RULES+OF+THUMB


 * [[image:IDEAL-NM_logo_round.JPG width="74" height="75"]]RULES OF THUMB WHEN DEVELOPING/PREPARING YOUR ONLINE COURSE:**
 * 1) The online course should meet the same **outcomes/standards** as the face-to-face version of the course. The only **difference is the delivery style.**
 * 2) The **course syllabus** should provide as much detail as possible. Try to anticipate the questions your students might have and try to address them clearly in your syllabus. Clearly communicate course **expectations** and policies.
 * 3) Clearly define any **pre-requisites** important to the students’ success in the class. Identify any need for remediation from the start.
 * 4) Clearly communicate the overall **learning outcomes** for the course. Make sure students understand what they will need to know and be able to do at the end of each unit and at the end of the course.
 * 5) Clear **communication is key**! Be sure students understand what is expected of them, **instructions** for activities and assignments, deadlines, and announcements.
 * 6) Be sure to connect with your students from the start—your BIO and introduction are critical pieces. If you have a personal homepage you may want to share the link with your students. **(Teacher Presence)**
 * 7) The tone of your **written communication** within the online course should be conversational as well as be written with clarity and in complete, well-structured sentences.
 * 8) **Discussion** postings/responses should not exceed more than 1-2 screens long. Students are more likely to contribute to the discussions because they do not have to write lengthy responses. Also readers will lose interest and focus if a message is more than 2 screens in length.
 * 9) Diversify you **presentation of content**—avoid long increments of lecture text. Be sure your presentation content consists of a mix of content presentations, discussions, student-centered exercises, independent research etc…**(Multiple Paths to learning and assessment)**
 * 10) Be sure assignment due dates are reasonable and that students have ample time to process information. **(Focus on essential content and Pacing Guides)**
 * 11) Provide a diverse array of **student-centered** activities to meet the differing learning styles of your students. **(Personalized Learning)**
 * 12) Limit your use of green or red text to accommodate color blind students. **(ADA Compliance)**

IDEAL-NM courses must use formats that are accessible to all students. Formats for documents that do not require modification (e.g. syllabus, resource materials) should be in .pdf files. Documents that require modification (e.g. pacing guides, worksheets) should be in .rtf files. Slideshow presentations created with PowerPoint should be saved and added as .pdf files.
 * Universal File Formats**

Video files should be in Quicktime. If .avi must be used, a statement explaining how to download player for .avi files should be referenced.

IDEAL-NM expects all course developers to follow copyright laws when developing courses. Resources are provided in the Teacher Resource Center in Blackboard (i.e. checklist for compliance with the T.E.A.C.H Act).
 * Copyright**