VISTA Template Considerations
As course templates are built in Vista, decisions need to be made that affect a template's instructional effectiveness and that also give it a certain look and feel. Based on ALT's design experience with both courses and programs, we have found that Vista-based templates lend themselves to success if they include certain items. While the final decision rests with the designer, we encourage a review of what these tools offer before any final decisions are made. Details of the functionality of each tool can be found in Vista 3.0 training materials available through a variety of sources.
Home Page
The home page should consist of four items, and the Vista default icons be used to represent those items. In the preferred order, those items are:
- Course resources-identify all the support materials that would help a student successfully complete the course. These might include, but are not limited to:
- About this course
- Online Library Center
- Online discussion rubric
- Tutorials
- Science tables
- Course content-identify all the instructional materials for the course such as: Lessons/units/modules
- Labs
- Other material as pertinent
- Syllabus-the Vista syllabus tool is recommended
- Help-identify campus level and USG WebCT support options
Vista Action items
The following action items should be considered for inclusion in all templates. They are not listed in any priority.
- References
- Bookmarks
- Notes
- Goals
- Assignments
- Assessments
- URL tool
Vista Tools
The following tools should be considered for inclusion in all templates. They are not listed in any priority:
- External
- Header
- Footer
- Syllabus
- Discussions
- Calendar
- Search
- Assessments
- Announcements
- File manager
- My Programs
- Notes
- Who's Online
- Assignments