This document discusses the importance of setting clear expectations for students in online courses. It emphasizes that a well-designed syllabus, module overviews, and open communication help students understand what is required and feel comfortable in the online environment. It provides tips for creating expectations such as introducing yourself before the course, giving students early access to the classroom, and using announcements to prepare students. A good online syllabus should include instructor contact details, course goals and objectives, performance requirements, technical requirements, content outlines, assignments, interaction schedules, and guidance on time management. Module overviews with checklists can also help students stay on track with due dates.

1. Lesson 1: Setting Expectations

4. Setting Expectations on Survivor Expectations are set in many ways in order for people to understand their responsibilities. Notice how the host of the TV show, Survivor, sets the expectations for the participants with detailed instructions outlining the purpose of the event.

11. Time Management for Students In the well known study by Chickering and Ehrmann (1996) they stated, “Learning to use one’s time well is critical for students and professionals alike. Allocating a realistic amount of time means effective learning for students and effective teaching for faculty” (p.4).

14. Good Examples of a Web-Based Syllabus The links below will take you to web sites that provide examples of a good online syllabus. Examine each of these links and think of what you might add or subtract from your current syllabus if you where teaching online. COBL example online syllabus http://www.ion.uillinois.edu/resources/tutorials/pedagogy/exampleSyllabus.asp

15. Closure In this lesson, you learned the first step to effectively facilitating your online course, setting student expectations. A well planned syllabus will help your students succeed in your online course. A good syllabus will also help to enhance the learning and establish a comprehensive idea of the overall design of the course.