Module: Getting started on the OpenLab with Math Model Courses
Part 1: Before you begin
Part 2: Cloning a model course
Part 3: Customizing your course
Part 4: Updating Posts
Part 5: Updating other elements of your course

Now that you have a course site of your own, you will need to make it your own. You are the administrator of this site, which means you can make changes to just about anything. Take a look around! The site comes predesigned with pages for common information like the Syllabus, Grading Policy, and so on, which will need to updated for your section. It has some example assignments, which you can choose to use (in which case you should update them to fit your section) or delete. Finally, it has a number of built-in resources, including links to the Course Hub, Help and Support materials, and more, which you do not need to update (unless you wish).

The following steps will take you through all the places on the site that require your input and customization.

Updating Pages

Pages are for used for static information (things that are not likely to change much over the course of the semester). To make changes to a page, go to that page (use the menu) and then click the pencil-shaped button that appears in the black bar at the very top of the page (the pencil will only appear if you, the admin of the site, are logged in). If the pencil button doesn’t appear, find the word “Edit” either directly under the page title, or at the very bottom of the page content – click “Edit” to take you to the Edit screen. You can make changes by typing directly in the page. When you are finished, be sure to click the purple “Update” button in the upper right to save your changes.

Faculty: Keep an eye out for grey informational boxes like this one at the top of each page. They are intended for you, the faculty member, to help you customize your course. Be sure to delete these boxes when you are done updating a page, so your students don’t see it later. For help working with OpenLab Course sites, visit OpenLab Help.

List of pages to update

List of pages to update (these appear under “Course Info” in the dropdown menu):

• Course Info.
• Syllabus
• Grading Policy
• Schedule
• Contact Info & Communications

Module: Getting started on the OpenLab with Math Model Courses
Part 1: Before you begin
Part 2: Cloning a model course
Part 3: Customizing your course
Part 4: Updating Posts
Part 5: Updating other elements of your course

This 5-part module is designed to take you through the steps of cloning a Math model course and customizing it for use in your own section. Note that a great deal more information about each step of the process (as well as many additional resources introducing various aspects of the OpenLab) can be found on the Teaching With The OpenLab site (links to resources will be provided throughout the module).

Resource Alert: Teaching With The OpenLab

Before you begin:

Depending on your prior experience, some or all of the following resources may be helpful.

• If you are new to teaching online, check out Teaching in an Online Community.
• If you are wondering what the OpenLab is all about, see Discovering the OpenLab.
• To create your account on the OpenLab, see Join the OpenLab.
• If you’ve never worked with an OpenLab course before, you can learn about the basic structure (Course Profile, Course Site) and related Privacy issues through Understanding OpenLab Courses.

Next, collect the following materials and information:

Essential information (you’ll need these to get started):

• Course and Section Number

Required materials (but you can get started without them):

• Image(s) for use as site header and/or avatar
• Your course syllabus, grading policy, and so on
• Any other course materials you would like to make available to your students