This is my teaching blog for this course. I hope this blog can offer another communication channel to assist you in this course. This blog will be the forum for me to offer tips, strategies and guidance so that you can be successful in this course.
It is normal for students to experience a certain level of anxiety in taking an online course, especially if it is the first online course you are taking. However, you will gain experiences navigating and functioning in the online learning environment. Here are a few tips for you. Hopefully, you find them useful.
1. Lots of students think that the online course takes less time and efforts. It is a misconception. Contrarily, you need to spend more time and efforts in the online course. The online course is text-based. We wrirte a lot slower than we talk. For example, tt takes more time and efforts to participate in class discussions online than in face-to-face discussions.
2. You need to log in at least twice a week. Ideally, you should log in every other day to keep yourself well informed of alll the development in the course. When a mail is sent through the blackboard, it does not go to your Internet account, it remains in the blackboard vista. Therefore, you do need to check your mail from time to time not to miss any development in the course. You do not need to stay on line for two hours and a half at one time. You can space your time between log-ins.
3. Read , read, and read carefully. The online course is text-based. Therefore, you need to spend time doing your reading. Pay attention to the deadlines for the assignments and class discussions. Points would be deducted for late assignments. Worse, once a discussion closes, no one is allowed to post any more. Read carefully about the instructions for each assignment and discussion and follow instructions. All the assignments are posted online for the whole semester, which should help you to plan your time and work throughout the course.
4. Communication is the key. There are various ways to communicate with me. I have set up a "Faculty Office" where you can post your questions. You can also e-mail me if you desire. All the questions and mail will be answered within 48 hourse.
5. This is a discussion-based course. All the assignments are based on class discussions. Without participating in class discussions, you will not be able to do your assignments. Not to mention that some assignments are group projects. Your discussion performance is seriously evaluated. Please follow discussion rules. Rules are posted for each discussion activity. I'll discuss this issie more in-depth in my coming blog entries.
Friday, August 28, 2009
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