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Logistics to Consider Before the First Day

Set Goals

Set clear goals for the first day of class considering what you want to achieve during that time. The goals should include making connections with the students as an instructor, motivating them toward the course elements, and utilizing the full class hours without going overtime.

Set Up Your Canvas Site

Set up the Canvas site for the course to manage the teaching materials like assignments, quizzes, feedback, and student grades. Here are some instructions on setting up and using Canvas:

Plan the activities

Carefully plan all the activities of the first class and organize the contents, handouts, and resources you would like to use that day. Decide on activities you will use to engage the students, how you will share an overview of the course, and when and where you will hold the office hours. 

Connect with the TA

If you have Teaching Assistants assigned for the course, plan to connect with them a few days earlier to clarify the goals and requirements of the course and their responsibilities including preparing materials, lecturing, and grading. 

Visit the Classroom

Plan to visit the classroom before the day of the first class to get familiar with the space, and available technological equipment. This would help you to plan seating options, identify any potential issues that may arise during lectures, and other aspects of effectively utilizing the space. 

Start getting to know your students

Try to learn as many of your students’ names as possible. Utilizing the student picture feature within Hokie SPA can assist you learn a few names. Once you’ve learned some names, utilize those names during lectures to help better connect with your students. You can consider distributing a pre-class survey to obtain a better understanding of the students' backgrounds, interests, and expectations while familiarizing yourself with their names and pronouns.

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