Before Your Course Starts
So... your course is ready to go: all content is up, all activities have been developed, all assignments are ready... It is now time to write a module that will orient learners to the course.
The Orientation Module
The purpose fo the orientation module is to ensure that students have all the information about the course in one place. This modules should include sections about:
- Course overview
- How to get technical assistance
- Telephone number
- Email address
- Website
- How to contact tutor
- Hours
- Different ways of contact (email, skype, etc.)
- Links to any learner support materials available on campus
- Links to library if appropriate
- How the course is structured
- Number and name of modules
- How to work through the course
- Navigating the course site
- Study tips
- Explanation about modules activities and discussions
- Outline of learner assessment and self-assessment
- Links to policies, such as academic conduct if applicable
Assignment
Taking the Getting Started module in this course as an example, create an orientation module for your course.
The Introduction E-mail
One week before the course starts, you should send an introduction email to all the enrolled students in your course. The purpose of this email is to let yous students know how to login and what to expect of teh course. It is also a great way to establish a connection with the learners as you provide them with some information about yourself as the tutor/instructor.
Example
This sample email message is a good example of an introductory email. feel free to edit it and adapt it to your own needs.
And with this, you conclude the study of this course. We hope that by now you are well on your way to having your online or blended course implemented in Moodle. Best of luck with teaching your course!