5. D2L Course Shell Setup and Layout

Build and structure the course in D2L with a focus on organization, consistency, and clarity from a student's perspective. It is strongly recommended to build the entire course in D2L prior to the first day to allow time to reflect and review the course as a whole.

Before the Course Starts

5.1 Provide a Start Here/Getting Started module.

5.2 Organize the course by week to support a logical, consistent, and easy-to-follow layout.

5.3 Place all materials for each week in one location. For example, the Week 1 folder should include everything needed to complete Week 1.

5.4 Set up the D2L Gradebook with all graded course components, and make sure gradebook item titles and point values match the corresponding items in other areas of the course.

5.5 Release Final Calculated grade in the D2L Gradebook so students can view the current cumulative course grade.

5.6 Drop ungraded items in the D2L Gradebook so students can view the current grade based only on already completed/graded assignments.

5.7 Ensure all information in the D2L course shell is accurate for the current semester, including instructor information, dates, course materials, etc.

5.8 Review the D2L course for duplicated content, broken links, and outdated materials.

5.9 Label optional/supplemental course content and materials.

5.10 View the course from a student role to confirm course materials are set to Visible, or Hidden (if intended).

5.11 Verify the course does not exceed the 700MB Course Size Limit Procedure.