Early this summer Brightspace introduced the Work To Do widget. While targeting student success and keeping students up-to-date with their work the tool can help instructors too.
A common complaint we hear from instructors is that students don’t read before class or submit assignments on time. When students read the needed articles before class or submit assignments on time, instructors can work more efficiently. Although due dates for readings and assignments are probably already in the course syllabus having them in Brightspace tied to the activities and content can create a more efficient environment for everyone.
Using the Work To Do widget located on the system home page, students can see what work they have to complete across all their courses. Using the widget on a course home page, students can see at a glance what they need to do or what is overdue specific to that course. Knowing what’s expected can lead to better-prepared students and more on-time submissions by providing necessary information for students to manage their time better.
Due dates can be added to almost all activities (discussions don’t have due dates). Having alerts for upcoming quizzes and assignments is something students have requested. If they see the dates and are reminded each time they enter the class site, the more likely they will complete them on time. AND, the more assignments completed on time means easier and more equitable grading of assignments. When you can grade an entire class’s work at one time rather than in dribs and drabs (with reference back to other students’ submissions because you can’t remember how you graded a specific point), you get time back to do what matters to you.
For content due dates, rather than placing the due date on the content item, create a checklist with a due date for all the content and ungraded work that must be completed for a specific class. While the widget will display the due date of content items, the item will not drop off the list because the system has no way to indicate completion – hence the use of a checklist. Without a way to make the item disappear when it is complete the item stays on the list, becomes an overdue item, and may cause more confusion and distress for the students. If students can’t easily tell which work actually is overdue or currently due, they will not be better prepared.
Best practices to make the Work To Do widget work for you:
- Add due dates to all assignments, and quizzes
- Create checklists of all readings and prep work and include a due date for each checklist.
Enjoy a more efficient class.