{"id":2811,"date":"2025-08-05T13:03:09","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T17:03:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/langaraquickguides\/?post_type=chapter&p=2811"},"modified":"2026-02-25T14:56:26","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T19:56:26","slug":"brightspace-course-development-checklist-for-face-to-face-courses","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/langaraquickguides\/chapter\/brightspace-course-development-checklist-for-face-to-face-courses\/","title":{"raw":"Brightspace Course Development Checklist for Face-to-Face Courses","rendered":"Brightspace Course Development Checklist for Face-to-Face Courses"},"content":{"raw":"

Brightspace Course Development Checklist for
Face-to-Face Courses<\/h1>\r\nThis checklist is designed for instructors who are teaching fully face-to-face courses and using Brightspace as a supplementary tool. It incorporates best practices from Quality Matters<\/a> and the SUNY Online Course Quality Rubric<\/a> to ensure your Brightspace environment effectively supports your in-person instruction.\r\n

Face-to-Face Integration Strategies<\/h2>\r\n
Use module description area or weekly announcements to guide students<\/summary><\/details>
Create content areas that specifically complement in-class activities<\/summary><\/details>
Post in-class handouts before or after sessions as appropriate<\/summary><\/details>
Provide online submission options for assignments discussed in class<\/summary><\/details>
Include reflection activities that connect online and in-class components<\/summary><\/details>
Post presentation slides or lecture notes within 24 hours of each class session<\/summary><\/details>
Create spaces for collaborative work that begins in class and continues online<\/summary><\/details>
Use Brightspace to distribute resources mentioned during in-person sessions<\/summary><\/details>\r\n

Assessment & Grading<\/h2>\r\n
Set up the grade book with all assignments, weights, and point values<\/summary><\/details>
Set up grade calculation methods to match your syllabus<\/summary><\/details>
Create submission folders for all assignments<\/summary><\/details>
Include detailed assignment instructions and grading criteria or rubrics for each assessment<\/summary><\/details>
Include sample assignments or exemplars where appropriate<\/summary><\/details>
Configure due dates and availability dates for all submissions<\/summary><\/details>
Create any quizzes or tests that will be administered through Brightspace<\/summary><\/details>
Consider using Brightspace's built-in rubric tool for consistent grading<\/summary><\/details>
Create a welcome announcement that introduces yourself and explains how Brightspace will be used in the course<\/summary><\/details>
Post a course syllabus in a dedicated, easy-to-find location (Start Here module)<\/summary><\/details>
In a pinned Announcement or in the Start Here module, include clear contact information (office hours, email, phone if applicable)<\/summary><\/details>
>Customize the course homepage with relevant information and links to key areas<\/summary><\/details>
Set up consistent navigation structure with logical organization<\/summary><\/details>
Create a course schedule that aligns with your face-to-face sessions<\/summary><\/details>
>Include a \"Start Here\" or \"Course Tour\" area to orient students to your Brightspace environment<\/summary><\/details>\r\n

Communication Tools<\/h2>\r\n
Set up the Announcements tool and post an initial welcome message<\/summary><\/details>
Create a Q&A discussion forum for course questions<\/summary><\/details>
Set up discussion boards for any online discussions that will supplement in-class activities<\/summary><\/details>
Establish clear expectations for communication response times<\/summary><\/details>
Create a dedicated area for assignment submission instructions<\/summary><\/details>\r\n

Content Organization<\/h2>\r\n
Organize content into logical modules or units<\/summary><\/details>
Use the module description to provide context and clear instructions<\/summary><\/details>
Use consistent naming conventions for all files and folders. Use format like 'Week 1: Topic Name' or 'Module 3: Assignment Title' throughout<\/summary><\/details>
Ensure all documents are in accessible formats (preferably HTML or Word)<\/summary><\/details>
Link to library resources or external materials when applicable<\/summary><\/details>
Include supplementary materials that reinforce in-class learning<\/summary><\/details>
Verify all external links are working correctly<\/summary><\/details>\r\n

Accessibility & Usability<\/h2>\r\n
Use descriptive hyperlink text (avoid \"click here\" and \u201cread more\u201d as links)<\/summary><\/details>
Ensure all documents are accessible<\/summary><\/details>
Provide captions or transcripts for any multimedia content<\/summary><\/details>
Avoid adding PDFs<\/summary><\/details>
Use bulleted and numbered lists for clarity<\/summary><\/details>
Ensure font sizes are readable (minimum 12pt recommended)<\/summary><\/details>
Break long content into manageable chunks using headings<\/summary><\/details>\r\n

Course Policies & Student Support<\/h2>\r\n
In a Start Here or Course Administration module, include:<\/summary><\/details>
Institutional policies (academic integrity, accessibility services)<\/summary><\/details>
Links to campus student support services<\/summary><\/details>
Required technology and links to support<\/summary><\/details>
Clear grading policies and late work guidelines<\/summary><\/details>
Links to Langara\u2019s Help with Student Learning Tools site<\/a> and IT help<\/a><\/summary><\/details>\r\n

Review<\/h2>\r\n
Preview course as a student to check navigation and accessibility<\/summary><\/details>
View course on a mobile device<\/summary><\/details>
Run accessibility checker on course content<\/summary><\/details>
Verify all due dates and availability dates are correct<\/summary><\/details>
Check that grade book settings align with syllabus<\/summary><\/details>
Ensure consistent formatting throughout course<\/summary><\/details>
Check that modules, assignments, etc. are named clearly and consistently<\/summary><\/details>
Test all links, files, and media to confirm they work properly<\/summary><\/details>
Have a colleague review your course setup and provide feedback<\/summary><\/details>
Confirm integration with any external tools or systems<\/summary><\/details>\r\n

First Week Preparation<\/h2>\r\n
Post a \"Welcome and What to Expect\" announcement before the term begins<\/summary><\/details>
Create a first-day activity that helps students navigate Brightspace. Consider a simple scavenger hunt or orientation quiz worth minimal points<\/summary><\/details>
Set up a practice assignment submission to ensure students can use the system<\/summary><\/details>
Prepare to address Brightspace questions during your first class session<\/summary><\/details>
Schedule time to demonstrate Brightspace navigation and tool use during class<\/summary><\/details>
Create a student introduction discussion or activity<\/summary><\/details>
Set up early, low-stakes assignments to ensure system familiarity<\/summary><\/details>\r\n

Ongoing Maintenance<\/h2>\r\n
Plan a regular schedule for posting announcements. Weekly announcements posted by Sunday evening work well for most face-to-face courses<\/summary><\/details>
Establish a routine for updating content and responding to questions<\/summary><\/details>
Develop a process for pointing to Brightspace resources during class<\/summary><\/details>
Prepare a contingency plan for technology issues<\/summary><\/details>
Schedule mid-semester feedback on Brightspace usability<\/summary><\/details>\r\n
\r\n

Contact edtech@langara.ca for more information.<\/p>\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\n

If you are a Langara employee, self-register for Essentials to Excellence: A Brightspace Companion for Instructors<\/a>. This Brightspace course compliments the technical instructions found here with use cases, examples, and advice.<\/div>","rendered":"

Brightspace Course Development Checklist for
Face-to-Face Courses<\/h1>\n

This checklist is designed for instructors who are teaching fully face-to-face courses and using Brightspace as a supplementary tool. It incorporates best practices from Quality Matters<\/a> and the SUNY Online Course Quality Rubric<\/a> to ensure your Brightspace environment effectively supports your in-person instruction.<\/p>\n

Face-to-Face Integration Strategies<\/h2>\n
\nUse module description area or weekly announcements to guide students<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nCreate content areas that specifically complement in-class activities<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nPost in-class handouts before or after sessions as appropriate<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nProvide online submission options for assignments discussed in class<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nInclude reflection activities that connect online and in-class components<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nPost presentation slides or lecture notes within 24 hours of each class session<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nCreate spaces for collaborative work that begins in class and continues online<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nUse Brightspace to distribute resources mentioned during in-person sessions<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n

Assessment & Grading<\/h2>\n
\nSet up the grade book with all assignments, weights, and point values<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nSet up grade calculation methods to match your syllabus<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nCreate submission folders for all assignments<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nInclude detailed assignment instructions and grading criteria or rubrics for each assessment<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nInclude sample assignments or exemplars where appropriate<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nConfigure due dates and availability dates for all submissions<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nCreate any quizzes or tests that will be administered through Brightspace<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nConsider using Brightspace’s built-in rubric tool for consistent grading<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nCreate a welcome announcement that introduces yourself and explains how Brightspace will be used in the course<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nPost a course syllabus in a dedicated, easy-to-find location (Start Here module)<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nIn a pinned Announcement or in the Start Here module, include clear contact information (office hours, email, phone if applicable)<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
><\/p>\nCustomize the course homepage with relevant information and links to key areas<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nSet up consistent navigation structure with logical organization<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nCreate a course schedule that aligns with your face-to-face sessions<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
><\/p>\nInclude a “Start Here” or “Course Tour” area to orient students to your Brightspace environment<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n

Communication Tools<\/h2>\n
\nSet up the Announcements tool and post an initial welcome message<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nCreate a Q&A discussion forum for course questions<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nSet up discussion boards for any online discussions that will supplement in-class activities<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nEstablish clear expectations for communication response times<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nCreate a dedicated area for assignment submission instructions<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n

Content Organization<\/h2>\n
\nOrganize content into logical modules or units<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nUse the module description to provide context and clear instructions<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nUse consistent naming conventions for all files and folders. Use format like ‘Week 1: Topic Name’ or ‘Module 3: Assignment Title’ throughout<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nEnsure all documents are in accessible formats (preferably HTML or Word)<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nLink to library resources or external materials when applicable<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nInclude supplementary materials that reinforce in-class learning<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nVerify all external links are working correctly<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n

Accessibility & Usability<\/h2>\n
\nUse descriptive hyperlink text (avoid “click here” and \u201cread more\u201d as links)<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nEnsure all documents are accessible<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nProvide captions or transcripts for any multimedia content<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nAvoid adding PDFs<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nUse bulleted and numbered lists for clarity<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nEnsure font sizes are readable (minimum 12pt recommended)<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nBreak long content into manageable chunks using headings<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n

Course Policies & Student Support<\/h2>\n
\nIn a Start Here or Course Administration module, include:<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nInstitutional policies (academic integrity, accessibility services)<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nLinks to campus student support services<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nRequired technology and links to support<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nClear grading policies and late work guidelines<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nLinks to Langara\u2019s Help with Student Learning Tools site<\/a> and IT help<\/a><\/summary>\n<\/details>\n

Review<\/h2>\n
\nPreview course as a student to check navigation and accessibility<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nView course on a mobile device<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nRun accessibility checker on course content<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nVerify all due dates and availability dates are correct<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nCheck that grade book settings align with syllabus<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nEnsure consistent formatting throughout course<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nCheck that modules, assignments, etc. are named clearly and consistently<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nTest all links, files, and media to confirm they work properly<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nHave a colleague review your course setup and provide feedback<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nConfirm integration with any external tools or systems<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n

First Week Preparation<\/h2>\n
\nPost a “Welcome and What to Expect” announcement before the term begins<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nCreate a first-day activity that helps students navigate Brightspace. Consider a simple scavenger hunt or orientation quiz worth minimal points<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nSet up a practice assignment submission to ensure students can use the system<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nPrepare to address Brightspace questions during your first class session<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nSchedule time to demonstrate Brightspace navigation and tool use during class<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nCreate a student introduction discussion or activity<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nSet up early, low-stakes assignments to ensure system familiarity<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n

Ongoing Maintenance<\/h2>\n
\nPlan a regular schedule for posting announcements. Weekly announcements posted by Sunday evening work well for most face-to-face courses<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nEstablish a routine for updating content and responding to questions<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nDevelop a process for pointing to Brightspace resources during class<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nPrepare a contingency plan for technology issues<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\nSchedule mid-semester feedback on Brightspace usability<\/summary>\n<\/details>\n
\n

Contact edtech@langara.ca for more information.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

If you are a Langara employee, self-register for Essentials to Excellence: A Brightspace Companion for Instructors<\/a>. This Brightspace course compliments the technical instructions found here with use cases, examples, and advice.<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1655,"menu_order":4,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-2811","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":3,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/langaraquickguides\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/2811","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/langaraquickguides\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/langaraquickguides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/langaraquickguides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1655"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/langaraquickguides\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/2811\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3182,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/langaraquickguides\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/2811\/revisions\/3182"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/langaraquickguides\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/3"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/langaraquickguides\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/2811\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/langaraquickguides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2811"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/langaraquickguides\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=2811"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/langaraquickguides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=2811"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/langaraquickguides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=2811"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}