What is a Level Of Use? *

A Level of Use is a pre-defined initial set of features for a UTSOnline subject area and is applied when a UTSOnline site is created. The Level Of Use will NOT be applied in the following scenarios:

• A new UTSOnline subject site being copied from a subject site used in a previous session. See the Automated UTSOnline Subject Creation and Enrolment help page for more information.
• If you are in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS). A template has been designed specifically for UTSOnline subject sites categorised under FASS.

 

Why have a Level Of Use? *

In receiving feedback from students about their experience of using UTSOnline (from multiple sources) it is very clear that students value highly the flexibility of learning provided by UTSOnline.

One area of constant feedback however, essentially relates to a mis-match between staff and student expectations of the use of UTSOnline. In some subjects, UTSOnline is used to provide an electronic version of the subject outline and to make announcements only, while in others, there are teacher-moderated discussion boards, web quizzes and so on.

The problem appears to arise not that UTSOnline is used differently in different subjects, but that students are not always aware that there are different modes of using it, and often expect teachers to be very visible in discussion boards.

So by nominating and communicating the proposed use of UTSOnline when the subject is set up staff will be making it quite clear to students the ways in which they can expect UTSOnline will be used for that particular subject.

It is strongly recommended that you make an announcement to inform your students of the proposed use of UTSOnline in that particular subject. See below for more information on the Levels of Use.

 

Do I have to stay on the level I choose now? *

No. Everything that comes with the subject when it is set up for a certain level can be edited, removed, moved, and made unavailable via the Control Panel. In the same way, content areas on the left side menu can be added, removed and renamed. The Level of Use is a starting point and all Instructor access rights are enabled.

 

Description of the Levels of Use *

Level 1: Information only.
There are no discussion boards at this level.
Examples of level 1 use include:

• making announcements
• posting an electronic copy of the subject outline, lecture notes, PowerPoint slides and subject documents
• providing links to other digital resources and websites
• exchanging emails with tutors, lecturers and students

Level 2: Information plus un-moderated discussion board.
This may include group areas, but students do not expect the teacher to respond to questions on the discussion board.
Examples of level 2 use include:

• Those of level 1
• providing a forum for students to talk with each other about their studies and to share resources or ideas
• providing a group area for students to work on group tasks and assignments
• Quizzes, online tests

Level 3: Information plus moderated discussion board.
This would include a statement made to students about the expected turn-around time for response to their questions (eg 48 hours on working days).
Examples of level 3 use include:

• Those of levels 1 and 2
• ‘Please Answer My Question’ forum for answering questions about assessment and subject requirements.
• Discussion board activities (eg online debates, critique of readings)
• Subject Blog and Wiki