Prior to the first day of the semester Jennifer sends out correspondence to all students enrolled in her Mathematical Reasoning course confirming they are in the course and sharing 5 steps they can take to prepare for a strong start. There is extra credit available on the first exam if a student completes all 5 items. The 5 items are also listed as individual coursework items in the LMS for ease of recording and tracking for both the instructor and the student.
The 5 steps for students to take are:
- Read the syllabus and watch the welcome video. The welcome video is a short orientation to the LMS, including where to find the syllabus. The video link is included in the initial email and pops up as the first thing students see when they open the LMS for the class.
- Sign up for the online courseware system used in class (Hawkes, WebAssign, etc.). There are written instructions and another short video about how students sign up for the online courseware system. When students sign up they show up on a quick report in the courseware system so then they are marked as completing this item.
- Video introduction and responses (2) in the discussion board. Jennifer posts an example introduction video in the discussion, showing how to record and answering a few questions. Students are encouraged to share what they like, but asked to include their program and what name they prefer. They must record their introduction and then post either a written or video response to 2 other students. Jennifer uses the LMS to see if students have made the initial and reply responses, and is able to give students credit for this task. Introductions are also an opportunity to note preferred names, which will be used in all correspondence during the course.
- Screenshot practice assignment. The screenshot practice is specific for Jennifer’s Mathematical Reasoning course, but could be useful in many courses where students are unable to attend faculty office hours in person. Jennifer has found it easiest to help with math problems when she can see the exact problem the student is working on. The quick help is easier if the student can share a screenshot of their work. This assignment is easily graded after a quick glance at the screenshot.
- Email and meet with me! This is the final step, when students email that they have completed the other steps. Jenifer has a meeting calendar available so students are able to select a slot, which then creates a TEAMS video meeting. Students can easily click to join the meeting. In the meeting Jennifer reviews a few important items and tells about coming information. Most importantly students are able to ask any questions they have, sometimes providing opportunities for Jennifer to send out information to all students to cover similar questions. The conversation always includes Jennifer telling the student she is glad they are in class and she knows they will be successful. Jennifer reminds students she is there to help them and they can reach out to her in many ways for help early and often.
Digital Resources
LMS, the chat and video embedded in the LMS, the online courseware system, coursework in the LMS, email, the calendar scheduling tool, the TEAMS video meetings, and the snip/screenshot tool
The use of a variety of course-specific digital tools benefits students by allowing them to explore the tools in a low pressure situation – before there are points assigned – where students can get help until they are successful. Students then receive extra credit for successfully completing the requirements. The steps will help the student feel welcome in class, be able to complete future assignments, and get help quickly which minimizes pauses in momentum throughout the semester. The largest barrier is usually students not being familiar with the technology, but each task on the list supports students gaining familiarity. Within the final video meeting students can share their screen so Jennifer has found walking students through where to click or how to find things has been beneficial. Our online courseware offers online tutoring in English and Spanish which many students do not know is available; many have given feedback they find it very helpful to have the meeting and learn more about available resources.
Jennifer recommends instructors consider which of these 5 items would be most useful to support students in their specific courses. The list can change depending on course features and the items can change depending on instructor goals.
Digital Enablement
Jennifer utilizes welcome and explanatory videos to make personal connections with students, conveying tone and message that might not come through clearly in a syllabus or written directions alone. A checklist of these 5 items shows up in students’ coursework in the LMS, which helps students and Jennifer monitor their progress. Email, screenshots, and virtual meetings help ensure that students know how to easily connect with Jennifer as the semester progresses. Students are learning about a variety of course tools, as well as their instructor and classmates while practicing important skills for their success in the course.