Environmental Science 1

ENV SCI 1: Los Angeles Pierce College

Heather Kokorowski

Greetings scholars!

My name is Heather Kokorowski, and I am excited to serve as your online instructor for Introduction to Environmental Science.

Please take 1 minute to view my video, then explore the rest of this Welcome Syllabus to learn more about our course! Tabs are found at the top of the page, or by clicking on the menu icon (three lines) in the upper-left of the screen on mobile devices.

Prof. Kokorowski

How This Course Works

  • This is a 16-week fully online course.

  • There is no required textbook. This is a Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) class!

  • You will learn in a community with your peers. This is not a self-paced course. We are in this together!

  • Your learning will be conducted asynchronously (on your own time) in Canvas. This class does not meet in Zoom. We use Zoom only for optional tutoring and office hours. Weekly deadlines and reminders will help you stay on track.

  • By the Thursday of Week 1, you will be expected to log into our course in Canvas and complete the Course Check-in Activity to signal your intent to complete this course.

  • This class is organized into 16 modules. You will complete 1 module per week. Each module contains content (including readings, animations, and videos), a graded video quiz, and a written quiz. Each week you will also participate in a collaborative (asynchronous) discussion.

Our Pact

What you can expect from me:

  1. I will provide you with a clear, organized course that is designed to ensure you meet our course outcomes in a meaningful manner.

  2. I will provide a variety of assignments to ensure your learning needs are met.

  3. I will be actively present in your learning.

  4. I will provide a supportive and safe environment for you to share and discuss ideas with your peers.

  5. I will reach out to you when I sense that you need support.

  6. I will treat you with dignity and respect and be flexible to support your individual needs while guiding and encouraging you to stay on track.

  7. I won't be perfect. I am human and will make mistakes at times. I will view mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow.

  8. Is there anything else you would like to add to this list? If so, you will have the opportunity to make a suggestion in our Course Orientation Module.

What I will expect from you:

  1. You strive to be an active participant in this course and strive to meet due dates.

  2. You will maintain an open line of communication with me so I understand how to support you.

  3. You will contact me, ahead of the deadline if at all possible, if you have a concern with meeting a due date.

  4. You strive to regularly contribute to collaborative activities to ensure other members of the community have ample opportunity to read/listen, reflect, and respond to your ideas.

  5. You will treat your peers with dignity and respect. We are all here to learn!

  6. You will do your best to have patience with technology. There will be hiccups, expect them. We will get through them together.

  7. You will give yourself grace. Expect to make mistakes. You are human and you are stressed.

  8. Is there anything else you would like to add to this list? If so, you will have the opportunity to make a suggestion in our Course Orientation Module.

How to Get Your Questions Answered

How to Contact Me

My preferred contact method is through the Canvas Inbox. If you contact me Monday-Friday, I will respond within 24 hours (usually much sooner!).

How to Get your General Questions Answered

If you have a general question about the course, please use the "Ask Here for Help" discussion. Your question will be seen by your peers and anyone is welcome to answer!