D2L Course Shell
Overview
As part of our mission to support and guide new students to transitioning to Aims Community College, it is essential that we acquaint students to the Desire2Learn (D2L) Course Management System. Increasingly more instructors are requiring students to use D2L in their courses and we have the opportunity to allow them to learn in a comfortable low stakes environment. During the first couple weeks of the semester, make sure to introduce your students to the course shell and allow time for them to practice using the features offered.
STEP 1: Access Your D2L Course Shell
Go to the Aims website at http://www.aims.edu/. Click on the "My Aims Log In" and login with your username and password. If under maintenance, the back-door to course shells is available at https://online.aims.edu.
Once you're in your My Aims account, click on the "Faculty" tab and then "Aims Online: Access Your Classes Online Here." The links to the course shells for your class section(s) should be listed under "My Courses."
STEP 2: Follow the Checklist Below to Ensure Your Course Shell is Ready for Students Course Readiness Checklist_201840.docx
Have this completed by 5 pm the day before classes start. NOTE: A peer reviewer will be going into your shell and ensuring everything has been updated.
Dates
_____ Course Schedule dates are updated, if needed
_____ Assignment/Dropbox dates are updated, if needed
_____ All other dates, as applicable, are updated
Course Home
_____ Announcement items with instructor greeting and contact information updated
_____ Instructor picture is uploaded on Announcement page (You might copy it from http://www.aims.edu/academics/aaa/faculty and hyperlink to your AAA Instructor Bio)
_____ "Welcome" news announcement is released to students (scheduled for first day of class)
Course Information Module
_____ Getting Started document communicates ways to help students be successful
_____ Instructor Information page includes your full name, Aims email address, and availability information (phone number optional)
_____ Syllabus is uploaded, current and accurate (delete existing file place holder)
_____ Course Schedule is uploaded, current and accurate (delete existing file place holder)
_____ Technical Help is linked, current and accurate
Assignments/Dropbox
_____ Dropbox Folder Instructions are accurate (applicable only if you modified)
_____ Dropbox attachments are working correctly and are accurate
_____ Confirm that TurnItIn Originality Check is enabled for written assignment (Letter to Instructor, Mindset Essay & Journey Reflection, and any other written assignment)
Grades
_____ Check to make sure that grade items are associated with the correct corresponding activities in D2L (only if you changed assignment point values)
Final Check
_____ All course links work as intended (this has already been checked, please let Francie know if you find a link that is not working properly)
_____ Student view of course is correct (impersonate ZZ, DEMO to check)
All courses must be reviewed & complete by 5pm on the Friday before the first day of class.
STEP 3: Forward Your D2L Email
Click on the "carrot" or triangle next to your name and then "Account Settings." When in account settings, click on "Email" and scroll down. Click to check the box next to "Forward incoming messages to an alternate email account" and enter your __@aims.edu email account. Click "save and close."
Forwarding Options
STEP 4: Teach Your Students How to Use the Course Shell & Utilize It During the Semester
- Demonstrate the process for students to access and tour the course shell so that they see how it will be used in class and the resources available. During this session, it is best to have them follow along for them to receive hands-on experience. Here is handout that you can provide- How to Access Course Shell_201840.pdf
- Maintain the gradebook by entering all grades during the semester. NOTE: You need to enter 0's for all assignments and attendance not completed by students. Otherwise, you will not have an accurate grade for those students.
Need Help:
Click here for Aims Online Tutorials.Contact Francie Rottini at francie.rottini@aims.edu for AAA specific D2L questions. For general D2L questions, contact the staff of online learning. Click here for contact information.