This syllabus will most likely be revised before the fall semester. So, you will still need to review the newer version once our course begins. :)
Important
Please note this course begins on September 8th. Once you have officially registered for the class, please email me. I will save your email and reply to you at that email address on or before the first day of class with instructions for getting started. (Note: I will not be checking my email during the month of June and only sporadically until August, so please don't be concerned if you don't hear back from me right away.)
Course
Guidance 124
Becoming a Successful Online Student
Fall 2008
Instructor
Riba Taylor
Office hours
We can arrange for phone or online meetings at any time. If you'd just like to talk a bit informally or would like my input regarding your work in the course, I'd be happy to meet you in the Chat Room of our course site or speak on the phone. There are no required face-to-face meetings, but I strongly recommend you attend an online orientation at one of the campuses if this is your first time working in Etudes.
Email
rtaylor@mendocino.edu
(Note: The best way to reach me electronically is by Private Message in our online classroom. I will check these often, and it's easier for me to help you when I am actually inside our online classroom at the time. But here's my email address if you need it for any reason. Note, I try to check email once each work day, but since I need to check via a remote server, I do forget on occasion.)
Description
This course explores the theory and practice of successful online learning. The course familiarizes students with the course management system used for online courses at Mendocino College and many California community colleges (ETUDES NG) and offers practical guidance and hands-on experience in a variety of approaches for increasing their online learning success.
Student learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1) Navigate the ETUDES-NG classroom, including locating and submitting information.
2) Follow written instructions for accessing course content, submitting assignments, taking tests and participating in online discussions.
3) Identify her or his own learning style and corresponding methods for strengthening learning.
4) Understand and employ basic time management skills.
5) Recognize the importance of a set of behaviors that increase success and decrease stress for the online student.
Required texts
There are no required texts for this course.
How this class works
Just so you have a general idea how this class works, here's the skinny. :)
Each week you will work your way through the module for that week, reading, exploring, practicing, contemplating. (Note in the first week you have extra modules, but usually there is only one.)
Each module has a Tasks List that tells you everything you need to submit for the week. (The Tasks List in the main navigation bar echoes these lists in the modules, but the main Tasks List covers the whole term. Please note assignments will be added, moved or deleted. This calendar gives you an overall view of the work but is not carved in stone.) All work on the task list is due at the end of the week (midnight Pacific time on Sunday). There is an additional 24-hour grace period for all work except for Week 4 work where work will be marked late but still earn full points.
Always check after 8am Monday for the updated assignments for the current week.
The modules and the Task List work together to help guide you through your work in the course. All the information you need to accomplish your tasks for the week is (in theory!) to be found in either the modules for that week or in the Instructions message inside the discussion forums themselves.
Please post lots of questions in the Questions forum (in the Discussion and Private Messages section). I spell things out for you as clearly as possible, but words are open to interpretation and often leave room for doubt (or just curiosity!). Questions are good. :)
Grading
You will be graded in this course on several short assignments, quizzes and discussion postings. You will receive full points for all work that meets the requirements of the task and does not contain excessive errors (such as spelling and grammar). You will be able to repeat quizzes and tests as many times as you need to in order to achieve the score you are happy with. So, there is little to keep you from earning an "A" in the course.
ETUDES NG will automatically keep track of many of your points, but many will rely on my manually entering them. I will do this as quickly as possible, usually within a week of the due date.
Final grades are calculated on a straight percentage basis (90% and up = A, 80% = B, 70% = C, 60% = D, below 60% = F). To calculate your grade at any point simply divide your total points by the total points possible, and this will give you your percentage. Please refer to the Gradebook heading on the Lay of the Land section page in the Getting Started module for more details about the Gradebook. (Modules >> Getting Started >> Lay of the Land >> Gradebook)
I will offer comments and feedback in a few ways. If the assignment calls for a word file attachment, I may offer my feedback inside your word file itself and reattach it to your original submission. I may type my comments directly in the text box where you've pasted your work---these will show in red. I may enter feedback in another section directly beneath your original pasted text. At times, I may have feedback in more than one of these ways. Or I may send you a private message (in the Discussion and Private Messages section). Please check your returned work and private messages periodically for comments I may have made in any of these ways.
Questions
I believe asking questions is critical for learning. Please don't hesitate to ask questions in this course. In the Discussion and Private Messages section (in the left-hand navigation bar) there is a Questions forum set up for this purpose. If you have a personal/private concern, feel free to send me a Private Message (PM) from the Private Messages link at the top of that same page, but please post all general questions in the Questions forum. This allows everyone to have access to the answer, and I'll often expand on things in this fashion, taking advantage of the moment and offering more "teaching" or additional clarification. For this reason, I expect you to always read all the messages in this forum and be responsible for any information posted there. It's just like listening to questions being asked and answered in a face-to-face class where an instructor expects everyone in the room to have received any information or pearls of wisdom she gives out. :)
One drawback to the online classroom is we aren't able to get an immediate answer like we can in a traditional classroom when we can just raise our hands. Because of this, I'll ask you to please check the Questions forum every time you log in. If there is a question there you can answer, please do so. The more often we each check, the less time anyone will need to wait for an answer. Plus, I know when I'm taking an online class, I always feel good if I can help out a classmate, and I'm always happy when I find a response waiting for me. :)
I'll often pop in several times a day to check if there are any unanswered questions. (When I do, you'll see my name appear briefly in the Users Present box underneath the navigation bar.) But sometimes I many not be able to get back to you until the following work day, depending on my schedule. Please be patient.
Assignments
There are several types of assignments for this course. Each assignment has different requirements and expectations, and each one offers you the opportunity to focus on different knowledge or skills. The scope and variety can be confusing or daunting for some students. However, it's important for you to make sure you understand the particulars of each task before you attempt to complete it. Be sure to review your assignments at the beginning of each week to insure you'll be able to get any questions asked and answered in plenty of time to successfully complete the work. Read each explanation or set of instructions with care (and as many times as needed). Then craft your questions with equal care and post them in the Questions forum (in the Discussion and Private Messages section). Please try to be as specific as possible, explaining exactly which part of the assignment is unclear to you. And please, don't ever hesitate to ask.
Discussions
Each required discussion will have specific instructions for posting. Please follow these carefully in order to insure you'll be able to earn full points for your participation. All discussions (unless otherwise indicated) will require you to submit a "main" or "initial" post and two substantive replies to posts from your peers. You must complete all three of these posts by the stated due dates in order to receive any points for the discussion.
The discussion forums are a significant portion of our "classroom" time in this course. I expect you to stay on top of and participate in the discussions on a regular basis. I recommend the following method for staying current and insuring you don't miss any messages posted here:
1) Go to the Discussions and Private Messages page
2) Click on the Recent Topics link at the top of the page
3) All unread messages will show in orange
4) Click on the first one and read it
5) Reply if desired
6) Choose the Recent Topics link again
7) Read the next message
8) Continue in this fashion until the recent topics list no longer has any orange messages
9) Click on the Mark All As Read link at the top of the page
Note
The first time you log in, the new messages won't be orange. The system will keep track of them in this fashion beginning with your second login. A topic will show as unread when a new reply has been posted to the thread, too. If you've already read the earlier messages in the thread, you can simply scroll down to the recent replies which will have a pinkish background (instead of the usual white) until you mark them as read. Note, you can also mark each topic as read---if you only have a few minutes and won't be able to read all the new posts, this is a good option to use.
Important
For your two required replies to posts in a particular discussion forum, I'll ask you to click on that discussion forum directly so you can see all the messages within that forum and choose ones that don't yet have many replies. (I don't want anyone to be left out here.) Thanks.
Turning in your work
All work is due by midnight Pacific time on Sundays unless otherwise indicated. All work will be accepted until midnight Monday. Work submitted during this grace period is considered late work, but there is no penalty for these late submissions.
Extra credit
I usually offer chances to earn a few extra credit points during the course. However, I won't negotiate individually for a chance to earn extra points. You need to stay on top of the work and not hope to make up any lost points at the last minute. If you take advantage of the extra credit opportunities I offer, you'll build a small cushion for yourself should you need it.
Typing your work
For any online work, the best practice is to craft your writing using your word processing software, saving it frequently as you go. Run spell check, print it out, revise and edit it, proofread it, make your changes to the word document and save it again. (Points will be deducted for any work with excessive errors. Please use upper and lower case letters and avoid any sort of text messaging or chat room shortcuts in your writing, unless you're in the Chat Room or the Cyber Cafe. Thanks.) Once you have your text honed to the best of your abilities, simply copy and paste it into the assignment or discussion post or attach the word file itself (depending on the instructions).
When pasting your work into our ETUDES NG classroom, simply copy the text from your word processing program, and then click on the little clipboard icon with the "T" (paste as plain text) in the text editor tool bar. Because the word processing program will often add weird code our online class managements system doesn't like, it's important to follow this process.
If you are asked to attach a file for an assignment, you need to save the file in Rich Text Format. To do this, open your word document and do a "Save as" (under the file menu). In the "Save as" window, it will say something about file type or word document. This will have little arrows to the right so you can scroll down a list of options, different file type choices for saving the document. Choose "Rich text format" from that list. Check to be sure "Rich text format" is now showing in that spot and that the file name now shows the ".rtf" ending, and save the file.
You must save any required attachments in rich text format in order to ensure I will be able to read them.
Be sure to always note the word count requirements on each assignment, and then make certain to check your word count in your word processing program before you submit your text. You must meet the minimum word count in order to get any credit for your work. I also ask you not to go more than just a little bit over the word count for any task.
Attendance
Because you are not attending a traditional face-to-face class, there are no exact requirements for attendance. However, I expect you to "show up" in our virtual classroom at least five times each week. I recommend daily login for checking messages and keeping abreast of any changes. I'd make a point of never missing more that one weekday in a row, if possible.
In my experience as an online student, checking in more than once a day during the week for brief periods has been the most effective way for me to keep up with the discussion messages without becoming overwhelmed. Plus, the more often I check in, the more engaged I feel, and the more I enjoy the class. Then I plan larger chunks of time for completing the rest of my coursework.
For this class, in addition to checking your personal email several days a week, I'll ask you to check the following each time you log in:
Announcements
Questions forum
Private messages (in our course site)
I will "show up," at least once briefly (and often several times a day) to see if there are any questions, Tuesday through Saturday. (I will take Sundays, Mondays and college holidays away from the course site. If you "see" me in the class on my days off, I am likely to be catching up on my grading and unlikely to be checking the discussions or answering private messages.) I will rarely be "absent" during a work day, and never for more than one work day in a row. (If I won't be able to check in on a work day, I will try to let you know in advance.)
Doing the work
I do recommend reviewing all the section pages at the beginning of each week in order to have a sense of what the work entails. This way you'll know how much time you need to devote and be able to post any questions you might have about the work in plenty of time, as well.
As with anything we do, the more effort we put into it, the more we'll get out of it, and this course is no exception. None of the required tasks are particularly time-consuming assignments, but they do require you to consistently apply yourself and meet weekly deadlines. So, it's extremely important that you stay on top of the work and don't fall behind. If you should feel this happening, please contact me right away, so I can help you problem-solve and get back on track before it's too late for you to be successful in the course.
Important
The Tasks List (in the navigation bar) contains a list of all work that needs to be submitted for the class (but note there is additional work to be done in each module, as well). The list is designed to give you an overview of the work load and a checklist for completing tasks, but please note this calendar is a flexible document that may change. If there are any changes to the Tasks List for an upcoming week, the changes will be reflected by 8:00am Monday of that week.
This gives me the ability to adjust things as needed depending on what I'm seeing happening in any given class and to do my best job of "teaching." Thanks for being understanding about this.
Preparation and participation
One of the advantages of the online environment is that you have more flexibility in preparing for and participating in the class. However, this flexibility doesn't mean you can avoid reading assignments and "fake" your participation. It means you need to have the self discipline to prepare yourself thoroughly before you join in the discussions. And we'll all benefit from this dedication. The discussions will be more interesting and dynamic, more vital, if everyone has taken the time to read and digest the information. So, I encourage you to build time into your study plan for simply thinking about the assignment or the reading. You'll be much happier (and so will the rest of the class) with your ability to participate and add to the class itself. And to be honest, if you don't commit to both dedicated preparation and thoughtful participation, you may lose more than the obvious points per assignment. I am only human, and if you consistently offer little to the class and are routinely unprepared (or underprepared), I am unlikely to be as generous as usual with my own time. On the other hand, if you are putting full effort into your work and into participating in the class, you can expect me to always meet you halfway and put forth extra effort of my own when needed.
Open communication
I encourage you to bring me any questions or concerns that may come up for you during the course. If you are feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, worried or bored---tell me about it. I am happy to schedule a time to talk over the phone, and you can send me a private message whenever you like or call me at home during the hours stated at the beginning of the syllabus (under Office Hours). If you don't understand my comments on your work, please ask me. If you think I missed something or the grade you received doesn't adequately represent the quality of your work, tell me about it.
I can't stress enough the importance of keeping me informed. I try to be both fair and reasonable, but if I don't know what's going on with you, there is very little chance I'm going to be able to address your issues or concerns, much less help resolve them.
On a lighter note, I enjoy communicating with my students, and it doesn't need to happen only when something has gone awry. Please feel free to send me a private message or call me to let me know when you've enjoyed a particular task or learned something valuable or just got a chuckle out of something in our online classroom. Small connections like this are important for all of us, I think. So please don't ever worry about "bugging" me, whether it's good or bad, large or small. I like hearing from you.
Attitude and academics
Plagiarism or other forms of cheating are (of course!) unacceptable. When copying something word for word, or when rephrasing ideas from someone else's text, you must cite your source. If you use someone else's words or ideas without citing them (even only a couple), you are committing plagiarism and may receive an "F." Other disciplinary action may also be taken.
Equally unacceptable is any "behavior" that is disruptive or has a negative impact on the class. I expect everyone to treat each other with respect and as much kindness as we can muster. In the online environment, this should be easier to do because we have the advantage of being able to think about our words before we send or "speak" them. (I talk about this more in the Netiquette section of the Getting Started module. It's important to me.) If I feel your behavior is unacceptable, I may need to step in to "correct" you, or I may need to "speak" with you privately before you can continue to participate in the class. I don't anticipate this needing to happen, but I feel it's safest to alert students to this possiblity.
Copyrights
The rules for copyrights within the online classroom are complex and often interpreted in a variety of ways. I will occasionally offer you a reading or share an image or other copyrighted material with the idea that this falls under the "one-time use" clause of the Fair Use Exemption. Or, because this is a password protected site, I may make certain materials available for use in a class exercise similar to bringing the items to the classroom and utilizing them there. (For instance, in my English courses I have a collection of newspaper photos I like to lug around with me for writing practice.)
Just as I am trusting my students in my face-to-face classes not to take off with my materials or make photocopies for their friends, I'm asking you and trusting you not to do the same in our online classroom. The same rules apply for any photos or other materials posted by your peers. We can look and enjoy and comment on these materials, but please do not copy these electronic files or share them in any way outside our classroom. Thanks very much for honoring these rules.
Dropping the class
If for any reason you stop attending class, please remember it is your responsibility to drop the course. I would also recommend you follow up by requesting a printout of your schedule from admissions and records to verify the drop has been implemented. If you don't drop the course, you'll automatically receive an "F." If you don't drop, your name appears on the final grade sheet, and I have no other option at that point but to complete the "bubble" for an "F." No one is happy in this situation (not me, not you, not Admissions and Records), so please take the time and be responsible for your own transcripts. Even if you've only attended the first days or weeks of a course, don't assume the instructor is going to "take care of it" for you. You might luck out once or twice, but eventually it will catch up with you.
Other college support services
We have marvelous student support at Mendocino College, and I urge you to make the effort to benefit from what is offered. We have an extensive and amazing program for students with disabilities (including testing and support for students with learning disabilities), a terrific group of academic advisors in the counseling office (including special, qualified counselors to help with mental/emotional/growth issues) and a wonderful library and learning center (with tutors and study groups). These are just some of the student services offered, so please check with me or with the Instruction Office for more information.
If you are registered with the Disabilities Resource Center (DRC), they will let me know what sorts of accommodations you'll need for my course, and I'll be happy to discuss these with you, as well. If you want them to be able to freely discuss your specific issues and needs with me, please let them know. (I believe there's a form you need to sign for this permission.) The DRC can also offer wonderful support in a number of ways.
Encouraging a fair and safe experience
This college and this classroom are dedicated to providing an atmosphere that affords everyone, regardless of race, ethnic background, gender, disability, age or sexual preference, the sense of feeling safe and of being treated fairly so each student will have the best opportunity to learn. If you feel you have been treated unjustly, or are having an experience that in some way impedes your ability to feel safe in the academic environment, please let us know so we can do what we can to help. I've already encouraged you to bring any problems you might be having in my class to me, and I echo that again here. (If need be, we can get assistance from other campus support services to help us resolve any concerns.)
The most important thing to all of us who work here is that you have a good experience and are motivated to continue your education. We really are here to help. Please give us every chance we can to do just that.
A demanding but rewarding class
This is a demanding class, and I am an ogre about sticking to the requirements and deadlines. It's demanding, but it can be a fun, challenging, rewarding, heartwarming, eye-opening, entertaining and growth-filled experience for all of us. I'm glad you're here. I look forward to working with you throughout the course.
