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eLearning Support

eLearning Support Center
Memorial 12

Office Hours
Monday-Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm After-Hours D2L Help (MnSCU)

Phone Numbers
Local: (218) 755-2007
Toll-Free: (888) 240-4759

D2L Semester Checklist

(before the semester begins)

NOTE: For assistance with any of the items below, contact Julie Adams, Beth Jensen, or Theresa Perreault at 755-3777.
Files (documents)

Before you create Content topics for course documents:

NOTE: Because Microsoft documents such as Word files and PowerPoint files can cause problems for students in D2L due to the pop-up blocker, we recommend the following alternatives:

  1. Word Files
    Save all Word documents in the PDF format. Exception: Do not convert any Word document used as a template that students need to fill in and submit as an assignment.
  2. PowerPoint Files
    1. Save PowerPoint presentations as webpages to create a "Read-only version" document. You will need to create a zip file for the folder that is created from this process. Then you can upload the zip file to the Manage Files area of the D2L class shell. You will need to upzip the file to release the folder by clicking on the icon.
    2. Create a PDF file of the PowerPoint handouts version (e.g., 6 slides to a page) to upload to the D2L class as a "Printable version" document.
News
Include a Welcome notice with a brief overview of the class and instructions for getting started, e.g., "Click on Content in the navigation bar above to get started."

Recommendations:

  1. Include an appropriate image in the Welcome notice.
  2. Include a brief bio of instructor (with picture).
Content

NOTE: Modules are headings; topics are links to the actual content (stored in the File Manager).
Create a "Getting Started" module at the top of Content with the following topics:
  • A complete syllabus
  • A semester schedule separate from the syllabus with dates and information on class activities and due dates for submission of course requirements.
  • Other information considered appropriate, e.g., instructions for a get-acquainted assignment such as posting an autobiographical sketch in the Discussion area; tips for getting started; etc.
Create appropriate Content modules and topics for the class.
Gradebook
Set up the gradebook first to facilitate linking quiz grades and Dropbox grades to the gradebook.
Check to ensure that all grade items from the syllabus are included in the Gradebook.
Quizzes
Create quizzes/exams.
Link quizzes/exams to the gradebook.
Dropbox
Create a Practice folder as the first folder in the Dropbox to give students the opportunity to try out the Dropbox feature before an actual assignment is due.
Create appropriate Dropbox folders for class assignments
Link Dropbox items to the gradebook.
Discussions
* NOTE: Forums are basically headings & link to message list; topics are links to the discussion area & tools. Each forum MUST have at least one topic.
Include an Introductions (Autobiographical Sketch) forum for students to post information about themselves to help everyone get to know each other. NOTE: Include your own autobiographical sketch as the first message to serve as an example.
Include a Class Questions forum for students to use to post general questions about the class.
Include a Class Café or Student Union forum for students to use to interact on non-course related topics
Create additional discussion forums & topics to promote discussion of course-related topics.