Setting Students up for success

Teaching with as volleyball metaphor--instructors are the "setters".

Objectives
tasks
tools
experts
file types
DIY
proficiency
gap
create precise assignment instruction
evaluation

10 Steps
1. Clarify Assignment Learning objectives
2. Define tasks that make up the assignment (viewing, creating and submitting) Turn each assignment requirement into a task. (read, collect, Formatting, exporting, -- Break all of it down
3. What tools Must/Can students use to complete each task in the assignment? Tool versus specific tool "word processor" versus Microsoft Word (only require a specific if it is part of the actual learning objective) Table/Chart with task, category, and  tool --visual helps lead students
4. Become/Find an "expert" for each required tool  (You or Youtube, Atomic Learning, Lynda.com?) Add "expert" or "resource" to table/chart.
5. Whenever digital files are "shared" determine your accepted file types. (process files which is manipulative, or "Product" files (.pdf or .docx is ok, .mov, .mp3, .pps etc.)  Word and pages not always the best.  If F2F class be careful to still identify the file types if "bringing to class" because your school computer may not have the program the student created it on so it may not open.  So designate to ensure it corresponds with what is available.
6. Do it yourself. (Can also give estimated time for completion.)
7. Determine your current students' proficiency with each task/tool.
8. Mind the proficiency gaps. Gap filler (guest speaker, gap filler assignment, proactive tutorial like "tools you'll use", have a human "expert" as the second touch)
9. Create precise and complete assignment instructions. (Precious of language, Jonah. Book "Giver")
10. Monitor and evaluate the assignment instructions for future semesters.