Differentiating Sections

Many instructors teach two or more separate sessions of a course.  If you log in and see identical courses on your Institution page without a way to telling which section they will be in - don't panic.

To better identify the courses you select the course module settings and select “group by term” as well as select the section numbers.  This should at least display the course numbers to differentiate the courses on your institution page. We coverd this in Finding Your Courses.

However once you are in the course, it is difficult to identify the section when you look at the menu. Just the course name appears on the top of the menu. 

Here are some solutions to help you identify the section you are in when you enter the course:

Themes

First, you can choose a different theme for each section.  Students will not see the difference since they are in only one section.  Nevertheless you can associate the different color with the each section. For example one section could be the default theme and the other could be a more colorful theme.  Remember, try to choose that them that best meets ADA standards.

This solution allows you to recognize the section by color. However, it does not allow students to see the actual section nor does it tell you the exact secction you are in. It will give you a quick way to associate the sections and avoid errors.

Subheading

A second option is to use subheadings, You can do this if you go to the menu and select the “+” sign, or edit feature. You can create a subheading and label it the section name, number or possibly indicate the days that you meet.  Choose whatever helps you and is informative to students.

Now move the sub-heading to the top of the menu.

This allows you display section a specific marker under the course name.

Using both you can have a method to help you differentiate your sections.

Editing the "Home Page" Title

A third quick way to identify your course is to rename the homepage moniker.  You can do this one of two ways.

1. The title of the Home Page. Go to the home page and selec the chevron next to the title "Home" near the banner.  If you select edit, you will be able to change the name to something more specific, such as the section number. This option will not show if other menu options are selected. 
2.  The "Home Page" on the Menu. Choose to rename the "Home Page" link on the menu by selecting the chevron to the right of the button and selecting "rename". Select a name to identify the section.  Like the subheading feature, this will remain whatever menu option you select. 

I have to give credit to Paul for inspiring these options.