How do I create a Course Site?

If you are the instructor of record for a class, you have the ability to create your own course sites in bCourses. This help article will show you how to create one single course site at a time. You have the option to view the slides, or read the listed instructions below. Follow the same steps for each course site you would like to create.

Instructions (Slides)

Instructions (List)

STEP 1

Log into to bCourses (https://bcourses.berkeley.edu) using your CalNet ID and Passphrase.

STEP 2

Click on the blue 'Create a Site' button.

Note: If you do not see this button, you may need to change your dashboard to card view. See this article for instructions on changing your dashboard view.

STEP 3

Select the 'Create a Course Site' option.

STEP 4

In this screen, you will choose the rosters that you want to be included with your course site. Note: This is just for one site. If you have another site that you would like to create for another class, you will need to repeat the course site creation process again.

(1) First, select the term for which you’d like to create a course site. 

(2) Select the section(s) that you would like to include in this course site.

(3) Finally, click ‘Next’.

New: Sections and Instruction Modes

Beginning in Fall 2020, new instruction modes have been introduced by the Office of the Registrar to better meet varied instruction types. Since instructors may wish to organize their course sites based on instruction mode, this information is now displayed in parentheses following the section number. 

Use Case 1: One Course Site

Create a single course site for all sections and instruction modes. This would allow you to send communications only to specific instruction modes, or assign different versions of an assignment to each section or instruction mode. To achieve this, select all primary and secondary sections in the step above. Once your course site is created, the instruction mode will be included in the section name so that you can easily identify and select specific sections by instruction mode.

Use Case 2: Multiple Course Sites

Create separate course sites for each of your course instruction modes. This would allow you to maintain, for example, one course site for the in-person instruction mode sections, and a separate course site for the remote instruction modes sections. To achieve this, select the sections you want to group together in the step above, and select next. Repeat for any other groups you wish to create.

STEP 5

(1) Choose a Site Name and Site Abbreviation. These fields will already be populated, but you can change them here. You can also change these once your site is created.

(2) Click Create Course Site to finish.

A progress bar appears

COURSE SITE CREATION COMPLETED

Once your course site is completed, you will be automatically redirected to the site, where you can begin adding your course materials and customizing the space.

FAQs

Why don't I see the "Create a Site" button? / Why don't I see my course(s) in the list of options?

One possibility is that it is due to a browser cache issue. For instructions on how to clear your browser's cache, please see this help article from Google: Clear cache and cookies

Another possibility is that you are not the instructor of record for the class. Check CalCentral to make sure that you have been listed as the instructor of record. If you are not, please contact your department scheduler and to let them know. You will be able to create a course site the day after you have been officially assigned to teach the course.

RELATED ARTICLES

• Getting Started with bCourses: Site Setup and Management
• Getting Started with bCourses: Communicating
• Getting Started with bCourses: Designing Your Course Site
• Getting Started with bCourses: Assignments and Grading