Preparation is KEY!
When setting up your online courses much detail is required. I follow a prepared check list from my point of view as an instructor, I also use a check list for things I believe are needed by the student. It is a tedious process but it helps to avoid missing critical material or components when the course begins.
AuRiesheaua,
Great points. I also try to check all of my content, especially web-based resources and links. There have been times that links have changed within a year of teaching the course to find the link now points to something completely different, to nothing, or the worst to pornography (yes I have heard of this happening). Anything is possible, as you say it is always important to check over all of your materials each semester.
Herbert Brown III
kelia,
I like your organization and thinking with the checklist. There can be a lot of information to get together, messages to send to students, paperwork to complete, and other processes to follow. A simple checksheet as you mention can ensure you don't forget any important details. I probably need to create more checksheets.
Herbert Brown III
I have had my share of being surprised by something that was in the course content that should not have been. This was due to my lack of thoroughly going through and checking the material. Yes, it takes an extensive amount of time to ensure that everything is accessible and correct prior to the opening day, but it is worth it in the long run. If I don't know, as the instructor, what an assignment entails, how am I to explain it to the student learner? It really only takes one time to be embarrassed by the fact that you did not take the time to review the material and the students will pick up on this immediately. I have a personal checklist as well. I also make notes of what went wrong during the last session and try to post announcements clarifying or making corrections the next time around.
