Sapling Learning Instructor Quick-Start Guide
Welcome
Congratulations on choosing Sapling Learning, the easiest way to assign effective online chemistry homework to your students. The scientists and educators at Sapling Learning have already set up your course website and have organized it according to the textbook you are using and the syllabus you shared with us. Remember, we are here to support you. We would be happy to further customize the site for you and answer any questions that you have. Just contact your Sapling Technology TA.
Getting Started with Sapling Learning
1. Log in at saplinglearning.com
If you don't remember your login, try your email address --- that is, if your email address is jdoe@school.edu, your username/password is probably jdoe/jdoe --- or contact us.
When you log in for the first time, you will be asked to change your password to something that is a bit more secure (don't make it something your students could guess).
2. Review the assignments we set up for you.
We have created a custom set of online homework assignments for you, based upon the information you have shared with us.
- Click on your course link.
- Click the name of an assignment.
- Click "Preview Assignment" at the upper-right corner of the screen. This will load a preview of the assignment in a new window. You can take the assignment just like a student would.
- Next, let us know what changes you'd like us to make. You are also free to make changes to your site and its assignments (see below).
3. Tell your students to register.
Note: If you have a roster with email addresses, it is possible for us to create accounts for your students (reducing the potential for mistakes). Talk to your TechTA for details. We request that you discuss this option as long before class starts as possible, preferably at least two weeks beforehand.
If a roster is not available, we recommend that you include the following information on your syllabus.
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Students:
We will be using Sapling Learning for our online homework. It is easy to get started:
1. Go to http://saplinglearning.com
2. In the "Login" box there is a link to Sign up for new account. Click on it.
3. Choose a new username and password, and supply the other requested information. Click "Create my new account".
4. Check your email for a message with the subject "Sapling Learning: account confirmation" and click on the link provided in that email.
5. Find your course in the list (listed by school and instructor) and click the link.
6. Click the button that says "Send payment via Paypal or Credit Card" and follow the remaining instructions.
7. Once you have registered and enrolled, you can log in at any time to complete or review your homework assignments.
8. If you have any problems, send an email to support@saplinglearning.com.
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Editing Assignments
- If there is a button in the upper right corner that says "Resume my normal role", click it. If not, skip to step 2.
- To edit assignments
- From your main course page, click on an assignment to go to the Activity Editor.
- Add and remove questions as desired, or change due dates and other settings. For more information, see Editing Activities.
- To add assignments
- Click the "Turn editing on" button in the upper right corner of your main course page.
- Identify the topic block in which you'd like the assignment to appear, then click "Add an activity... Activity"
- Verify the assignment settings, then click "Save and continue"
- Add questions to your assignment and make modifications using the Activity Editor. For more information, see Editing Activities.
There are many other features than those described above for customizing your course. However, we are happy to make changes to your course you. Just let us know what you need.
Adding New Questions
If there are questions you'd like to assign but do not see them in the bank, please let us know. We are continually adding to the question bank, so your suggestions are welcome! In addition, you can write your own questions.
Grade Book
The grade book has already been pre-configured for you.
- To review your students' scores in the grade book, click on "Grades" in the left navigation menu of your course page (shown at right).
- To review your students' work, simply click on the grade in the grade book and it will open the assignment and show you each of the attempts they made to answer the question, as well as all of the feedback they received.
Additional Information
For additional information and to learn about more advanced features of Sapling Learning, see the instructor help.
Contact Your Technology TA
To contact your Sapling Technology TA and receive personalized support for you and your class, either:
- Email support@saplinglearning.com and your question will be routed to your Technology TA
- Call Sapling Learning at (512) 323-6565, and follow the instructions to reach your Technology TA; or