Learning Online: Quality meets Convenience Orientation Spring Session 2008

Welcome to On-line Learning n Jurgen Hilke, Faculty, Director of Distance Learning n Kimberly Carr, Administrative Assistance n Course Faculty: Introduction Later

TODAY’S ORIENTATION n What do I need for my course? n How do I get to my course website? n How do I begin an online course? n How do I submit course work? n How do I get help?

Learning Online at FCC n Offers: (1) Quality (QM) (2) Convenience

Learning Online at FCC n Requires: (1) Discipline (2) Realistic Expectations (3) Academic Integrity

Learning Online at FCC n Requires: (1) Discipline a. Time management: ScheduleSchedule b. 33% of students who withdrew from an online course say: “Don’t fall behind!” c. Quick Survey about DeadlinesQuick Survey about Deadlines

Learning Online at FCC n Requires: (2) Realistic Expectations The two most common mistakes: - “Online Courses are easier” - “Online Courses take less time”

Learning Online at FCC n Requires: (3) Academic Integrity a. We are part of a small online group b. The issue of mutual trust

If You Haven’t Yet……. n Buy books early n Make sure to get the text for the online section of your course n Some Textbooks have a CD-Rom or Publisher’s pass-code packed with them n Used Books may require new pass- codes

What WILL you need? n PC or MAC n Windows 2000, or ME, or XP-Home, or XP-Professional n Internet Access and account n Anti-Virus Software n Browser –Netscape Communicator or Internet Explorer –AOL Browser compatibility

What you MAY need n May need software n May need Plug ins –Acrobat Reader, QuickTime etc. n May need CD-ROM / DVD n High Speed for Streaming Video n May need personal computer guru

Where to go first?

Destination: Blackboard n What is it? A “Course Management” system n Where is it? n When can you get in? Around January 24-28, 2008 n What you need to get there ?

Blackboard Log-in Blackboard Log-in n n Course Login User ID: W+7-digit student ID Password: Last 4 digits n Orientation User ID: ‘Blackboard’ Password: ‘101’

Help! For Blackboard n User Manual (in Grades/Tools) n FCC Online Support website n FCC Blackboard Assist assist.cfm assist.cfm

Am at Course, Now What? READ n Announcements n Faculty or staff info. n Course Information BROWSE o ther “menu” buttons FIND first assignments FIND & PRINT n Syllabus n Other key info. UPDATE n Password n address (in Grades/Tools)

How to submit work – may be different for each online course In Blackboard course: n View/Complete type assignments n Online tests n Discussion Board n Digital Dropbox By other means: n n Publisher’s website n Faculty mailbox n Testing Center

How discuss online? n Discussion Board area is used for introductions, Q & A, & topics n Respond to topic & others students n Organized by theme, thread, & replies n Keep up by reading & posting messages multiple times each week

Help! For the Course n Post question in Discussion Board n Your instructor (see Faculty or Staff Info. area for contact info.) n Tutoring (see Course Info. area)

Degree Programs n General Studies (AA) n Business Administration (AA)

Academic Courses n On-line courses n Hybrid courses n Teleweb courses n Companion websites

Academic Calendar n On-line courses follow FCC calendar n 15 weeks, 7 weeks, 5 weeks etc. n Cohort courses, not self-paced n Classes begin 6/5/2006 n Last day to withdraw: schedule