Using the eCampus HuskyCT Template

The eCampus HuskyCT template is an organized and student-friendly structure which can be copied into another HuskyCT site. The template requires editing and basic building skills in HuskyCT (Ultra Course View). Refer to the resources listed within this article for assistance with various aspects of HuskyCT.

Before building a course in HuskyCT, complete a Course Design Plan to map out the alignment of course components and ensure a structured framework. Once the Course Design Plan is complete, follow the steps to build the course in HuskyCT.

After copying the Course Orientation Module to your HuskyCT course site, make any necessary changes:

Introduction

Review the Objectives and Activities. Adjust as needed to reflect the structure of your course, keeping alignment in mind.

Professor Information

Prepare a short self-introduction to promote a sense of community. The introduction can be written, audio, or video. If written, it should include a visual representation of the instructor.

Syllabus and Course Schedule

Create your syllabus and course schedule. The course schedule can be listed within the syllabus or as a separate document. Once created, link the documents using Microsoft 365. Set the permissions so all students have "view" access to syllabus and course schedule.

HuskyCT General Information

This section contains standard HuskyCT information. Remove any features, such as progress tracking and/or Knowledge Checks, if you are not using them in your course.

Progress Tracking in Ultra Course View
Knowledge Checks (YouTube video)

Required Technology Folder

Remove any technologies not used in your course and add any technologies used in your course that are not listed.

Managing Content in Documents

UConn Standards, Policies and Resources

This section contains links to various support materials. No changes are needed, but instructors can customize Communication Guidelines, if desired.

Orientation Quiz

The Orientation Quiz allows students to practice using the quiz tool, as well as identify technical barriers before higher stakes graded assessments. It can also ensure that students have read and understood the syllabus and reduce the number of common questions proactively. The questions in the Orientation Quiz are sample only. You should edit and/or add questions and update the assessment settings.

Practice Assignment

- The Practice Assignment provides students an opportunity to use the tool. Customize the directions for the practice assignment to align with your course. If assignments are not used in the course, delete this item.

Creating Assignments in Ultra Course View

Practice Journal

- The Practice Journal Entry provides students an opportunity to use the tool. Customize the directions for the practice journal to align with your course. If journals are not used in the course, delete this item.

Creating Journals in Ultra Course View

Summary

The Summary shows module alignment between objectives, materials, and activities. Alignment refers to the purposeful and consistent connection between learning objectives, activities, assessments, and materials, to ensure all components support one another. If changes were made to the Introduction, update the Summary to match.

Use the Module 1 template as a base for each module in your course design plan. Typically, additional module copies would be created AFTER updating the first module.

Learning Module Options

Begin by updating the module options, to include the title, description and module image. Optional module features include "Forced Sequence" and "Progress Tracking."

M1 Introduction

The introduction provides context and connection to other modules and the overall course narrative. Add your module objectives and aligning activities.

Writing Learning Objectives

M1 Reading and Resources

Readings and resources for the module can be added in a single document, or distributed throughout the module, depending on how students should progress through the content. When listing module readings and materials consider adding what to focus on for each item. Ensure all materials are properly cited and necessary permissions have been obtained, to model expectations of students.

M1 Lecture

Adding recorded lecture materials help students connect with instructors and have the benefit of being replayed as needed. Create and add your lecture videos and/or notes. Best practices recommend video length of less than 12 minutes. Remember to close caption any videos added and break longer videos into smaller segments. Consider adding a Knowledge Check after lecture content or, if using Kaltura, embed a quiz.

M1 Discussion

Discussion prompts should elicit unique responses from each student and encourage replies/responses. Update the discussion prompt. Consider creating groups for small group discussions.

M1 Quiz

Test, quizzes and exams assess student learning of content. When a test, quiz or exam is created, an item with the same name is created in the Gradebook. Update the quiz questions and settings. Consider adding proctoring as means of authenticating students.

M1 Assignment

Assignments allow for group or individual submissions. Submissions can be text, attachments or embedded media. When Assignments are created, an item with the same name appears in the Gradebook, where grades and feedback can be provided. Begin by updating the assignment directions and settings. Consider creating a rubric to clarify student expectations and provide a smoother, more consistent grading experience for graders.

M1 Summary

The Summary table shows module alignment. Complete the summary table, using the objectives, materials and activities identified in the Introduction as a reference.

eCampus recommends adding two surveys to your course. An initial or formative survey in the first quarter of your course and a final or summative survey at the end of your course. These surveys are administered outside of the SET process and are confidential. Review and customize the survey questions and settings. Place the surveys in your course structure where it makes sense logistically.

Knowledge Base

Using the eCampus HuskyCT Template