How to set-up assignments and activities that contribute to a final course grade

1. Start with the Gradebook!
   • Create an entry for anything that will be graded in the Forum tool (directions). You will link a discussion forum or topic to this entry when you create the forum.
   • Create an entry for each manually entered grade such as class participation grades or anything else you plan to hand enter (directions).
   • These are the only two types of entries that should be put in the Gradebook. Why? Read on …
       
2. Create all assignments that will be submitted electronically in the Assignments tool (watch video demonstration)
   • For any assignment used in the calculation of the course grade, be sure to select Add Assignment to Gradebook.
   • Remember – Assignments are synonymous with submissions. If it’s not being submitted electronically by a student, it probably doesn’t belong in the Assignments tool.
       
3. Build discussions in the Forums tool (watch video demonstration)
   • IMPORTANT: Start with the Template Settings to set the basic rights and permissions for ALL forums and topics. You will likely want to make a change enabling a student’s ability to revise his/her own postings.
   • Create your forums and add topics
   • Determine if participation in a whole forum will receive a grade OR if individual topics will be graded separately (you may do this either way).
   • Select the settings link for an entire forum or for individual topics. Choose from the dropdown box in the setting to link to your gradebook entries.
   • Grading may now be done at the forum or topic level. Click on “Other Actions” to open the grading option. Grades and comments will be automatically transferred to the Gradebook for student viewing.
     
       
4. Build Tests & Quizzes
   • Any assessment that will be calculated into the final grade should have the “Grades sent to Gradebook” option selected. Be sure to post the assessment when finished to see it reflected in the Gradbook.
       
5. Review your Gradebook to be sure all items that contribute to the final grade are visible. Items on a yellow background are forwarded from the noted tool. Items on a grey background will be graded by you inside the Gradebook. It is recommended that the “Display course grades to students now” option NOT be checked until the end of the term.