Writing Clearly

A frequently asked questions (FAQ) document allows you to address questions that you are asked repeatedly by learners or are very important and you want to call attention to them. By posting the question and providing the correct answer, you provide:

  • A resource that learners can access anytime, which cuts down frustration when they can't reach you immediately.
  • Consistency in responding to questions, which can be particularly useful when you teach multiple sections of a course or when a course is team-taught.
  • Important information in an easily "scan-able" format.

FAQs should contain a specific question dealing with a single topic and a concise, well written response. Don't use the FAQ to teach about a topic—that's for a lesson; use the FAQ to address specific questions. The individual questions you use will be unique to your content and subject matter, but I've included some common ones below for your consideration. Feel free to use these as is or to modify them for use in your course.

  • Sample FAQ

    How much time will it take?

    You should expect to spend a minimum of three hours per week per credit hour for each course. This means that you should plan on spending at least 9 hours each week reading and posting in the forums, interacting in the chat rooms, participating in the videoconferencing, completing research and assignments, and taking tests. Depending on your skill with technology, it may take more or less time, but never underestimate the amount of time it takes.

    How much time will it take?

    This online module is composed of ten sections. The sections are structured so that you are not likely to need to spend more than 30 minutes per section at the computer. Readings and activities completion are not factored into the computer reading and posting time. I anticipate that you will spend about ten hours total to complete this module.

    Can I turn in assignments any time I want?

    This web-based course is not a self-paced course. All of the content modules are open and accessible to you for the entire term, so feel free to read ahead. You may even begin to work on assignments, but don't finalize or submit them until near the due date. Keep in mind that we will be learning content that may alter the way you think about the assignments (at least, I certainly hope that it does!). In order to keep discussions current, you must be active in the forum during each two-week discussion period to discuss the current topic(s).

    What do you mean by "substantive" posting?

    This is a great question!

    • You are required to post one original post during each two-week discussion period on a facet of the period's topics. This first post must be submitted before midnight Sunday of the first week of the two-week period. The post must be your own opinion but must be supported by at least three (3) sources; only one of these resources can be an anecdotal web reference. Your post should be grammatically correct and written in a professional voice (although you are encouraged to use the first person, e.g., "I believe" rather than "the author believes") rather than conversational style. It should be about 250 words, no less than 150 and no more than 350 words, in length.
    • You must reply to at least two of your peers' postings before midnight Sunday of the second week of the two-week period. These replies must extend the conversation, be thought-provoking, and encourage discussion among the group. When possible, your reply should be a "first reply" meaning that everyone in class shouldn't reply to the same original posting unless there are no more original postings left without a reply. You are encouraged to support your position with references but they are not required. Reply posts, too, should be grammatically correct and professional. They should be no fewer than 75 words.

    So many ways to communicate! Where do I put things?

    • If you have a personal issue to discuss, send an email through the course management system to me directly.
    • If you have a course-related question, post it in the "Questions" discussion forum so that everyone can see it.
    • If you see a question in the "Questions" forum that you know the answer to, answer it. We're all learners at one stage or another.
    • If you want to talk about life things (think: chatting in the hall before class), post in the "In the Hall" discussion forum.

    How do I know I'm ready for online learning?

An Idea for Your Course

Throughout the year, keep a file of questions that you are asked repeatedly. When you are updating your course for the following term, merge those questions and answers into your FAQ.

In the final content section of this module, we will discuss managing expectations about boundaries.