instructor that contains:
- important information about the course
- professional and/or personal information that the instructor is comfortable sharing
- expectations of the students (e.g., completing discussions, exams, essays, etc.)
- what students can expect from the instructor (e.g., turnaround times for emails and grading, availability to meet online or via phone, etc.)
The video [1, 2] should not exceed 10 minutes; a maximum of 5 minutes is considered “best practice.”
[1] If instructors prefer they may opt to replace a video with a photo or representative image (e.g. avatar) and an audio clip.
[2] Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance should be considered in the creation of all audio-visual media used in an ongoing manner within a course, or in such case when a student in the class has indicated the need for an accommodation. ATC is available to assist instructors in meeting ADA compliance should the need arise. ATC adheres to the College Operating Procedure on ADA Compliance (COP # 01-0104)
Guidelines for Course Syllabi
All course syllabi should be submitted to the appropriate academic department by the official deadline. Before the course start date, instructors should post a syllabus in their course(s) and should email a welcome message, which includes the syllabus, to students registered in their course(s).
Syllabi must be created using the current template and should contain, at a minimum, all of the following:
- A clear and concise explanation of how the student's grades will be calculated. This explanation may use points, where each assignment or assignment category is assigned a certain number of points with a cumulative total. Or, as best practices indicate, a breakdown of each assignment category by weighted percentages may be provided.
- The title, author, edition and ISBN number for any required, recommended or optional course materials. Note: If a course is using a “bundled” course package, a separate ISBN number for the standalone book and the associated ancillaries needs to be provided as well.
Any policies that might negatively affect a student's grade. Examples include:
- Policies relating to accepting or not accepting late work.
- Any other policy that may alter a student's overall grade based on a set of circumstances (e.g. missing a paper, exam, certain number of assignments, etc… automatically lowering a student's grade).
- Policies regarding the availability or unavailability of make-up exams.
- Policies regarding specific consequences that the professor will pursue involving cheating including plagiarism.
Guidelines for Course Communication and Grading
College policy mandates final grades must be finalized and entered into the FSW Portal in accordance with the schedule set forth in the FSW Official College Calendar and any amendments to such schedule as communicated by FSW administration. Failure to submit grades in a timely manner adversely affects students. In the event an unforeseen circumstance prevents an instructor from filing one or more grades by the deadline, the instructor should inform the academic dean as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours following the deadline. The instructor and the academic dean must work together to promptly submit grade change forms.
Upon course completion the instructor is expected to be available if:
- A student grade challenge is submitted.
- An incomplete grade ("I") is recorded.