Teaching a Course

Only have 10 minutes?

Consider starting with these key steps, presented in a recommended order, along with essential resources and links.

Have time to dive deeper? Explore the full pathway guide.

  1. Communicate course expectations
    1. Syllabus Guidelines: Review the basic information on what to include in your syllabus to set clear expectations from the start.
    2. Definitions and Glossary: Familiarize yourself with key vocabulary related to courses and curriculum to ensure alignment with institutional standards.
    3. Grading Policies: Access the reference guide on grading policies to establish fair and consistent evaluation methods.
    4. Semester Schedule: Check the academic calendar for sessions A, B, and C to plan your course activities and assessments effectively.
    5. Academic Integrity: Integrate comprehensive guidelines for academic integrity into your course to uphold the highest standards.
    6. Final Exam Schedule: Ensure your final exams are scheduled in accordance with university guidelines to minimize conflicts.
  2. Explore essential teaching tools
    1. CanvasLeverage ASU’s main platform for managing course content, assessments, and student engagement, providing essential tools for a seamless teaching and learning experience.
    2. Google Workspace: Collaborate in real-time with tools like Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive. Integrated with Canvas, it streamlines group projects and course management, enhancing both in-person and online learning.
    3. ZoomConduct live, interactive sessions and office hours to maintain direct student engagement.
  3. Create an inclusive learning environment
    1. Student Accessibility and Inclusive Learning Services (SAILS): Partner with SAILS to ensure your course materials meet accessibility standards.
    2. ASU Web Accessibility: Leverage ASU’s resources to make your online content accessible to all students.
    3. Ally: Utilize the Ally tool in Canvas to evaluate and enhance the accessibility of your course materials, ensuring all students can fully participate.
    4. Accessibility within Canvas: Follow best practices to ensure your course meets or exceeds accessibility requirements.
  4. Cultivate engaging learning experiences
    1. SlackFacilitate real-time communication and collaboration among students, fostering an interactive learning environment.
    2. EdDiscussionPromote active discussions and problem-solving with this interactive discussion tool.
    3. InScribeSupport peer-to-peer learning and build a growing library of course resources.
    4. YellowdigEngage students with a gradable discussion forum integrated with the Canvas Gradebook.
    5. iClicker: Promote active learning through Student Response Systems (SRS) with tools for polling, quizzing, and grading.
      1. Key Resources: Running a practice sessionRunning a pollGrading and viewing polling resultsRunning a quizCreating a quiz before classGrading and viewing quiz resultsCreating and managing assignments 
    6. X-KitSave time with editable plug-and-play Canvas assessment templates for engaging learning activities
  5. Maximize multimedia tools
    1. Screenpal: Create narrated screencasts to guide students through complex concepts or course materials, providing a valuable reference.
    2. PlayPosit: Make your videos interactive by embedding quizzes, polls, and other activities to promote active engagement.
    3. Digital PortfolioShowcase your projects, achievements, and skills in a dynamic and engaging way! 
      1. Key resourcesFaculty PortfoliosASU Digital Portfolio Help Resources
    4. MediaPlus: Manage and embed multimedia content—videos, audio, and more—directly in Canvas to enrich the learning experience.
  6. Academic Integrity Unlocked
    1. HonorLockMonitor academic integrity for online assessments. Best for fully-online ASU iCourses and oCourses.
    2. Respondus: Deter cheating by restricting access to other programs during the assessment.
      1. Questions about proctoring services? Connect with proctoring@asu.edu.
  7. Library Guides
    1. Library TutorialsProvide students with guides on navigating the research process, from finding sources to citations.
    2. Library Guides: Access over 700 guides for discipline-specific resources to support your teaching.
    3. Ask a LibrarianGet quick, expert help via chat, email, or text for research or library-related questions.

Want to know more about everything above? Check out the full pathway!