What is a "Start Here" module?

A Start Here module is the central location for all the things a student needs in order to begin your course and navigate it successfully.

In an online course, it is especially important to welcome students, introduce yourself, and allow students to meet each other; therefore, a Start Here module often has a page for an instructor introduction as well as a discussion forum for students to introduce themselves to you and to each other.

A typical Start Here module also includes course and university policies, links to student resources, expectations for student conduct and communication, accessibility and accommodation details, information about how your course will be conducted, etc. You might also place this content in your syllabus, but displaying it in Start Here and providing hyperlinks to the essentials is very helpful for students.

Import a "Start Here" Template

We have created templates for you to import into your course(s) that include all the elements expected of a Start Here module. Adding the template to your course provides a basic structure, allowing you to focus on your course content.

Contact your Instructional Design Partner to import a Start Here template into your course(s).