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Library Services for Faculty
What's SAKAI?
Sakai is a open source source management system. Sakai can be used to deliver couse content, provide class communication, allow for testing and assesment, integrate Turnitin plagiarism-prevention software and much more! Using Sakai can provide invaluable experience in using a course management system, and creating online course components.
Sections: Questions Answered | Support and Training Materials
Page updated 02 October 2008
How can I get my class set up for Sakai?
1) Contact the Sakai coordinator and schedule an appointment for Sakai training.
Depending on the types of tools you want to use, you may need to plan on several sessions.
2) Obtain a user account from the coordinator.
3) Create your course page using the ACA-specified Campbellsville University prefix. (Ex: CA_TSL 630 01)
Keep in mind that creating a course page can take a few hours or a few months depending on the number of tools that you want to use and the level of interactivity that you choose.
4) Test your students' CU e-mail accounts. All Sakai students must have working official CU e-mail accounts.
If you have students that are locked out of their CU e-mail, or have forgotten their password, please refer them to Information Technology.
If they simply have not set up their e-mail, direct them to the TIGERNET page. They can set up their e-mail using a link on the top of the page.
5) Fill out the bulk upload Excel spreadsheet and e-mail it to the Sakai coordinator.
6) Enroll the students into your class once you receive confirmation from the coordinator that they are in the Sakai pool.
7) We suggest that you select the option to notify your students via e-mail that the site is available.
Who are the Sakai coordiators for Campbellsville?
The coordinator is Tim Hooper, tqhooper at campbellsville. You may also work with Sandra Riggs, seriggs at campbellsville, through the month of October 2008.
What preparation do I need to get my students ready for Sakai?
Again, make sure that all your students have working CU e-mail addresses, and that they understand how to access their CU e-mail. We highly recommend that you create an assignment or quiz that requires every student e-mail you from their CU account, NOT any other account.
You should plan on scheduling at least 1/2 a class period to show students Sakai and discuss log in procedures. The Sakai coordinator may be able to do an instruction session for your students. Handouts are also available. You may need more specific training or handouts around assignments or testing.
Where can I log in to Sakai?
Sakai Tips for Smooth Course Sites
- Enroll the one of the CU "dummy account" students into your class, so that you can use it to login as a student and see how your page and assignments look from the student perspective. Try out some features from their side.
- It's a good idea to use the above tip to test out the Turnitin module before using it with students.
- NEVER enroll anyone with a CU e-mail address as a "guest." The "Guest" class is intended to provide limited functionality to non-institutional users. CU students or staff who have been entered into the system as a "guest" must be reset by the "Uber-coordinator" at the ACA office in Berea, KY.
Support and Training Materials
Prepared Materials
One of the best resources is a Sakai project site called "ACA Faculty Support." You can join ACA Faculty Support, which will appear as a new tab in your Sakai workspace, by going to the "Membership" link and clicking "Joinable Sites." Sites are in alphabetical order, so the ACA sites should be near the top.
Check out the list of downloadable files and web links from this site.
- Using Turnitin in Sakai - QuickTime Movie | PowerPoint - By Martin Ramsey, ACA LAMP document
- End User Support Page
Paper handouts are available from the Sakai bulletin board in the basement of the Montgomery Library. You can come by and pick up handouts to copy and distribute to students. This is also a good place to send your students for help, if they have trouble with accessing the online help.
Requesting Specific Support and Training
Working closely with your Sakai coordinator in developing your course sites can give you vital support and suggestions for training. Ask your coordinator about the possibility of doing an instruction session
If available, you can schedule computer labs in the Technology Training Center or in the Writing Lab. (the Haggin Trust Computer Lab in the library cannot be reserved) You'll need to make the request with the staff for each area. Scheduling a lab and working through using a tool can be very helpful when your students are new to Sakai.
Section Updated: 06 October 2008