TEACHER-eAcademy Course Requirements and Checklist

TASK

Course Modules: Ensure each module equals an academic week, unless otherwise clearly stated. Each course module should be labeled as follows:

Course Resources: Ensure your course includes the Course Resources - Start Here module at the top that includes the following items.

Weekly Schedule: Include a weekly schedule with a list of the day, assignment(s), and time.

Weekly Learning Target(s) (opens in new tab): Include a weekly learning target(s) that describes the students’ expected learning outcome(s) for the week. Provide context for students and do not just list these items on the page.

Gradebook Setup: Ensure your Schoology course has the three main grade categories (Assessments, Assignments, Discussions).

Relevant, Rigorous Instruction: Using the Seven Principles of Good Practice for Online Learning (opens in new tab), provide your own updated, relevant, rigorous instruction as well as instructional-related materials each week, utilizing Open Educational Resources (OER). You may supplement your content with relevant articles and videos. Do not rely solely on external materials.

Copyright-Free Content: Use only copyright-free materials and images in your course, or receive permission from the author, and provide proper attribution, where applicable.

Practice and Graded Items: Include interactive practice opportunities and a minimum of two graded items per week to assess your students’ understanding. Due dates must be set to Saturday at 11:59 PM for consistency. Select the correct grading category and grading period.

✱ Instructions: Provide detailed instructions on how to complete assessments, assignments, and discussions, and include the amount of time to complete these items in your description or graded item title. Examples of student submission instructions for Schoology assignments

Assignments: The Standard assignment format is required at this time.

✱ Uploaded Files: If uploading files, like worksheets, in your course, provide two versions of the files for accessibility (e.g., Google Doc, Word Doc). If you include a PDF, you must include alternative files.

✱ Links: Ensure links to all files and web pages include the following items.

✱ Text Formatting:

✱ Color: Maintain a high contrast between your background and foreground colors. Do not use color alone to relay information or importance. Also include text cues or additional visual cues when using color. WebAIM Contrast Checker (opens in new tab)

✱ Images and Alternative Text: Add alternative (alt) text to all images in your course. Mark decorative-only images appropriately.

✱ Audio and Video Captions and Transcriptions: All audio and video recordings created by eAcademy teachers need to have closed captioning/subtitles. Add a transcription for students to access.

Grammar and Usage: Ensure spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization are correct throughout your course.

Topic/Module Visibility: Keep all current and previously viewed topics/modules and graded items visible to students; this allows grades to appear in reports. To control course pacing, you may only hide future topics and graded items. At the end of the school year, all content must be visible.

Student and Course Communication: Ensure student coursework is graded within 7 days of submission. Email district OEAs and eAcademy Supervisor if students have not engaged in your course for 3 weeks.

Teacher-Created Videos: Create 2-4 minute instructional videos every 3 weeks. Students should be assessed on the material in the instructional video. Assessment options include: ScreenPal Quiz, Assignment, Assessment, Video Reflection Discussion, etc.