EssentialElements

Notes from Essential Elements:

 * Provide a way for annoymous feedback.
 * Write an End of Course Evaluation.
 * Create a journal of experiences as facilitators - what worked, what didn't
 * Use Icons to designate different parts of the activities - ex. Group Discussion Items, Assignments.
 * Take time to build a community of learners.
 * Provide a checklist each week with the assignment - type of activity - and place to check off the task when completed.
 * Provide an opportunity for groupwork in the course - //can be in the wiki week//
 * What exactly should be in the learning blogs each week? //Reflections only? Details about the course work?//
 * How many times a week are we requiring students to check into the course? (important to build community and to keep the site active)

How to assess our writing of the assignments:
 * Could a first timer read the assignment and know exactly what to do and why they were doing it?
 * Are the instructions detailed?
 * Are the learning objectives for the week clearly stated.
 * Are there clear and detailed set of expectations given for completetion of each activity
 * Have a colleague read over the assignment and give feedback.
 * Are different learning styles addressed in the resources provided.
 * Are each week's assignments "chunked" out into teaching info - task - teaching info - task, etc.
 * Is the learning cycle present: Intro, Lesson, Activity, Discussion
 * Is there a group discussion item for the week? (To be conducted through the comments on that week's posting.)
 * Are there several activities around each topic?