Students often report experiencing high levels of inconsistency across their FLO topic sites, which necessitates learning the navigation and structure of each FLO topic site uniquely. As a result, the number one request from students when asked for feedback about FLO is to improve the consistency of FLO topic sites, not in teaching approach or pedagogy, rather consistency of layout and structure.
FLO starter sites are designed to unify the layout and structure of topics across courses, disciplines and colleges. A FLO ‘starter site’ is a semi-pre-configured ‘starting place’ and can be customised to work with the needs of a course or topic.
The starter site can be:
The screen shots below show the basic layout of the site which shows a ‘clean’ top module as well as collapsed modules to enhance accessibility.
Three ‘themed’ modules: 1) Topic information and resources, 2) Communication hub, and 3) Assessment hub have been used to contain key information related to each theme. Critical components such as SAMs, discussion forum and announcements have been included in these modules.
Within the starter site, thirteen (13) teaching modules are provided, and the number can be edited to suit the needs of your topic.
In viewing the starter site, care should be taken to differentiate between layout / structure and aesthetics. Consistent layout and structure are proposed via the FLO starter site, with teaching modules purposely designed to accommodate flexible applications to best meet topic needs. Aesthetics can be influenced by teaching staff through appropriate use of banners, images, and videos. Therefore, the FLO starter site contains minimal aesthetic treatment.
To request application of the starter site to your topic, or to have a conversation about the approach being taken in your College, please contact your College learning designer via Service One (Education > FLO – Course and Topic design support).