Course Name and Number
Example:  English Composition I:  ENGL 1010

Instructor Contact Information
Instructor Name:
A link to your online schedule may also be included at this location.
Office Phone: 
A list of VSCC telephone numbers where you can be reached.  Include your extension # (home telephone is optional).
Email Address:
List your VSCC E-mail address (home is optional).
Fax:
List your office fax number.
Secretary Phone:
List your Division secretary number.
Course Information
Course Description:
A brief statement describing the nature of the course, what the student can expect to learn, and an overview of course activities such as teamwork, group projects, student web pages, etc.
Course Objectives:
The course objectives should be stated clearly so that they can be related to the expected learning outcomes in each section or module of the course and to the goals of the overall assessment process.
Prerequisites and Co-requisites:
 A list of all course prerequisites with a statement of why the prerequisites are deemed necessary.
Course Topics:
A suggested sequence of course topics, perhaps noting that students should complete certain core modules prior to moving to elective or more advanced modules.
Specific Course Requirements:
A description of any special course requirements, such as knowledge of specific software, and why it is necessary for successful completion of the course.
Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements
Required Textbooks:
 A list of textbooks with the author, title, publisher, edition, date, and ISBN number.
Supplementary Materials:
A list of other published material the student is required to purchase for the course including lab manuals, lab kits, etc., including estimated or average costs.
Course Website address:
Include the complete course website address.
Hardware Requirements:
A list of any particular hardware requirements, CD-ROM, Pentium Class Computer, 32 MB RAM, etc.
Software Requirements:
A list of software the student is required to purchase or download for the course, Real Player, Media Player, Acrobat Reader, Microsoft Office, etc.
Assessment and Grading
Testing Procedures:
A statement describing the process students will need to have in place for proctors, online testing, etc.
Grading Procedure:
A detailed statement of how grades are related to or reflective of the expected learning outcomes. A statement of what constitutes high achievement in the course.
Grading Scale:
##-##---A
##-##---B
##-##---C
The grading scale should emphasize assignments, projects, and student participation in the learning community as well as timed quizzes and periodic examinations.
Assignments and Participation
Assignments and Projects:
A sequenced list of assignments and projects arranged by chapter, section, or module.
Class Participation or Attendance:
A statement that students must participate in all interactive aspects of the course if interaction is part of the course design. For example, students must communicate with other students in the chat room, students are expected to communicate with the instructor as a learning resource, students must check the course bulletin board frequently for announcements, and students must actively participate in threaded discussion events.
If this class has an orientation meeting or limited attendance meetings during the term, add a statement regarding attendance requirements.
Punctuality:
A statement of course milestones to keep the students on track in an asynchronous environment. 
Course Ground Rules
A reiteration and emphasis of certain rules and course expectations.  For example, Participation is required, Expected to communicate with other students in team projects, Learn how to navigate in My VolState Online, Keep abreast of course announcement., Use the assigned college or university e-mail address as opposed a personal e-mail address, Address technical problems immediately, Observe course netiquette at all times. 

Guidelines for Communications

Guidelines for Communications
Email:
Examples:

Always include a subject line.

Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.

Use standard fonts.

Do not send large attachments without permission.

Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.

Respect the privacy of other class members.

Discussion Groups:
Examples:

Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant.

Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.

Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other’s ideas.

Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.

Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.

Be positive and constructive in group discussions.

Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.

Chat:
Examples:

Introduce yourself to the other learners in the chat session.

Be polite. Choose your words carefully. Do not use derogatory statements.

Be concise in responding to others in the chat session.

Be prepared to open the chat session at the scheduled time.

Be constructive in your comments and suggestions.

Web Resources:
Examples:

Networking, Computer and Web Page Tutorials
http://www.cit.ac.nz/smac/csware.htm

Web Tutorials
http://www.htmlgoodies.com/

Columbia Guide to Online Style by Janice R. Walker and Todd Taylor

Netiquette, Or How to Mind Your Manners When Using E-Mail
http://www.augsburg.edu/library.aib/mailmanners.html

Citation Styles Online http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/online/cite6.html

Library

The Volunteer State Community College Library Website includes links and services for: an online catalog, basic library information, ATHENA, Help, electronic resources, distance education library services, interlibrary loan, instructional services, citation help, reserves, searching the web, and periodicals.
http://www.volstate.edu/lrc/lib.html

Students With Disabilities

It is the student’s responsibility to self identify with the Office of Disability Services in order to receive accommodations. 
Only those students with appropriate documentation will receive services.
Disability Services is located in the Campus Center, Suite C-206 B. 
Disability Services Phone (615)-230-3472     (615)-230-3488 TTD

Syllabus Changes

A statement that any necessary changes to the course syllabus will be sent to the student by e-mail and posted on the bulletin board.

Technical Support

Volunteer State Community College’s Help Desk:
(615) 454-8600 (extension 3302) or  (888) 335-8722 (extension 3302) Toll Free
Distance Learning Standards                                                                                            
Volunteer State has established Distance Learning Standards which apply to instruction and are the responsibility of faculty and students.  Click Standards to view the Vol State Distance Learning Standards.  For inquiries regarding these standards or if you identify potential improvements to these standards, we invite you to call Distance Learning at 615-452-8600 Ext. 3668 or email DLServices@volstate.edu.

 


A statement that explains the type of support that can be expected from the Help Desk.