We use Canvas as our online system. This online system will allow you to access the weekly class lessons, participate in discussions, and submit assignments.
Before February 10, you may not see the course shell in Canvas
In fact, the very first thing to do on Monday or Tuesday is to visit the Home Page and Look for Week 1 Overview in Module 1. Here you will find the following sections that are listed in each weekly overview. The Overview page for each week has all of the links to other course materials. It is your one-stop to link out to discussions, drop boxes, and supplementary materials.
Introduction to the topic - generally the topic focuses on the week
Instructor notes - an overview of key concepts the week
Readings & Resources - these are the materials that you will be reading and exploring for the week. Materials include readings, websites, and videos. You will generally find that you need to explore/read these materials prior to posting your discussion.
Discussions - Much of our class time is connected to the weekly overviews and discussions. Discussions and Small Group Discussions are the places we come together to share ideas. Since the discussions represent the classroom component of our online learning, it is important to remember to check back frequently into the discussion posting. Much like you would not say your piece and then get up and leave a live class, we don't share our post and then not check back for the week. Responsibilities in the discussion include developing posts, reading other posts, and responding to selected posts in a meaningful way. See the Discussion Rubric for post expectations.
Assignments - Here you will find the weekly expectations of what will be completed each week for class. Primary Discussion posts are due Wednesday/Thursday and responses to colleagues are on Saturday. Assignments are generally due on Sunday.
It is important in each class to form relationships, we will work in both small and whole groups. Many of our questions this term will be influenced by our text, so be sure to purchase or access your text this week.
On the first day of class, visit the Getting Started section which is about working in the online classroom, . There are instructions in this section on how to use the tools in the classroom this quarter. For this first week, you will also complete the readings and a discussion. For each discussion this term, you will have a file that introduces you to it and explains what to do and how you will be evaluated. The other feature we’ll use in this class is the Assignment tool. This is where you will turn in your assignments.
Online classes are intense readings, as this is our only communication method. So, each week it is very important that you read all the files, so you don't miss an important set of instructions. The Orientation files in Canvas provide information on online environments, e-library reserves, netiquette, Canvas mail instructions, PDF readers, and APA resources that will help you with class navigation.