UNM-LA Online Course - Publisher Platform, Version 1.0
Checklist for Course Creation
Prepared by Anna Durakiewicz, UNM-LA eLearning Committee
Note for Instructor:
This checklist was developed for instructors who use a publisher’s platform in addition to, or instead of,
the online classroom in Blackboard Learn. It is based on the general UNMLA Online Course Template
and materials that are available in the UNMLA TemplateBox. You can access the TemplateBox here:
http://www.unm.edu/~itc/UNMLA/UNMLA_Template/UNMLA_Online_Course_Template_File_Acc
ess.htm
Here’s a shorter link that’s easier to type and remember: http://tinyurl.com/templatebox
The files in the TemplateBox are organized by category. You can see the organization of the UNMLA
Online Course Template in the UNMLA Online Course Template User Guide, which is in the
UNMLA_Template_Instructions folder, listed on the page that you will bring up with the above link.
These instructions are designed for courses that are taught entirely or almost entirely within Learn, and
they present the philosophy used in creating the template. You can use them to see the range and
nature of files that are included in the general online template, and to select files that are appropriate
for and that support your course.
Here are the steps:
1. Obtain the access to the Publisher’s learning platform as an instructor
 Use publisher’s training centers and user guide to obtain most recent information( e.g. for
ALEKS: http://www.aleks.com/highered/math/training_center , MyMathLab:
http://www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com/northamerica/mymathlab/educators/support/ind
ex.html )
 Obtain contact information to publisher’s representative or platform support (e.g. for ALEKS:
http://www.aleks.com/support MyMathLab:
http://www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com/northamerica/mymathlab/educators/support/ind
ex.html )
 Set up your login information: username and password
2. Create the course
 Using publisher’s platform create or copy the course – use training available through publisher’s
page as needed. The publisher will send an email with the course creation confirmation and
course ID or class code. Please keep those emails because you will need to deliver the class code
or course ID to your students. See sample of those emails in Appendix A. Also, please see
appendix H for getting started with ALEKS checklist.
 Even if the instructor uses only the publisher’s platform for the online course, he/she needs to
leave the contact information and course information at the home page of the online course at
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UNM Blackboard Learn platform. Some students do not check their UNM mailboxes and go
directly to UNM Blackboard Learn for information. Within the information left at Learn please
include at least a short announcement explaining that you will use the publisher’s learning
platform, and add student registration instructions, your contact information and the course
syllabus. Example of such information is in Appendix E.
3. Set up the course
 Identify desired learning outcomes
 Determine acceptable evidence that students are making progress toward the learning
outcomes of the course
 Consider wide range of assessment methods. Do not limit the assessment to methods offered by
the publisher like homework problems, tests, quizzes media assignments etc. Include
assessments that would allow you verify students thinking process.
 Make sure that the assessments match the learning outcomes. For example if one of your goals
is for students to learn how to make the graph of logarithmic function by hand, give them an
assessment that requires a demonstration of their graphing by hand skills.
 Design your instruction strategies and students learning activities. You want to foster increasing
understanding, not rote memorization.
4. Getting started*
 Create syllabus and schedule– use template from:
http://www.unm.edu/~itc/UNMLA/UNMLA_Template/UNMLA_Template_Files/ and see
Semester Schedule Checklist at
http://www.unm.edu/~itc/UNMLA/UNMLA_Template/UNMLA_Checklist_Files/
 Prepare or customize publisher’s materials with Student Registration Instructions – see
appendix B with example
 Create Welcome Letter and include within it Student Registration Instructions - see the welcome
letter checklist at
http://www.unm.edu/~itc/UNMLA/UNMLA_Template/UNMLA_Checklist_Files/
 Prepare the materials/assignments with course navigation and course orientation information –
see appendix C with example
 Prepare document with “how to get help information” that contains both technical and
academic support information. Be sure to include links to publisher materials for academic and
technical support. Also, explain what types of help you will provide. Make sure to address the
following:
UNM-LA Academic Support
Center
Web link to
http://asc.unm.edu/
UNM-LA Student Services
Web link to http://losalamos.unm.edu/facultystaff/student-services/index.html
UNM-LA Library
Web link to http://losalamos.unm.edu/library/
UNM Libraries
Web link to
http://library.unm.edu/
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UNM Accessibility Resource
Center
Web link
http://as2.unm.edu/
The Pathfinder - UNM student Web link
handbook
http://pathfinder.unm.edu/
UNM LoboAlerts
Web link
http://loboalerts.unm.edu
Computer Skills Needed in
Online Courses
T-ComputerSkillsForTakingOnlineCourses.pdf
http://www.unm.edu/~itc/UNMLA/UNMLA_Templ
ate/UNMLA_Template_Files/
lynda – free online computer
skills training
http://lynda.unm.edu
If you use UNM Learn to some extent, please consider including the following information:
Where to get Technical
Support for UNM Learn
T-WhereToGetHelpAndTechSupport.docx
http://www.unm.edu/~itc/UNMLA/UNMLA_Templa
te/UNMLA_Template_Files/
How to Create a Support
Ticket
T-HowToCreateSupportTicket.pdf
http://www.unm.edu/~itc/UNMLA/UNMLA_Templa
te/UNMLA_Template_Files/
Set up your computer to work
with Learn
T-SettingUpComputerForLearnInThisCourse.pdf
http://www.unm.edu/~itc/UNMLA/UNMLA_Templa
te/UNMLA_Template_Files/
How to Use Tools in Learn –
Quick Steps
http://online.unm.edu/help/learn/students/
Please see appendix D with example for publisher’s-only course.
 Prepare instructor information – see the “Instructor Information Checklist” at
http://www.unm.edu/~itc/UNMLA/UNMLA_Template/UNMLA_Checklist_Files/
*For all the checklists make sure to include publisher information instead of or in addition to UNM
Learn information and make minor changes to adjust to your course requirements.
5. Set up the course on the publisher’s learning platform
 Course Organization: Adjust the course menu or create system of folders, tabs, or modify the
Course Home page to include: course syllabus, instructor information, course schedule, course
support -“how to get help” information, and resources - all materials that you created for the
course. Also ‘hide’ the tabs that you do not plan to use. Make sure to clearly label all included
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information. If possible identify within the label whether material is mandatory or optional if not
make it clear in e.g. syllabus or course orientation.
An example of MML set up for the home page and ALEKS resources page you may see in
Appendix F.
 Create course content. Create/adjust assessments and link them with the learning material and
learning outcomes. For example you may consider add the learning objectives to the schedule
like in the example in Appendix G.
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APPENDICES SECTION
EXAMPLES FOR PUBLISHER’S-ONLY COURSE
Appendix A
Example of the MyMathLab email – confirmation of course
creation
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Example of ALEKS email
Appendix B
Example of MyLab student registration information
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Appendix C
Example of Course Orientation
You are expected to fully participate for about 10-15 hours each week.
The following are mandatory activities.
1. Please start with familiarizing yourself with the course syllabus - the most recent
version is under [Syllabus] button
2. Complete and submit Quiz #1 via email to me at instructor@unm.edu. The copy
of the quiz is available under [Quiz 1] button
3. To get started, run Browser Check to make sure you can view course materials.
View How to Enter Answers to learn about entering answers with math notation.
4. Click on [Homework] button and do “Chapter 0 Homework” that will walk you
through the course navigation and teach you how to use the course tools.
5. Post your introduction to [Introduce Yourself] forum
6. Step-by step participation activities with the due dates are given under course
schedule and included in your MML calendar
7. Watch the video lectures under [Homework assignments] e.g. ”Video Lecture for
Section x.x”
8. Make the lectures notes on paper, use them for the revision. The notes are due
at the time of the Final Exam
9. Participate in online office hours are needed to obtain clarification on topic
taught. Use [Course Tools] tab and 'Chat & ClassLive' Join Session
10. Submit the homework assignments under [Homework] quizzes and tests under
[Quizzes&Tests] in MML
11. Please pay close attention to Announcements included in Course Home page
12. Read and respond to emails send by instructor.
13. Take paper-pencil final exam either at UNM Main Campus or UNM Los Alamos
Campus
The following are optional activities.
The optional activities and materials do not contribute to your final grade, but they
will give you opportunity for personalized learning experience, self-assessment and
extra practice.
1. [Study Plan] -use it for self-assessment and extra practice
2. [Multimedia Library] - use it for learning the content using publisher created
lectures recordings, presentations and animation.
3. [Tools for Success]- use it if you need addition revision activities, access to
formulas, if you need help with graphing calculator and additional interesting
precalculus projects.
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Suggestions for Success
Here is some important information how to be successful in math online class.
1) It is very important that you work each week for a few hours a day, at least 4
days during every week. Please do not allow your work to pile up on due date,
because your brain needs time to process information. If you sit for 6 straight
hours you will get tired and you will decrease your learning ability.
2) Please start your study with Media Assignments – Video Lectures and if time
permits use optional [Multimedia Library] button to get to presentations,
animations and video explanations for each section of your textbook. Please note
that life class meets 4 hours each week just to discuss the material, so please
dedicate at least 3 hours each week just studying new material and preparing for
the homework.
3) AFTER studying material for each section please start doing your homework –
starting with the media assignments. Please start at least a few days before the
due date. This way you give yourself time to get help if necessary.
4) Schedule and participate in live-office hours. There are several ways to
communicate during the office hours:
a. Phone conversation – does not allow for visual contact, but if you need fast
answer or help without scheduling please call 505 661 4694
b. Blackboard Collaborate – go to UNM Learn, click on our math online course
and click on Web conferencing tab from the left-hand side menu. This session
needs to be scheduled via email or phone with the instructor.
c. Join.me – just call me and have your computer connected to internet. I will
provide next step via phone. This session needs to be scheduled via email or
phone with the instructor.
d. ClassLive tool in MML – log in to MML, go to Couse Tools tab, choose Chat &
ClassLive, go to ClassLive and click on Join Session. This session needs to
be scheduled via email or phone with the instructor.
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Appendix D
Example of Academic and Technical Support
How to get help
Academic Support
Please direct all content related questions to me via phone 505 111 1111 or email instructor@unm.edu
MyMathLab offers help while you are working on the problem. Please use buttons available for each
assignment: [Help me Solve This], [View an Example], [Textbook], [Ask my Instructor].
Send me e-mail in order to get explanation and help or schedule meeting.
The Academic Support Center at UNM-LA offers tutoring and academic help. For more information, go
to http://asc.unm.edu . Questions related to course organization or setup should be directed to me.
Library
Click on http://losalamos.unm.edu/library/
The Library at UNM-LA has many electronic databases that you may find useful.
UNM Libraries
Click on http://library.unm.edu/ to go to the main campus UNM Libraries web site. Many, but not all, of
the services offered here are available to branch campus students. If you have questions about what you
can access or other questions, contact the UNM-LA Library staff at
http://losalamos.unm.edu/library/about/staff.html.
Student Services
Student Services is a central hub of information for prospective, current, and former students to find
assistance and answers to questions about admissions, academic advising, registration, financial aid, and
other resources on campus. http://losalamos.unm.edu/faculty-staff/student-services/index.html
UNM Accessibility Resource Center
Click on http://as2.unm.edu/ to go to the Accessibility Resource Center pages on UNM Main campus.
Your first stop regarding accessibility resources should be with UNM-LA Student Services, Student
Success.
The Pathfinder - UNM student handbook
Click on http://pathfinder.unm.edu/ to go to the UNM Student Handbook pages. Pathfinder has links to
student services and campus policies that affect students.
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Technical Support
If you are having technical problems with MyMathLab, you can contact free technical support in one of
the following ways:

Go to:
http://www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com/northamerica/students/support/index.html

Contact 24/7 technical support at: http://247pearsoned.custhelp.com/

Use “Help and Support” menu at upper right corner of MyMathLab course home page.
For other technical problems you can contact the following:
 UNM FastInfo: https://unm.custhelp.com/ (UNM searchable knowledge base)
 UNM-LA IT support: go to http://losalamos.unm.edu/campus-life/computingservices/index.html
If you need additional training in computer skills, several tutorials are offered at no charge through
lynda.com at http://lynda.unm.edu .
This tab is designed for quick references only. Please see the syllabus for more
detail and contact me if you cannot find the information you are looking for.
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Appendix E
Example of announcement to be made on the homepage of
Blackboard Learn
Hello,
Welcome to Math 120 online course! This class will NOT be using Blackboard Learn. Please
check your UNM mailbox for Welcome Letter sent to all enrolled students and feel free to
contact me with questions and concerns. We will use ALEKS platform for this class. Please
enroll in ALEKS platform by the end of day of June 3.
To get started in ALEKS:
Step 1: Go to www.aleks.com and click on SIGN UP NOW! just
below the Registered Users box.
Class Information
Instructor: [John Doe]
Course Number: [Math 120]
Section Number: [302]
Class Code: AHVCW-QXKD6
Step 2: Enter the 10-character class code and click on Continue.
Step 3-4: Verify your enrollment information to make sure you are
in the right class, and then indicate whether you have used
ALEKS before.
Step 5: Enter your 20-character ALEKS Access Code.
Please Note: If you do not have an access code, you can purchase one
online by clicking purchase an access code online. You will be redirected
to an eCommerce web site that will take you through the purchasing
process.
Be sure your access code length will accommodate the length of your
class!
Step 6: If you are new to ALEKS, then complete the registration
steps to create an ALEKS account. If you are an existing ALEKS
student, simply verify your email address.
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Step 7: ALEKS will check if your computer has the ALEKS plugin. Some ALEKS courses may require this, while others do not.
For a list of courses that do not require the ALEKS plug-in, visit:
http://www.aleks.com/support/system_requirements
With best regards,
John Doe
phone: 505-111-1111
e-mail: instructor@unm.edu (preferred)
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Appendix F
Example of possible tab settings in MyMathLab
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Example for ALEKS
Appendix G
Example of learning outcomes embedded into the course
schedule
WEEK
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
MATERIAL TO BE COVERED
Relationship of the Learning Outcomes to
weekly activities and assignments.
Introduction, Chapter 5.1 topics Working with exponential and logarithmic
functions: Students will solve exponential
Chapter 5.2-5-3
and logarithmic equations, graph exponential
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
and logarithmic functions and determine
Chapter 5.4-5.6
proper overall behavior for the graphs.
Revision Ch 5
Students will apply this knowledge when
Test 1
examining real world problems of
exponential growth and decay. (HED Are II
Mathematics, Algebra Competency # 1,2,3, &
4)
Chapter 6.1-62
Systems of equations: Students will solve
systems of equations using various methods.
Chapter 6.3
They will apply this knowledge to real world
Chapter 6.4
problems.
Chapter 6.5-6.6
Chapter 6.7-6.8
Review Ch 6, Test 2
Chapter 7.1
Analytical Geometry: Students will identify
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Communica
tion:
Students
will use
proper
mathematic
al notation
and
terminology
to
communicat
e
mathematic
al phrases.
Students
will properly
interpret
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Week 8
Week 9
Week
10
Week
11
Week
12
Chapter 7.2
Chapter 7.3
Chapter 7.4
Spring Break
Spring Break
Review Ch 7
Test 3
Chapter 11.1-11.3
Chapter 11.4-11.5
Chapter 11.6
Chapter 11. 7
Week
13
Week
14
Week
15
Week
16
Revision Ch 11
Test 4
Chapter 12.1-12.2
Chapter 12.3-12.4,
Review Ch 12
Test 5
Review for Final Exam
Review for Final Exam
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and graph conic sections. Students will
graph and apply algebraic tools with
parametric equations. (HED Are II
Mathematics, Algebra Competency # 4)
graphs.
(HED Area II
Mathematic
s, Algebra
Competency
# 3)
Sequences and Series: Students will learn to
use series and sequences. Students will also
use mathematical induction to prove
formulas and use the Binomial Theorem to
calculate binomial coefficients.
Counting Principles and Probability:
Students will use the Fundamental Counting
Principle. Students will find the probability of
the events using adequate properties of
probability.
Limits: Students will show an intuitive
understanding of the concept of limit and be
able to determine the limit of a function
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Appendix H
Example of Getting Started Checklist for ALEKS
1.
Before students begin the course, find an opportunity to explain how ALEKS works and how it is
unique from other systems. When students understand how ALEKS works, then they tend to trust
the system and use it to their benefit. Click here for resources to help you get started.
Your ALEKS orientation to students should cover:
2.
»
Specifying your expectations for students and due date requirements
»
The purpose of the ALEKS assessments and how they help students learn
»
How to navigate the ALEKS Pie and work in the system
»
How to manage their ALEKS account, including registration
»
ALEKS Customer Support contact information
Make sure your students complete the ALEKS Initial Assessment within the first few days of
class. It is important that they understand how the assessment works before they begin, and that
it is NOT a test.
3.
Check your system requirements and share the System Requirements page with your students.
4.
Make sure ALEKS is part of the overall course grade. We recommend making ALEKS at least 1520% of the grade for a full course and 10-15% if you are using an ALEKS Prep course.
5.
Be cautious of how many assignments you create in ALEKS (i.e. the Homework, Quiz, and Test
assignments). Too many of these will keep students from working in the ALEKS Pie, and they do not
affect students’ pie charts. We recommend using the ALEKS Pie with Objectives in place of
homework assignments.
6.
Since ALEKS does not rely on multiple-choice, students will need paper and pencil to work out each
problem in order to input their answers. We recommend that students have a dedicated notebook to
track their work and help them stay organized.
7.
Check out the Student View feature to see your ALEKS class from the student’s perspective.
8.
Provide students with ALEKS Customer Support contact information. When students have technical
questions, they should always contact Customer Support first.
9.
Familiarize yourself with ALEKS Reports before you begin using the system. The most widely used
reports are the ALEKS Pie, Progress Bar, and Time and Topic. You can view these reports in the
ALEKS Free Trial for Instructors. Or, click here to get an overview of all reports.
10. If you are concerned that financial aid students may experience delays in receiving their aid and
may not be able to start their work in ALEKS on time, please contact ALEKS Customer Support.
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11. Check out additional customization features on the Class Summary page for each of your ALEKS
classes.
From this page you can group students, add extra resources, and more.
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