Checklist for starting English 0301 (Internet)
Taking English 0301 via the internet in many ways is no different than taking it in a traditional face-to-face classroom; however, we have to admit that differences exist. Accommodating ourselves to these differences will help insure your success in this class.
Please note: This class has a required on-campus date where you must come into the SAC Campus. Review this list to see if you are ready for 0301 via the Internet:
How Long Will It Take To Get COMPLETELY Ready for English 0301?
This checklist has a number of tasks for you to do as well as orientation materials for your to review. Once you review all this material, you should be "ready" to start English 0301. Expect that it may take you two to three hours to get completely "ready." You need to be able to say "Yes" and/or do each of the items below:
Technology
 Do you have daily access to a computer and the internet? You can expect to need sometimes one to three hours of access to a computer per day.
Do you have basic computer literacy skills? Can you create a document, save it, and find it again? Can you cut and copy text? Can you browse the web? Are you comfortable problem-solving with the computer (because it always seems like something doesn't work and you have to do trial and error to figure something out). Can you attach a file to a online message?
Have you established your Alamo Colleges PALS email account? If not, please go to http://sacportal.accd.edu/cp/home/loginf and follow the instructions listed under " Need Help Logging in?"
Write down your PALS username and password.
Have you filled out the class information form? Fill in this form to provide me with basic contact information.
Have you successfully made email contact with the instructor? --llirvin -AT- gmail.com
(note--due to internet bots snagging email addresses written out for spamming, I have used a different way of writing my email address. When you contact me, convert it to the regular email protocol--name@gmail.com)
System Requirements--A computer no older than five years old with current word processing, internet browsing, and media player applications. High speed internet access is recommended, but not required (some media resources may not be practically available via dial-up access). VERY IMPORTANT--You will want up-to-date virus, firewall, and spyware software. Also, you will want to be sure that you have updated your Windows and email applications to the latest versions to prevent security problems. Since I will be putting a lot of our orientation materials on video, you will need an updated version of Windows Media Player or Quicktime.
You will be given access information to our online learning environment at the orientation.
Materials
Have you gotten our textbooks?
--Anker, Susan. Real Essays: With Readings. 3rd Ed. Bedford/St. Martin's, 2009.
--
Elbow, Peter. Writing Without Teachers.
--You have bookmarked our Course Home page so that you can get to it easily. (http://www.accd.edu/sac/english/lirvin/0301site/default.html)
Personal Independence and Time
Are you able to follow directions on your own? Can you read a document with a list of step-by-step instructions and complete these instructions independently?
Are you able to commit the time that will be needed to complete this class successfully? For our class since it is a short class during the summer, this may require two to six hours of work per night!
You accept the requirement to two online conferences during the semester. Conferences are either held online or in person.
Voluntary--Have taken the Internet Readiness self-assessment to see if an online class is a good fit for you? (If you have taken this test for another class, you do not need to take it again.)
You accept the requirement of completing the COURSE ORIENTATION REQUIREMENTS by no later than Wed. 9/6. Not completing this orientation material by this date will result in your being dropped from the class. The requirements include:
Course Orienation Requirements
You must complete ALL of these requirements to secure your registration in this class. Not completing them will result in you being dropped from the class.
- Reading the syllabus carefully. And rereading it again.
- Viewing this Class Orientation set of videos
***Please note some of these videos were made for my Summer 2008 class. They still work for us, though some of the dates may be off. Updated orientation videos will be created before the class begins.
--Welcome and Class Overview
--The Work of the Class
--How Attendance works
--Details on The Book Project: Book Project-- part A; Book Project:--part B
--Accessing the Writing Club
- Successfully accessing our online class environment--The Writing Club--and replying to any "Class Announcements" that are posted.
***Please note: The Writing Club will not be available for access until 8/22***
- Successfully posting our first set of writings (BP-A) by 9/6 (actually due 9/2)--specifically, these include the diagnostic essay (sent to me via email) and Writing Pieces #1-3 of the Book Project (posted inside The Writing Club).
- Attend one of the two required online course orientations--location and accessing
Dates: Mon. Aug. 24th, 6-7:30 PM or Sat. Aug. 29th 10-11:30 AM.
Note for Special Needs students: As an internet class, this class is better suited for students who are able to learn independently. I certainly will provide as much assistance as I am able for your learning, but experience has shown me that for students with greater needs especially due to learning disabilities or a foreign language background, a face-to-face class where students can receive the extensive one-on-one in-person help they need is better for them. Contact me if you have any questions in this regard.
Last updated
August 19, 2009
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