This agreement should list the expectations of the behaviour of the students who are participating in the course. It should be worded according to the culture of the institution and the type of course being taken. In general it should have a friendly tone, so that the students do not feel discouraged in participating in the course, but should be firm on rules of ethical behaviour.
Some topics to include:
Participation
How often the student should access the course to get maximum benefit from it. Average time or time limit to complete the course, and what should happen if student looks like taking longer.If applicable, can recommend how many contributions to the discussions or collaboration area.
Ethical behaviour
Expectations of behaviour in the course. Any rules on documents that cannot be posted, rudeness etc. Discipline if any rules breached.
Mandatory vs. Optional
Which parts of the course the student must complete and which parts are optional. Whether the students must complete the course in a specific sequence.
Assessments
If there are formal assessments, when the student should submit them, what to do if the student cannot complete in time, or has problems with them. What happens if a student fails an assessment/course.
Assignments
Expectations of assignment completion, whether drafts can be reviewed, how peer/tutor review should work. Expectations of groups working on assignments.
Learning Teams
Expectations of team members and team leaders (if used). Privacy Whether privacy is allowed in discussion area. How and when to communicate privately using other methods (e-mail, telephone).
Language
Guidelines on wording documents. Use of humour. Use of emoticons etc.
Support of other students
Expectations on how they can help fellow students on course, not just rely on tutor for all answers and direction.
