 Greetings!
I'm
Jodi Reed, instructor for CIS 212 at
Cuyamaca College. In the Fall semester of 1998, we decided to offer
an online course to help busy students fit CIS 212 into their lives. It's been so successful, we've added a second
section! In an online course, you work on assignments at
home, using e-mail and the Web to communicate with other students
and me.
How does it work?
The
online course follows the same schedule and syllabus as the
on-campus course. Instead of attending lectures, online
students use the class notes, textbooks, and lab activities to
learn Web Publishing skills. Class notes are published on the
course Web site early in the week and include announcements,
expectations, assignments, reading notes, tips, and instructions.
Ideally, students read the lecture notes with book in hand and
FrontPage launched, trying each skill. Students are responsible
for reading the notes and completing all class activities,
usually within the week.
Online
students are welcome to attend regular lectures on campus, space
permitting.
You mean I don't have to come to class?
| That's
right! The only required meetings are an orientation before
the semester begins (see the college schedule) and the final
exam. Some students really tune in on that "don't
have to" phrase and think it's going to be a breeze, but for
most people (including me!), an online course feels like more
work than a face-to-face course. The good news is that we
get to pick our times and work setting. |
So what do I need to be an online student?
Here's
what you need to be able to succeed in the TBA section:
 | Access to a
computer with FrontPage 2000 ($70 at
Gradware) and a graphics
program such as PhotoDraw, PhotoPaint, PhotoShop, Image Composer, Fireworks,
etc. |
| Internet
access (Web and e-mail). |
| Ability and
willingness to work independently. |
| Solid
experience with Internet and with Windows. (Can you
troubleshoot problems? Could you e-mail me a URL?)
|
| It REALLY
helps to like reading and writing. |
| You'll need
to check
e-mail regularly -- daily is best. Your instructor
will reply to all e-mail within a few days. You'll
get grades and feedback for most assignments within a
week. |
| Check the
course online discussion regularly -- once or twice a week. |
How do I get graded?
| You'll get
assignments by e-mail (also posted on Web site on news page) with
instructions for turning in the work. Usually, you'll
e-mail something, complete an online quiz, or participate
in web-based discussion. I usually send feedback
and/or a grade within a week. Early in the
semester, you'll get weekly assignments. In the
last month you'll work on your final project. |
| Quizzes and
skill tests will be e-mailed to you early in the week.
You'll be required to respond within a certain time
period (usually within 3-5 days), so please make a note
of quiz dates. |
| You'll be
required to come to class for the final exam. The final
will include written questions on design principles and a
few hands-on tasks that you'll demonstrate by creating a
Web page. You must pass the final exam (50% or better) to
pass the class, which should be easy for students who
have done the reading and lab assignments. |
Do you have any tips for online students?
You
bet!
| Keep
up with the class. The biggest problem
online students have is gradually falling behind.
You lose points when assignments are late, and you may be
dropped from the class if you get more than 4 assignments
behind. |
| Schedule
at least 10 hours per week to focus on the class.
Remember, in a regular class you would be driving,
parking, attending class, and doing homework.
Don't think that that you don't need to make time for
class just because you're not on campus. |
| Work
with a small group, either in-person or via
phone or e-mail. |
| Contact
your instructor as soon as you begin to have
problems or if you decide to drop. |
| Attend
the regular class if necessary. |
| E-mail and
discussion can be brief and casual. Save your concerns
about grammar and spelling for your class assignments.
|
| Find out
more about online learning at the PBS net.learning
FAQ. |
| Here's a student's
point of view. (different college) |
|
