Organizing Content based on Lecture Schedule (Traditional In-Person Delivery)

ID&D KB How-to Guide

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MyClasses can be used to organize the flow of traditional in-person course delivery working within the framework of the lecture schedule. While the MyClasses course might serve as a repository for information that you normally distribute during your course period, this approach organizes that information based on the course schedule, utilizing the Modules feature within the platform.

Similar to the repository approach the MyClasses course environment should be straight-forward and simple in design and convey essential information as depicted below:

Lecture-based Organization

The essential difference in the approach is that the homepage navigation primarily relies on the Course Schedule button which directs students to series of short pages that outline each session’s activities within the Module listing page.

Sample Schedule Listing

Each link on the schedule is an information page that contains a greater level of detail for students to keep them on track during the semester.

You can click on the images in this article to see them larger and with more detail.

Announcements: Allows you to remind students of upcoming assignments and keep them engaged when not in the classroom. This only appears when an announcement has been posted.
Modules: This is a feature in MyClasses that allows for accessing information in a list format. List items can be pages, assignments, files, quizzes, external links, etc.
Assignments: Allows you to set due dates, collect assignments and complete grading in an electronic manner.
Files: Allows you to distribute information electronically to students rather than in printed format.
People: Allows students to know who is in the course and interact with each other outside of class.
Grades: Allows you to post grades for students to keep them informed of progress and performance.

Open your MyClasses Course
Scroll down and select the Settings link at the bottom of the Navigation Menu
Select Navigation from the tabs at the top of the page

Remove items from the Navigation Bar
Disable any items that will not be used by either:
1. Selecting the disable option from the options (three-dot kebab icon)
2. Drag the item down the page and drop it into the disabled list
  
  Disable via Option or Drag and Drop
When you have disabled all items you do not want students to access, scroll to the bottom of the page and Save the changes

Save Changes

Two additional links in the navigation menu are required for all courses: SU Course Policies and Procedures and VitalSource Course Materials. Do not disable these when setting up your navigation settings!

Home Page:

The home page for your course should also be simplified but purposeful in its design.

The essential information and navigation a home page supports, as depicted above, should include:

Navigation buttons to the course schedule (Modules), assignments, course materials (handouts and files)
Vital instructor information (Name, contact information)
Essential course information: Course ID/Title in banner, link to syllabus (downloadable document), class meeting times/location

Using a template design helps establish a continuity within a program, department or school, and is highly recommended. These templates are available through Canvas Commons or can be designed by you or your ID&D Instructional Designer.

ID&D has several examples of home pages available for your use. Contact your ID&D liaison for help in determining which one fits your needs!

Content Organization:

Content listed on the Modules page (accessed from Navigation Menu or homepage button) is the focus of this approach to course organization.

As a repository of course materials, this design incorporates the use of the Assignments tool as well as the Files feature. Explanations of how to use these are available in the KB article Organizing Content as a Repository for Traditional In-person Delivery.

Lecture Page

In this approach, you are providing students with a greater level of information about what is expected to take place based on a particular lecture session. To do this you will create a page in your MyClasses course for each lecture session. It is recommended that this page includes the following information:

An overview of the topic (1-2 sentences)
The learning objectives for the lesson
Readings and links to associated materials
A list of activities including assignments or in-class activities

A template is available for this page from your ID&D liaison, as depicted below:

Template for Lecture Page

You can choose to use a template or create your own page layout for your lecture pages. If you choose to create your own pages, refer to the KB article Creating Content Pages with DesignPLUS.

Module Page

Once your individual pages are created, files uploaded and assignments created, you can now assemble the Module Page for students to access.

Click on Modules in the navigation menu.
Click the +Module button in the upper right corner

Create a Module
In the pop-up window
1. Enter the name “Course Schedule” or another title that you prefer
2. Click the Add Module button in the lower right corner
  
  Name Module and Add to Module Page
The module will be added to the Module Page. To add links to the module llsting, click the + on the right side of the module heading

Add items to Module Listing
From the pull-down list in the pop-up window, select Page

Add Pages to Listing
From the list of pages
1. select the page(s) you want to add and
2. click the Add Item button in the lower right corner
  
  Select pages and Add to listing
The pages you selected will be added to the module. You can reorder the pages by dragging them into the sequence you want.

Pages added to Listing
Repeat steps 5-7 for other types of content links you want such as assignments or handouts.
When you have finalized your module page, publish it so that it will be displayed for students.

Publish the Module