Students often report experiencing high levels of inconsistency across their FLO topic sites, which necessitates learning the navigation and structure of each FLO topic site uniquely. As a result, the number one request from students when asked for feedback about FLO is to improve the consistency of FLO topic sites, not in teaching approach or pedagogy, rather consistency of layout and structure.
FLO starter sites are designed to unify the layout and structure of topics across courses, disciplines and colleges. A FLO ‘starter site’ is a semi-pre-configured ‘starting place’ and can be customised to work with the needs of a course or topic.
The starter site can be:
- Used for the development of new topic sites
- Used for the refreshment of existing topics undergoing refresh or change
- Applied to a suite a topics at a time that aligns with College/teaching program needs (as requested by Deans Education or Teaching Program Directors)
- Applied to topics on request of the topic coordinator
The screen shots below show the basic layout of the site which shows a ‘clean’ top module as well as collapsed modules to enhance accessibility.
- Clean top module: contains announcements, Collaborate and welcome video. Locates essential tools at the top of the site
- Themed modules: topic-wide information in three themed modules. Located at the top of the module list for easy ccess.
- 'Collapsed' format: minimises scrolling and allows focus on chosen module, or can expand all. Format performs well on mobiles.
Three ‘themed’ modules: 1) Topic information and resources, 2) Communication hub, and 3) Assessment hub have been used to contain key information related to each theme. Critical components such as SAMs, discussion forum and announcements have been included in these modules.
Topic information themed module: contains placeholders for
- topic overview
- participation expectations
- reading
- frequently asked questions
- other topic related information
Communications themed module: contains placeholderrs for
- communication expectations
- discussion forums
- topic input and feedback
Assessments themed module: contains placeholders for
- Statement of Assessment Methods
- extension requests
- assessments discussion forum
- text matching draft submission box
Within the starter site, thirteen (13) teaching modules are provided, and the number can be edited to suit the needs of your topic.
Teaching modules: provides placeholders for intro paragraph, key ideas, key questions, activities, relationship between the module and topic curriculum. Designed to guide, but not be overly prescriptive. Number of modules can be edited to suit topic.
In viewing the starter site, care should be taken to differentiate between layout / structure and aesthetics. Consistent layout and structure are proposed via the FLO starter site, with teaching modules purposely designed to accommodate flexible applications to best meet topic needs. Aesthetics can be influenced by teaching staff through appropriate use of banners, images, and videos. Therefore, the FLO starter site contains minimal aesthetic treatment.
To request application of the starter site to your topic, or to have a conversation about the approach being taken in your College, please contact your College learning designer via Service One (Education > FLO – Course and Topic design support).
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
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