Remove 2nd paragraph as it refers to Discourse

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 30 views

Production - Live Template: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating Engaging Online Courses

As we prepare for the launch of FA 2025 for TOP, it's essential to ensure that our courses are optimized for a live template. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the necessary adjustments to make your course shine in the live version.

Before we dive into the live template adjustments, let's confirm the courses that are ready for production. As mentioned in the course notes, some courses on the list are already in the live version. IDs will request TOP edits when ready, but we can move forward with getting these courses in quarto. To ensure a smooth transition, we'll follow these steps:

Copy the TOP Template and Confirm Changes Needed for a Live Course

For reference, we can use the previous live course template for BA Lead. This will give us a starting point for making the necessary adjustments.

Example of a Course in Production with Live Content

We can use PSYC 335 as an example of a course in production with live content. You can find the GitHub repository here: https://github.com/TWUOnline/psyc335.

The home page is the first thing students see when they enter the course. To make it engaging and informative, we'll make the following adjustments:

Course Evaluation

Assignments may be different for live / top: We'll need to ensure that the assignments are tailored to the live version of the course.
TOP: Recommended Due Dates; Live: Due Dates: We'll update the due dates to reflect the live version of the course.
Chatbot - Hide or remove for Live?: We'll discuss the chatbot's role in the live version and decide whether to hide or remove it.

Course Units

Remove 2nd paragraph as it refers to Discourse: We'll remove the paragraph that refers to Discourse, as it's not relevant to the live version.
Remove surveys: We'll remove the surveys to make the course more streamlined.

Community Engagement

Hide tab for now. Need to discuss modifications: We'll hide the community engagement tab for now and discuss the necessary modifications to make it work for the live version.

Assessment

We can hide all sections in "Assessment Feedback & Grading" until we confirm Live assessment design: We'll hide the assessment feedback and grading sections until we confirm the live assessment design.
Assignment Instructions & Dropboxes: We'll have blank templates for assignment dropboxes and remove surveys.
Remove bookings link: We'll remove the bookings link to make the course more user-friendly.

Learning Online

Once basic Live template is ready, lets redo this video with relevant sections: We'll redo the video with relevant sections once the basic live template is ready.
Numbered list of sections may need to be updated: We'll update the numbered list of sections to reflect the live version of the course.
What to expect (need to update notes): We'll update the notes to reflect the live version of the course.
Course Schedule: We could have the 6-week dropdown (see ldrs 101 FA 2024) but there may be updates from instructors. I'd suggest "Refer to the syllabus for a detailed course schedule, including assignment due dates.

@cmadland, are there any other changes we should make to the live template? Let's discuss and ensure that we're creating an engaging and informative online course for our students.

Creating an engaging online course requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following the adjustments outlined in this guide, we can ensure that our courses shine in the live version. Remember to confirm the necessary changes with IDs and update the course template accordingly. Let's work together to create an exceptional online learning experience for our students.
Production - Live Template: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating Engaging Online Courses

Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions about the Live Template

As we prepare for the launch of FA 2025 for TOP, we've received several questions about the live template. Below, we've answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help you better understand the process.

Q: What is the live template, and why do we need it?

A: The live template is a customized version of the course template that is optimized for the live version of the course. We need it to ensure that our courses are engaging, informative, and easy to navigate for our students.

Q: How do I access the live template?

A: You can access the live template by following the instructions outlined in the course notes. If you're having trouble accessing the template, please reach out to your instructor or the course support team.

Q: What are the key adjustments I need to make to the live template?

A: The key adjustments you need to make to the live template include:

Removing the 2nd paragraph in the Course Units section
Removing surveys
Hiding the community engagement tab
Updating the assessment feedback and grading sections
Removing the bookings link
Updating the course schedule

Q: How do I update the course schedule?

A: To update the course schedule, you can use the 6-week dropdown (see ldrs 101 FA 2024) or suggest "Refer to the syllabus for a detailed course schedule, including assignment due dates."

Q: What is the role of the chatbot in the live version of the course?

A: The chatbot's role in the live version of the course is still being discussed. We'll hide or remove it until we confirm its role in the live version.

Q: How do I ensure that my course is optimized for the live template?

A: To ensure that your course is optimized for the live template, follow these steps:

Confirm the necessary changes with IDs
Update the course template accordingly
Test the course to ensure that it's engaging, informative, and easy to navigate

Q: What if I'm having trouble with the live template?

A: If you're having trouble with the live template, please reach out to your instructor or the course support team. We're here to help you create an exceptional online learning experience for your students.

Q: Are there any additional adjustments I need to make to the live template?

A: @cmadland, are there any other changes we should make to the live template? Let's discuss and ensure that we're creating an engaging and informative online course for our students.

Creating an engaging online course requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following the adjustments outlined in this guide and answering the frequently asked questions, we can ensure that our courses shine in the live version. Remember to confirm the necessary changes with IDs and update the course template accordingly. Let's work together to create an exceptional online learning experience for our students.