IDDC - Course Checklists

Syllabus 

  • Use the common syllabus template to ensure consistently and clarity for students.
  • Place the syllabus in an easily accessible section of your Blackboard course, such as the Syllabus and Schedule module or another prominent content area. 

Course Schedule 

  • Publish a detailed course schedule outlining topics, assignments, exams, and due dates to keep students informed and organized. 

Content Visibility 

  • Ensure all course materials and assignments are visible to students or set appropriate release conditions that align with your course schedule. 

Update Course Dates 

  • If copying content from another course, review and update individual items, settings, and due dates to reflect the current semester.
  • Use the Batch Edit feature in Blackboard to quickly update assessment due dates.

Content Clean-Up 

  • Check all external and internal links to ensure they are working correctly.
  • Remove outdated or irrelevant content to streamline the course layout.
  • Locate and delete unopened and unused course files.

Gradebook 

Add TA 

  • Email iddc@ysu.edu to request a TA/GA be added to your course.

Accessibility 

  • Ensure course materials comply with accessibility guidelines.
  • Use Blackboard's Ally tool to assess and improve the accessibility of your course materials. 

Announcements 

  • Create a welcome announcement to introduce yourself, set the tone for the course, and provide an overview of what students can expect. 

Practice Assignments 

  • Post a low-stakes assignment to familiarize students with Blackboard tasks such as responding to discussions, submitting assignments, or taking tests with Respondus.

Communication 

  • Post regular communication through email or announcements to summarize upcoming due dates, key topics, and other important information.
  • Celebrate student milestones through announcements or course achievements.
  • Offer a mid-semester check-in survey to gather feedback on what's working well and areas for improvement.

Facilitate and Monitor Discussions

  • Read and evaluate student posts for depth, accuracy, and engagement.
  • Facilitate discussions, offer feedback, and guide students to extend the conversation and reinforce strong participation.
  • Monitor discussions to ensure they remain respectful, inclusive, and accurate.

Grade Work and Provide Feedback

  • Grade newly submitted assignments, quizzes, and discussions.
  • Provide clear, consistent feedback that guides improvement.
  • Post grade consistently so students can monitor their standing.

Gradebook Evaluation

  • Grade all remaining assessments and verify all grades are posted (no items remain in "Needs Grading/Posting").
  • Ensure all grades are entered and calculated correctly in the gradebook.  
  • Verify the overall grade column and submit grades to Banner. 
  • Ensure rubrics are fully completed and visible to students.
  • Provide clear, summative feedback on major assignments.

Course Evaluation 

  • After course evaluations are submitted, review the feedback and consider areas for improvement in future courses. 
  • Review student analytics to identify patterns in engagement and performance.

Update Course 

  • Make updates to the course materials and assignments to ensure they are current for the next semester. 
  • Refresh multimedia, readings and external resources.
  • Identify and adjust assignments that were most/least effective.
  • Update unclear instructions, broken links, or outdated materials.