1 Before the Semester Starts: ICON Checklist

Before the semester starts, take these steps to make your ICON site functional and student-friendly.

1. Update the course syllabus.

Visit Student Course Policies to find updated course policies set by the UI. Upload the revised syllabus to ICON. For more information on uploading files to ICON, visit Chapter 5: Uploading Files to ICON.

2. Set clear communication guidelines.

Clarify how and when students can reach you (email, ICON inbox, office hours). Specify expected response times to manage students’ expectations. Put this information in an easily accessible place, like your course homepage. For more information on making a course homepage, visit Chapter 2: Your ICON Homepage.

3. Create a welcome announcement.

Post a welcome announcement on ICON before the semester starts. Introduce yourself, give a brief overview of the course, and express your enthusiasm for the upcoming semester! For more information on creating announcements, visit Chapter 9: Making Announcements.

4. Organize course materials.

Make sure all lectures, readings, and assignments for at least the first few weeks are uploaded and organized on ICON. Clearly label each item by week or topic to help students navigate the course content easily. For more information on organizing modules, visit Chapter 8: Making and Organizing Modules. For more information on creating assignments, visit Chapter 6: Creating Assignments.

5. Set up your Gradebook.

Configure the ICON Gradebook with all the assignments, discussions, quizzes, and exams planned for the semester. Make each assignment group is weighted correctly. This setup helps students track their progress and understand how their grades are calculated. For more information on setting up your Gradebook, visit Chapter 11: Grades.

6. Create a discussion post. 

Establish a Q&A forum on ICON where students can post questions about the course, assignments, etc. For more information on creating discussion forums, visit Chapter 13: Q&A Forums in the Classroom.

7. Clean up your Course Navigation Menu.

You’ll want to make sure your course is uncluttered and easily navigable. Make sure to hide elements you won’t be using. For more information on cleaning up the CourseNav menu, visit Chapter 4: Your Course Navigation Menu.

8. Double-check your site.

Make sure all course materials that are uploaded to ICON can be accessed from the student view. For more information on student view, visit Chapter 12: Student View and UDOIT.

9. Schedule regular check-ins. 

Plan to periodically solicit student feedback through ICON surveys or discussions. This feedback can help you adjust the course content, pacing, or teaching strategies as needed throughout the semester. For more information on Q&A forums, visit Chapter 13: Options for Q&A Forums.

10. Familiarize yourself with ICON updates.

The Office of Teaching, Learning, and Technology (OTLT) regularly hosts trainings to keep everyone up-to-date. You can find our trainings here.

Good luck with classes, and happy ICONing!