Angel Master Course Template This document provides a sample of the Central Georgia Technical College approved Angel Course Template. The reasoning behind this required template is to provide place holders for all minimum information needed for online courses and to make it easier for students to find their way around in a class as all layouts will be the same and all information for each instructor can be found in the same place. When using the Angel Course Master Template, there are two sections which are important to pay particular attention to: the Course Tab and the Lesson Tab. The Lessons Tab screen in Angel is the screen that is of the most importance as it provides consistency for the students on all classes as how to navigate through their classes. There is no special requirements for the Course Tab Screen even though suggestions are provided below. In this document, you will be provided with the specific requirements for this course template along with some suggestions. However, there is still much individual customization in the assignments and course structure for each instructor. Course Tab (Referred to often as Announcement Page) This tab can be designed in any way that you feel is best for your students. One common nugget that is on this page is the Course Announcement nugget, where you can place your course announcements when you need to let the students know of important information or even due dates for assignments. Other suggested but not required nuggets that are placed on this screen are grade status, attendance, course and instructor information, my tools, and discussion boards. Figure 1 - Course Tab (Sample Screen)
Lesson Tab (This is the required layout for your assignments.) This tab shows the required layout for listing all assignments in a very linear structure so that students start at the top of the screen and work their way down to the end of the class or final exam. This consistent format will allow students to easily navigate their classes no matter what course or program they are enrolled. The first folder that should be listed is the Getting Started Course Information folder. Then each folder after that should be a consecutive numbered folder listing all the required modules from the class from top to button. (Example: Learning Module 1 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers) The last folder should be called Final Exam. This layout structure is required for all classes. The next section of this document will tell you what the contents of the Getting Started and Learning Module folders should contain. Figure 2 - Lesson Tab (Sample Screen)
Getting Started Course Information Folder This folder should contain the content for getting started in your class (see Figure 3). The page in this folder should be divided into four sections: Course Description, Course Competencies, Assignments, and Assignment/Assessment Submissions. The Course Description section should be exactly as stated in the CGTC course catalog found on the CGTC web site The Course Competencies section should contain a list of the Course Competencies found in the State Standards for this course. If the list of course competencies is too long for this space, then note them in this section and add a page, pdf, or folder in the fourth section Assignment, Assessment Submissions section for the student s review. The Assignments section should include the list of assignments that are needed in this Getting Started folder. The required assignments for this section are as follows: the reading of the Syllabus, a course schedule or course calendar, and instructor information with name and contact information and office hours if applicable. Assignments, Assessment, Submissions section should have as a minimum a copy of the course syllabus, course schedule/calendar, and the instructor information. The information provided above lists the minimum required information to be provided in this folder. You may however have much more information that you want to be included. Figure 3 - Course Information Folder (Sample)
Learning Module Folders Each of the Learning Module Folders that are created should contain the lesson assignments for each of the sections or chapters that you are teaching. This section is equivalent to your lesson plans for each unit that you are teaching. Each of the Learning Modules should have four sections: Goal, Objectives, Activities/Assignments, and Assignment/Assessment Submissions. The Goal section should provide the goal for this particular learning module or unit that will be covered. The Objections section should list the objectives that will be covered in the learning module. The Activities/Assignments section should contain a list of assignments to be completed in the learning module. COC states that a course should include multiple activities that engage students in active learning that address a variety of learning styles and preferences, and provide multiple opportunities for students to master content (COC CS 3.3.1.1). This means that you cannot give one multiple-choice test to assess if a student has mastered the content of a learning module. There must be multiple activities. The Activities, Assignments, Submissions section should contain the content such as Drop Boxes, exams, discussion board, for students to make submissions of the required activities. The activities and assignments that are contained in this section are totally up to the instructors; however, it is the structure of how the content is presented that is of importance. Figure 4 - Learning Module Folder (Sample)
Templates for Getting Started and Learning Modules When creating a class, it is much easier to create your documents in Microsoft Word and then copy/paste the documents into your Angel Class. There are Microsoft Word Document Templates provided for you to create all your learning module assignments. If you will email me at clee@centralgatech.edu, I will gladly email you a copy of the templates. Best Practices for Online Classes When teaching online classes, there are some best practices that need to be remembered to ensure that you class runs smoothly and provides the best possible experience for students. These practices are outline below: 1 st Contact An instructor should send out a Welcome Email 3 to 5 days before the semester begins. Then follow up with another email the first day of class. The contents of this email might include as a suggestion: instructor contact information, textbook and/or software required for class; and Angel instructions on getting logged in. If you would like a sample copy of an email, then please email me at clee@centralgatech.edu Emails - An instructor should answer all student emails within 24 hours except weekends which is optional. Course Announcements Keep your students up-dated with due dates, exams, and other announcements by changing the announcement page every one or two weeks at a minimum. Grades All assignments should be graded no later than 7 days after the due date and posted to the Angel Gradebook. Students should know from week-to-week what their cumulative grade point average is for the class.