Syllabus Tool - OWL
What is the Syllabus Tool
A syllabus is a detailed overview of a college or training course, which usually includes an outline and summary of topics to be covered. In essence, it is the blueprint for the course expectations, requirements, ground rules, readings, assignments, exams and final projects, professor's contact information, office location, and office hours.
The OWL Syllabus tool allows instructors to create or upload their course syllabi for students to view or download.
What is the purpose of the Syllabus Tool
A syllabus acts as a guide to both the instructor and the learner to assist in navigating the course over the term and to plan course work. The OWL syllabus tool is meant to provide an intuitive and accessible mechanism by which instructors can disseminate their course syllabi.
How to use the Syllabus Tool
In the Syllabus tool, click the "Create/Edit" option. From the "Create/Edit" page, Click Add. Provide a Title for your new syllabus. In the "Content" field, you can use the content creator window to type and customize your syllabus. You can also copy and paste a syllabus created in Microsoft Word by copying the content of your document, clicking the Paste icon in the content creator, and then pasting the content into the dialog box. Select whether you wish your syllabus to be viewable to only members of your site, or to the public.
Where to find Support
This tool is centrally supported
Support
For help, you can contact the WTS Helpdesk
Documentation
Additional information on OWL Syllabus can be found on the OWL Help - Syllabus page.
Tool Evaluation
Functionality
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ScaleThe Syllabus Tool can be scaled to accommodate any size class; there is flexibility to create a multi-part syllabus |
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Ease of UseThe Syllabus Tool has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and personalize |
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Tech Support/Help AvailabilityWestern technical support/help documentation is readily available. See the Syllabus page in OWL Documentation Wiki or contact the Helpdesk |
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HypermedialityUsing the various options available (i.e. file attachment, web-based syllabus, multi-part syllabus, and point to webpage) the Syllabus Tool supports instructors to communicate through different channels and can be set up to allow for non-sequential, flexible/adaptive engagement with material |
Accessibility
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AODA FriendlyThe Syllabus Tool itself meets functional accessibility standards (AODA and the W3C WCAG 2.0 standards). However, the documents uploaded to the Syllabus tool are only as accessible as they are made to be. Documents can be made more accessible by following these guidelines. |
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User-focused participationThe Syllabus Tool itself has some limited capacity to address the needs of diverse users, their various literacies, and capabilities. Consider developing a learner-centered syllabus to address these points. |
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Required EquipmentProper use of the Syllabus Tool does not require specialized equipment |
Technical
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OWL IntegrationThe Syllabus tool is native to OWL |
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Operating SystemsUsers can effectively utilize the Syllabus Tool with any standard, up-to-date operating system (i.e.. Windows, OSX, etc.) |
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Web BrowserUsers can effectively utilize the Syllabus Tool with any standard, up-to-date web browser (i.e.. Safari, Google Chrome, Firefox, Explorer, etc.) |
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Additional Tech RequirementsIf the syllabus has been provided in .doc format, a word processor may be required to read the document. The vast majority of students have access to some sort of word processor such as Microsoft Word, Apple Pages or an open source product such as open office. |
Mobile Design
| Rating | Rationale |
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Mobile Operating SystemsAccessing the Syllabus Tool via the OWL web application (available through mobile browsers or through the WesternU app), instructors can view and edit syllabus materials. Students can view and download syllabus material. In this way, the Syllabus Tool is available through most mobile devices. |
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Mobile FunctionalityThere is little to no functional difference with the Syllabus Tool between the web app and the main tool |
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Offline AccessThe Syllabus Tool cannot be used in any capacity offline - users require internet or data service to log in to the OWL web application to access the Syllabus information. |
Usage and Account Set Up
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Sign Up/Sign InUse of the Syllabus Tool does not require the creation of an external account or additional login beyond a Western Identity and access to OWL |
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Cost of UseAll aspects of the Syllabus Tool can be used free of charge to Western account holders |
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Archiving, Saving, and Exporting DataInstructors can upload a syllabus document in a variety of formats. Students can download attached documents or print syllabus webpages. Syllabus Tool material can be imported from other OWL course sites (Site Info > Import from Site > Select method > Select from sites that you own > select Syllabus) |
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Data Privacy and OwnershipUsers maintain ownership and copyright of their intellectual property/data; the user can keep data private and decide if/how data is to be shared |
Social Presence
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CollaborationCommunication, interactivity, and transfer of meaning between users is not supported through the Syllabus Tool |
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User AccountabilityStudent accountability is of little concern with the Syllabus Tool. |
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DiffusionStudent familiarity with the tool is likely mixed, some will lack basic technical competence with its functions |
Instructor Presence
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FacilitationThe Syllabus Tool has easy-to-use features that would significantly improve an instructor’s ability to be present with students via active management, monitoring, and engagement |
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CustomizationThe Syllabus Tool is adaptable to its environment: easily customized to suit the classroom context and targeted learning outcomes |
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Learning AnalyticsAs a syllabus communication tool, the Syllabus Tool is not intended to support the collection of learning analytics |
Cognitive Presence
| Rating | Rationale |
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Enhancement of Cognitive Task(s)As a dedicated place to post a course syllabus, the Syllabus Tool may aid students in locating and identifying course expectations thereby reducing cognitive load. |
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Higher Order ThinkingAs a syllabus communication tool, The Syllabus Tool is not intended to engage students in higher order thinking skills |
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Feedback on LearningAs a syllabus communication tool,The Syllabus Tool is not indented to provide opportunities for formative feedback on learning |
Security and Privacy
This tool has been formally reviewed by Western’s Technology Risk Assessment Committee
Security and Privacy Flags
EULA
- Application's Terms of Conditions or End User License Agreement poses a risk of binding the institution to an agreement thereby requiring legal counsel to review the application. However, this is mitigated as it has undergone legal review during the Technology Risk Assessment process.
Last Updated: September 16, 2020
Rubric
The eLearning Toolkit Evaluations are made available under the terms of the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 licence
Feedback
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Topic at a Glance
The OWL Syllabus tool allows instructors to create or upload their course syllabi for students to view or download.
