Course Management Tips for Online Instructors

• Make sure to update your course clone each term. Please go to http://online.webster.edu, select the Faculty tab and click on the Quick Link for updating your clone.
• Be aware that the instructor needs to observe and manage the overall study pace of students in an online course. Although your students are expected to follow your course schedule to read weekly learning materials, do class activities, complete assignments, etc, they still need your guidance on the side from time to time. If the entire class lags behind, you may post a discussion message to the class. If individuals are behind, you may send them an email. If the class is off track in discussions, you might want to guide them into the right direction.
• Inform your students of important course dates (e.g. due dates) by posting a message, or sending an email, or posting a course calendar as a word document to a discussion message.
• As important dates come up, remind your students during the semester by sending emails or posting discussion messages.
• Check the “Manage Students” area in WebCT to track individual student activity. If you have anyone who has never logged in, please contact your department associate to check if they are still enrolled. If you have anyone not active in the class, please send them a private email to encourage their participation.
• Be engaged in class discussions because you are a role model for your students. Please guide your students by providing stimulating questions, offering new ideas, and relating discussions to course theories.
• Communicate with your students frequently. We recommend you check your course every day for emails, postings, etc. Frequent communication will help student’s progress by giving them timely feedback and direction.
• Grade quizzes and assignments within a week and supply appropriate and timely feedback for them.