There is a “there,” there, with a place for everything and everything in its place.

• Is there a “start here”?
• Is the course site well-organized – can the student easily discern where they can find resources, where to find their assignments  and when due, and where to turn them in?
• Is the course site visually appealing and engaging?
• Is there a course map (syllabus)?
• Is there a concept map with a simple organizational visual theme for unification, a representation of the conceptual framework?
• Are there visual and textual signposts for where the student is in the course?
• Is there a structured orientation that walks the student through the course site, the course map and the concept map?

We are here, together with others, communicating and interacting socially and supporting each other.

• Have you connected with each student individually before the course begins?
• Have you developed and circulated a “Getting to Know You” survey?
• Is there a welcome letter, introducing yourself in a personal way?
• Is there a welcoming activity that provides students with a structured, engaging, low-stakes way to introduce themselves and get to know each other?
• Is there a “lounge” for informal interaction?

I am here, I am visible, I have individual power and control, and can make a difference to the whole.

• Are there multiple representations of the same concepts (universal design) for different learning styles?
• Are there multiple opportunities for learner choice and self-direction?
• Have you designed ways to highlight individual contributions?

We can work together, in collaboration, to create new meanings for ourselves and for each other.

• Have you included opportunities for collaboration (team projects)?
• Have you provided a team contract model, including team activities for negotiation of and commitment to a contract?
• Have you clearly described how team projects will be graded (including peer assessment of individual team members)?
• Have you identified collaboration tools and ensured that students have support for learning how to use them?

I am here to help you (as designer, facilitator, catalyst, observer, evaluator, mentor) throughout the course.

• Have you set and communicated your online office hours?
• Are you using multiple modes of communication (text, voice, video)?
• Have you planned regular “reach out and touch” points?
• Do you have checkpoints for early intervention (e.g., student is out of touch for n days)?
• Have you defined what you mean by “timely feedback” and planned how you are going to deliver it?