Preparing the Model Course

Prepping a Model Course - What's New?

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Before the start of any online class, you need to put on the finishing touches to your course. You’ve always needed to prep your Canvas course and that hasn’t changed now that you’re receiving a model course, but the process has changed somewhat. Some things you don’t have to do anymore, like copying in your course content. Some things will be new, like reading the notes to the instructor. Most things will be similar, like setting up the census activity and connecting your online textbook.

The biggest thing that is “new” in prepping your model course is getting familiar with the content and sequence of the model course. Even the most experienced instructor needs time to review the scope and sequence of a course that is new to them. While this may be a significant time investment the first time you teach the course, it won’t take nearly as much time at the next 8-week session. It is something you’ll need to allot a little time for each time you teach the course because the model course can change from session to session as the Model Course Manager makes changes based on instructor feedback.

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Importing an old course into a class with a model course will create a lot of work for you to clean up. Instead, use the direct copy (copy to) option to copy in just the specific content that you want to add.

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Carefully read the Notes to Instructors. This could be a module, multiple modules, or text headers scattered throughout the modules. Remember, this information is just for you. It should NOT be published for students to view.

Here are some things to look for as you get familiar with a model course:

What are the SLOs? Are they different from what you’ve taught in the past?
What are the MLOs for each weekly module? Make a special note of content that was intentionally removed from the course so you don’t inadvertently include it and overload students.
What is the suggested evaluation of performance in the syllabus? Are assignments in weighted groups? What are the suggested point values of assignments?
What are the major assessments and activities for the course? Has the course designer provided any alternative or optional assignments for you to choose from?
What learning materials has the course designer provided? What supplemental or optional instructional materials are available? Spend some time reviewing them if they are new or different.
What is the pacing of the course? Has the course designer suggested due dates for assignments or discussions?
How will you engage with students throughout the course?

Now that you’re familiar with the model course, use the NEXT button to explore what you can and can’t change.