Why Module Overviews?
The module overview should provide a relevant and guiding introduction to the activities and expectations for the module. The overview can be considered as what you might say in the first 10-15 minutes if you were teaching in a physical classroom. We encourage you to personalize these overviews, where appropriate, as a way of establishing your “voice” and presence in the course.
Some thoughts on Module Overviews:
Module Overviews should give students a context for the content of the module. You may want to tie the module to other modules, either past or future. You may want to show how the module ties into the readings, videos, web pages, current events, class projects.
Try to catch the students’ attention, as you would in a face to face class. Show your presence!
- You can tell a story or a joke.
- Tie your statement into something happening in the news.
- Refer back to previous modules or ahead to future modules.
- List the learning objectives, or what the student should be able to do by the end of the module.
Sample Overviews from GSC faculty:
- SOSC605 – Stress and the Family (Karin Allard)
- MGMT566 – Organizational Behavior (Bob McPherson)
- NUR603 – Nursing Care of Populations (Jeanne Hayes)
- ENG620 – Multicultural Perspectives thru Literature (Kim Dougherty)
- MGMT608 – Managing Diversity (Tamara von George)
Formats for presenting the Module overview in Moodle
- If your overview is short, use a Moodle "label".
- If your overview is long and will cause students to scroll too much then use a Moodle "page".
- You might also want to include an introductory video. Make sure it is no longer than 5-10 minutes long. Don't forget to caption the videos for ADA compliance.