Use Brightspace to communicate clear expectations and keys to success. The following may not be included in your syllabus, but you may want to add them to your Brightspace Overview page, or in a Brightspace Module like “Syllabus and Course Information”. Make the expectations crystal clear so that students understand the course design, as well as their role in their learning, from the beginning.
The language below meets the following Quality Matters Standards:
- Minimum technology requirements (QM Standard 1.5)
- Minimum technical skills (QM Standard 1.6)
- Getting started (QM Standard 1.1)
- Communication expectations (QM Standards 1.3)
- Successful students learner support (QM Standards 7.3)
Please feel free to use, modify, or share the following student-centric language designed to help students succeed.
Technology Requirements
This course requires the following technologies:
- Web browser (Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari)
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (free)
- Microsoft Word (part of the office suite, free for Wentworth students)
- Reliable broadband internet connection (DSL or cable) to stream videos
- A working webcam, microphone and speaker (or headset)
- Zoom access and download
- <<Insert course-specific requirements>>
Technical Skills
This course may require the following technical skills.
- Reading and writing emails (including use of attachments)
- Creation and manipulation of word processor documents (word, google docs, pages, etc)
- Searching and deciphering information on the internet
- Use of Brightspace Learning Management System
- The ability to take a screenshot to help with troubleshooting
- Basic tech troubleshooting and the ability to contact Wentworth Tech Spot
- <<Insert course-specific skills>>
Successful Students
To be successful in the course:
- Check the course announcements daily <<replace with weekly, or bi-weekly, or whatever frequency you recommend>>
- Attend the required class meetings
- Arrive on time
- Participate in in-class activities
- Read and respond to email messages as needed
- Complete assignments by the due dates specified
- Communicate regularly with your instructor and peers
- Create a study schedule to stay on track
- Ask for help early
- Follow the Wentworth COVID-19 Re-Entry Plan, available on the COVID-19 News and Resources page
- Visit Wentworth’s Success Studio for resources
- <<Insert course-specific success tips>>
Communication
This course uses a discussion forum for general questions and comments about the course. Prior to posting a question or comment, students are encouraged to check the syllabus, announcements, and existing content in Brightspace to find the answer. You are encouraged to respond to your classmates.
Email questions of a personal nature to your instructor. You can expect a response within <<# of hours, i.e. 24>> hours.
Students are expected to check their email regularly and act on email in a timely fashion if necessary.
Getting Started
Here is a list of things to do before getting started with the course
- Check your browser’s compatibility with Brightspace by clicking the link to Perform a System Check
- If this is your first time taking a course in Brightspace, review the Getting Started Playlist or Learner FAQ
- Turn on your course notifications – Navigate Brightspace Learning Environment (Video 00:01:43)
- Introduce yourself in the Introductions discussion forum <<or other course-specific next steps>>