The Timeline block (at the bottom of the user dashboard) is a tool for helping students to manage their coursework by providing an overview of upcoming due dates for all classes directly on the GauchoSpace dashboard. Students can jump directly into a relevant activity or resource by clicking its icon on the timeline.
A secondary function of the timeline is to provide grading reminders for instructors and TAs.
NOTES:
- In order for an activity to appear on the timeline, a deadline and/or expected completion date must be set by the instructor. Also, information on the timeline is only as accurate as the dates given listed by instructors/TAs. If concerns regarding due dates, please contact your course instructors.
- Due dates associated with "external" tools such as Gradescope, Webwork, Google Assignments, etc will not be displayed on the timeline.
An example of the Timeline block from a student's perspective:
Activity: Activities are added by instructors for students to submit materials and interact with the instructor or other students. Some examples include Assignments, Quizzes, and Forums. Certain Activities can be graded within GauchoSpace and are automatically populated in the Gradebook.
Resource: Resources are reference materials that relay key course information to students. This includes files or folders that are uploaded for students to view/download, internal content "pages", labels, and URL links to outside websites.
Adding a GauchoSpace activity to the timeline is as easy as setting a due date!
1. In the edit settings menu of the activity:
2. Under Availability, set a due date:
3. Click Save and Return to course:
4. Now the activity will appear on the timeline!
Adding a GauchoSpace resource to the timeline requires an additional step:
1. On your course page, go to Edit settings in the Administration block:
2. Turn Completion Tracking on:
3. In the settings for the resource, choose a completion tracking option, and set a completion date/time.
4. Click Save and Return to course:
5. Now the resource will appear on the timeline!
The timeline isn't just for students! Instructors can add a grading reminders for themselves and their TAs:
1. In the edit settings menu of the activity:
2. Set a "remind me to grade by" date:
3. Click Save and Return to course:
4. Now it will appear on the timeline!
The Timeline Block has five possible categories that can be displayed, depending on the current date. It will only display categories that are needed:
- Recently Overdue: Items whose deadline or expected completion date have passed without the user submitting/completing.
- Today: Items with today's date as a deadline or expected completion date.
- Next 7 Days: Items with deadlines or expected completion dates within the next week are displayed in the section.
- Next 30 days: Items with deadlines or expected completion dates that are within the next month are displayed in the section.
- Future: Items whose deadline or expected completion date is beyond 30 days.
Here are some things to keep in mind while from using the Timeline block:
-
In order for an activity to appear on the timeline, a deadline and/or expected completion date must be set by the instructor. Also, information on the timeline is only as accurate as the dates given listed by instructors/TAs. If concerns regarding due dates, please contact your course instructors.
-
Due dates associated with "external" tools such as Gradescope, Webwork, Google Assignments, etc will not be displayed on the timeline.
-
By default, the Timeline Block appears underneath a user's course list on the GauchoSpace dashboard. Like all blocks, it can be rearranged for a customized view if a user prefers.
-
Stand-alone dates can be displayed in the Timeline Block if they are posted in the title of a label resource (whose text body is blank). See the adding resources section for setup information.
-
The Timeline Block is based on deadlines and completion dates, not start dates.
-
If an activity or resource has a deadline or expected completion date, but the item itself is hidden from students, it will not display in the Timeline Block.
-
Once an item has been completed, it will no longer be shown on the Timeline Block.
-
If an activity or resource has an opening date that has not yet occurred, it will still be displayed in the appropriate Timeline Block category, even though it's not yet available.