best_practices_course_schedule.docx
Updated: 1/8/2015
Course Schedule Best Practices
Include a course schedule so that students will get a global picture of the course/module
activities and due dates. Provide specific dates for each activity. Be sure to include a
time and the appropriate time zone. It is recommended that the same time be given as a
deadline, such as all assignments are due by 11:59 p.m. EST on the calendar due date.
It is recommended that the instructor include a statement reserving the right to modify
the assignments and the course schedule. You can notify students of changes in the
discussion area, email, announcements, or course calendar.
For classes where the rhythm of the course will be rapid, include a suggested class
routine to help students schedule their time accordingly and to successfully complete
the course activities on time.
NOTE: The tasks listed on the course schedule should match the order they were
provided in the Module(s). This ensure you have captured everything they need to
do in an ordered list (similar to a To-Do Task List). This also affords you with one
document you must change each term. Only put dates and point values on the
schedule…this way you only have one document to update each term. Organized
correctly, this serves as a great “checklist” source for students.
Regarding Quality Matters and Course Schedule
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QM 1.2: Students are introduced to the purpose and structure of the course.
Reminder for Section 508: ADA Compliance/Quality Matters Standard 8:
Accessibility
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Videos with audio should be captioned.
Audio files need to have text transcripts.
Images should include alternative text and/or descriptions.
Hyperlink text should be self-describing.
Color should not be used to convey meaning.
Tables should include row and column headers.
Ensure navigation and multimedia ease of use, alternate means of access to
course materials, accessible information regarding access to all technologies, and
design appropriately for easy readability.
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best_practices_course_schedule.docx
Updated: 1/8/2015
SAMPLE SCHEDULE TEMPLATE
COMM 123 - Course Schedule Fall 2014
Follow the suggested class routine schedule below to help you schedule your time accordingly
so that you can successfully complete the course activities. Please print the schedule for your
reference.
Monday: Check the course site for any updates of the weekly assigned modules, readings, and
related activities.
Tuesday-Friday: Complete the modules and related readings in the textbook, lecture readings,
and website readings. Prepare responses to discussion questions as directed. Submit initial
discussion postings on Wednesday of each week. Review classmate's discussion postings and
respond to two of your classmates' postings by Friday of each week.
Sunday: Make sure all assignments and quizzes are submitted by Sunday at 11:59 p.m.
Eastern Time.
XXX 000 Course Schedule
All activities are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time as determined by the
Blackboard Learn timestamp.
Start
Date:
date
date
Due
Date:
Point
Value
Module 1: Title
 Read pages 100-112 from the text.
 Watch the module lectures.
 Read XYZ article (or review ZYZ website).
 XYZ assignment due.
 Participate in the XYZ discussion activity.
 Complete the exam.
date
date
date
10
50
100
Module 2: Title
 Read pages 200-215 from the text.
 Watch the module lectures.
 Read XYZ article (or review ZYZ website).
 XYZ assignment due.
 Participate in the XYZ discussion activity.
 Complete the exam.
date
date
date
10
50
100
Module / Assignment Description:
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