Content Pages: Course Orientation Page Example

Course Orientation is Key

Orienting students to your online course is extremely important.  It gives students the big picture of the course, highlighting important information and assignments.  It also allows students to get a feel for the path your course takes, better understanding what it will take for them to be successful in the course. Place a course orientation page within an introductory module and refer back to it, either via announcements the first week of class or by linking to it from a page in your first week's module introducing content. 

 

What About My Syllabus?

While a course syllabus can help with this kind of orientation, if everything is placed into a course syllabus, important elements can get lost. Pull out the important pieces of information that will help students best understand a path to success with learning the course content and completing course assignments. In addition, a syllabus shouldn't be the holder of all information in a course. Check out the syllabus information to learn more.

 

Elements to Consider

Below is an example of a course orientation page.  You can also visit the actual orientation page for more details.  Notice the following important elements on the page:

• Chunked Information: Chunked information with the use of headers.
• Lists: Lists of information using bullets to help break down and organize information.
• Context: Plenty of context to orient students to the topic, what they are viewing, and why it's important. 
• White Space: White space between key pieces of information to ensure students can separate, organize, and easily digest information.