Frequently Asked Question
DIY: Generic Syllabus Template for Interactive Online Courses
Last Updated 4 years ago
To the right, you can see the generic syllabus templates for interactive online courses. Usually for online degrees, we create a branded unique syllabus template for that degree.
If you want to add online elements to your syllabus, the best option is to:
8 week interactive:
This course is offered for _____ semester credits; therefore it is expected that you will spend ____ [put in the real number] total hours on this course. Note that as an 8 week course, it is the equivalent of a semester course offered in half the time. You should budget about ___ hours per week day [Take the course total hours, divide by 8, then divide by 5]. You’ll spend your time reading, accessing instructional materials, interacting with your instructor and classmates, and completing homework.
A recommended weekly schedule to divide your time is provided [These should add up to about 16 hours per week for a 3 credit hour. Below is a sample. Please change it to match the class]:
This course is offered for _____ semester credits; therefore it is expected that you will spend ____ [put in the real number] total hours on this course. This translates to a steady ____ hours each week. You’ll spend your time reading, accessing instructional materials, interacting with your instructor and classmates, and completing homework.
A recommended weekly schedule to divide your time is provided [These should add up to about 16 hours per week for a 3 credit hour. Below is a sample. Please change it to match the class]:
It is very important that you budget and distribute your time well, setting aside at least three work ‘sessions’ each week (as distributed practice has be shown to improve learning). Plan for the time you need to carefully read/study through your course content and text chapters, for participation in the learning activities and discussion forums, and for taking chapter quizzes, mid-term and final exams. Set your own deadlines well ahead of those stipulated. Remember, it is always an advantage to work ahead!
If you want to add online elements to your syllabus, the best option is to:
- Start with the syllabus template for your college or program. You can . This will ensure you have the appropriate look and design. And/or start with your existing syllabus.
- Online elements from the syllabi templates to the right that you might wish to include in remote teaching:
- A paragraph describing your delivery plan, specifically what students can expect for deadlines and synchronous requirements.
- The "other assistance" section with contact information.
- The Credit Hour statement. This is required by HLC for all non-regular courses (online, intensives, tours, etc). In online courses, we use this language both to meet HLC requirements and to set reasonable expectations for students. The bell doesn't ring in an online course, so help students know how to manage their time. See additional information below.
- The Technical Requirements and LearningHub Access sections.
- The proctoring language if you have arranged exam proctoring with Glynis Bradfield (glynisb@andrews.edu).
- A detailed schedule. If you aren't including this currently in your syllabus, time to start! Make sure this matches your LearningHub layout exactly (names, sequence, etc.). It's best practice to align your assignments to the outcomes too (far right column). Include also a note about the time zone as given in the template.
- Netiquette. You may wish to include this or some variation.
Credit Hour Sample Language
Some additional sample language for the credit hour statement is provided below. These templates are created for undergraduate, so please adjust accordingly for the graduate credit hour. See .8 week interactive:
This course is offered for _____ semester credits; therefore it is expected that you will spend ____ [put in the real number] total hours on this course. Note that as an 8 week course, it is the equivalent of a semester course offered in half the time. You should budget about ___ hours per week day [Take the course total hours, divide by 8, then divide by 5]. You’ll spend your time reading, accessing instructional materials, interacting with your instructor and classmates, and completing homework.
A recommended weekly schedule to divide your time is provided [These should add up to about 16 hours per week for a 3 credit hour. Below is a sample. Please change it to match the class]:
- Readings: 6 hours
- Lectures: 4 hours
- Interactive Discussions: 2 hours
- Quizzes: 1 hour
- Weekly work on Final Paper: 1 hours
- Studying for Upcoming Exams: 2 hours
This course is offered for _____ semester credits; therefore it is expected that you will spend ____ [put in the real number] total hours on this course. This translates to a steady ____ hours each week. You’ll spend your time reading, accessing instructional materials, interacting with your instructor and classmates, and completing homework.
A recommended weekly schedule to divide your time is provided [These should add up to about 16 hours per week for a 3 credit hour. Below is a sample. Please change it to match the class]:
- Readings: 6 hours
- Lectures: 4 hours
- Interactive Discussions: 2 hours
- Quizzes: 1 hour
- Weekly work on Final Paper: 1 hours
- Studying for Upcoming Exams: 2 hours
It is very important that you budget and distribute your time well, setting aside at least three work ‘sessions’ each week (as distributed practice has be shown to improve learning). Plan for the time you need to carefully read/study through your course content and text chapters, for participation in the learning activities and discussion forums, and for taking chapter quizzes, mid-term and final exams. Set your own deadlines well ahead of those stipulated. Remember, it is always an advantage to work ahead!