CourseWork v5 is Stanford's next-generation course management system built upon the open source software project called Sakai. While CourseWork v5 provides virtually all of the capabilities in the previous system (CourseWork v3), it also adds a host of new features that members of our academic community have been requesting.
During the 2006-2007 academic year, CourseWork v5 ran as a "pilot" for those interested in getting a head start using the new system. As of this summer, however, CourseWork v5 is the only system in which new course sites can be created. The previous system will still be accessible for archival purposes and content from the 2006-2007 academic year will be migrated to the new system.
What's New in CourseWork v5
CourseWork v5 offers expanded functionality for those who are familiar with the previous CourseWork system. Below are a few examples of this new functionality:
- Instructors can now append file attachments to their announcements.
- Instructors can now upload/download multiple documents at a time through a desktop interface (WebDAV).
- Instructors can use the Gradebook to calculate grades, rather than just record them.
- Students can now be notified by email when new content is added to the Materials tool.
CourseWork v5 also offers an expanded set of new Web-based tools that will save faculty time and afford them flexibility in managing course content. For instance:
- Instructors could use the Drop Box tool to download all student paper submissions and hand back commented papers via a few "drag and drop" actions;
- Via the Web Content tool, public Web sites that are referenced frequently in a course could now be displayed within the content frame of a site for quick access.
- Additionally, instructors are given their own private workspace where course-related documents could be stored prior to being published to a specific course.
Getting Started
Instructors can create course sites for the fall quarter by going to CourseWork, logging in, clicking on the Worksite Setup tool in the left navigation, and clicking "New". Students will need to enroll in courses via Axess or use the Membership tool in My Workspace to gain access to their course sites. Once either instructors or students are in a course site, it will appear as a tab across the top of the screen or in the "more" pull-down menu on the right side of the page.
Find Out More About CourseWork v5
The CourseWork team will be providing open demonstrations of the new system during the "Tech Express" lunch hours on September 19 and October 4 in Turing Auditorium. These duplicate events will contain a short demo of the new application, including new and different features from the previous system, as well as answers to questions that any of the attendees might have. All are welcome to attend.
Also, on the landing page for CourseWork v5, there are some introductory videos and other informational resources including FAQs and Quick Start Guides. (Click Help Resources on the left side.) Instructors and students will find information specifically tailored to their activities within CourseWork.
Finally, a demo site is available for people who want to experiment with the features and functionalities of CourseWork v5. One can evaluate CourseWork v5 from the viewpoint of an instructor, a teaching assistant, or a student. The site is available to anyone in the Stanford community.
