The Blackboard Main Menu (on the top-left of screen in black) is constructed of several basic parts, but perhaps the three most important are the Syllabus, the Content, and the Assignments.
The Syllabus will give you information about course grading and assignment due dates, what to do if you have problems, and what to expect from each module.
The Content comes from three main sources:
The "Content" text and directions inside each Module folder. The module folder is the folder of content for each week. Thus, Module 1 is the content and work to be done for Week 1 of the course, and continues through the modules 2-8 for weeks 2-8 of the course.
The "Edtech Tools" tab has links to each of the web-based applications covered in this course.
The specific module content will provide the foundational information you will need. In addition but links to additional web applications, will be referenced in each module and should be read/viewed and practiced carefully. Each source of information contributes to the module as a whole and will be needed for the completion of the module assignments.
The Assignments, as mentioned in the syllabus, are specific demonstration assessments that correspond to the web application introduced for practice by the candidate. Once the candidate has learned a specific web application, is knowledgeable in the operation of the application, and feels comfortable demonstrating mastery of the application, the candidate then takes the assignment/assessment to show proficiency in the specific assignment application.
Student Feedback: Student Feeback is given by the instructor primarily in two ways. First, the instructor will respond to all submitted assignments by email. Second, the instructor will post feedback in all Blackboard Assignments. This feedback can be viewed by the student candidate by viewing "My Grades" in the BlackBoard "Course Tools" section of the Main Menu.
Note: Each module officially begins each Wednesday morning. All module work is due no later than the following Tuesday by midnight (except the for the last week of the course). However, all modules (1-8) are available all the time so that students may work ahead if they choose to do so. There is no requirement to work ahead- only to stay current with each module and the weekly deadline.
Please take the following steps to get started:
1. Finish reading this page, and view the introductory video presentations in Announcement Welcome page (Main Menu- Home Announcements). The presentation will provide you with information on how to get started in this course and an overview of the course and its modules. There is audio with the video segments, so be sure to have your volume turned up on your pc.
2. Go to the Syllabus/Course Info. page and read the syllabus. You will find information specific to the online format of this course, the assignments, and about me, your instructor.
3. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the course calendar in the School of Education for this course and the specific 8-week term.
4. Send me an email from your school email account stating that you have completed steps 1-5 and are confirming that you have reviewed ALL of the information in the Syllabus / Course Info area. This email is an affirmation that you understand the information you have reviewed and will serve as our contract with each other. My Email address is jonathan.dietz@aic.edu.
5. At this point, you are ready to dive into Module 1. You may want to first view the module content, familiarize yourself with specific web applications, the assignments that will demonstrate your proficiency, and also begin reading the corresponding chapters in the textbook for that module.
6. Following completion of module one, progress through the modules and respective assignments according to the course schedule each week, being sure to submit the assignments each week by the Sunday night deadlines.
I encourage you to visit our course and check your AIC email on a daily basis to ensure you receive all pertinent information regarding this course.
If you have any problems or issues completing any of the steps above, contact me immediately- email is best. I am available to you Sunday through Friday during this entire course.
Online Netiquette- Virtual Class Meetings and Discussion Board Posts
What is Online Netiquette?
The term “netiquette” is used to refer to online etiquette over networks, such as online communities, forums, and online learning environments. Following the rules of netiquette improves the readability of your messages lays the groundwork for making trustworthy connections and helps other people to better understand you.
Here are a few guidelines to help you follow proper netiquette:
Be friendly. Remember that even though you can’t see the person you’re connecting with online, you’re still connecting with someone. Before posting a comment, ask yourself “Would I say this face to face?” If the answer is “no,” don’t post it.
Be Patient: Read everything in the discussion thread before replying. This will help you avoid repeating something someone else has already contributed. Acknowledge the points made with which you agree and suggest alternatives for those with which you don’t.
Be Brief: You want to be clear and to articulate your point without being preachy or pompous. Be direct. Stay on point. Don’t lose yourself, or your readers, in overly wordy sentences or paragraphs.
Be Respectful and Respect Diversity: Remember that you are communicating with actual people, and be sure to be courteous and show respect, even if there are differences of opinion. Remember the golden rule: treat others as you’d like to be treated! It is an ethnically rich and diverse, multi-cultural world in which we live. Use no language that is or that could be construed to be offensive toward others. Racists, sexist, and heterosexist comments and jokes are unacceptable, as are derogatory and/or sarcastic comments and jokes directed at religious beliefs, disabilities, and age.
Be considerate of others: Do not make derogatory, condescending, or harassing remarks. Communication should be well-intentioned and well-articulated and aimed at fostering a positive learning environment. Be aware of how sarcasm may be misinterpreted by your readers.
Be a Participant: This is a shared learning environment. No lurking in the cyberspace background. It is not enough to log in and read the discussion thread of others. For the maximum benefit to all, everyone must contribute.
Be Helpful to Others: You may have more experience with online discussion forums than the person next to you. Give them a hand. Show them it’s not so hard. They’re really going to appreciate it!
Stay on topic. While the discussion is encouraged, rambling conversations are not conducive to a quality experience.
Avoid ''I agree'' and ''Me, too!'' messages. Spending time reading messages without substance can be frustrating for all parties.
Carefully choose the format for your messages. Long paragraphs are difficult for other people to follow on-screen. In general, try to limit each paragraph to five to seven lines and avoid using font styles, colors, and sizes that are difficult to read. Please also avoid using stationery because it takes longer to download.
Avoid responding when emotions are running high. If you’re angry about something someone has posted, don’t reply to their message until you had a chance to calm down. Remember, your posted messages can be seen by everyone, even potential employers.
Use Proper Writing Style: This is a must. Write as if you were writing a term paper. Correct spelling, grammatical constructions, and sentence structure are expected in every other writing activity associated with scholarship and academic engagement. Online discussions are no different.
Cite Your Sources: Another big must! If your contribution to the conversation includes the intellectual property (authored material) of others, e.g., books, newspapers, magazines, or journal articles online or in print they must be given proper attribution.
Emoticons and Texting: Social networking and text messaging have spawned a body of linguistic shortcuts that are not part of the academic dialogue. Please refrain from :-) faces and etc.
No YELLING! Step carefully. Beware the electronic footprint you leave behind. Using bold upper-case letters is bad form, like stomping around and yelling at somebody (NOT TO MENTION BEING HARD ON THE EYES).
No Flaming! Criticism must be constructive, well-meaning, and well-articulated. Please, no tantrums. Rants directed at any other contributor are simply unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The same goes for profanity. The academic environment expects a higher-order language.
Stay on topic. Make sure your communication is related to the subject at hand and does not wander off-topic.
Write clearly. Even though the online environment may seem more informal than your face-to-face class, this is still an academic course and intelligible, mature communication is expected. Correct spelling and grammar are required, and proper sentence structure and punctuation should be used.
Report Glitches: Discussion forums are electronic. They break. If for any reason you experience difficulty participating, please call, email, or otherwise inform me of the issue. Chances are others are having the same problem.
Think before you post. Be aware of who may be able to view your posting, and how your post may be interpreted. Try to maintain a fair and objective tone.
Allow for misunderstandings. Keep in mind that writing can often convey the incorrect tone or intention in the absence of nonverbal communication, and make allowances for unintended rudeness.
Remember: You Can't Un-Ring the Bell. Language is your only tool in an online environment. Be mindful. How others perceive you will largely always be up to you. Once you've hit the send button, you've rung the bell. Discussions can only be
Meet submission Due Dates: Discussions can only be "discussions'" if they occur during the assignment week. Late participation in discussion will not earn full credit. See Discussion Board rubric in Week 1/ Module 1.
Finally: Review your written posts and responses to ensure that you conveyed exactly what you intended. This is an excellent opportunity to practice your proofreading, revision, and rewriting skills valuable assets in the professional world for which you are now preparing. Read your post out loud before hitting the send button. This will tell you a lot about whether your grammar and sentence structure are correct, your tone is appropriate, and your contribution clear or not.
Interacts appropriately and positively with others demonstrating effective communication skills, treating everyone with respect, courtesy and open mindedness
Demonstrates a respectful appreciation of diverse perspectives and the ability to work with diverse populations
Values life-long learning and displays interest and flexibility in the learning process
Has high academic expectations of self, is highly motivated and demonstrates initiative, enthusiasm and confidence
Is a self-directed learner who takes responsibility for his/her learning, preparing thoroughly and consistently, meets deadlines, is punctual, and strives to achieve competency and integrity
Accepts constructive criticism and/or feedback and suggestions
Reflects on/evaluates strengths and areas for self-improvement
Accepts responsibility and shows maturity of judgment and independence by following appropriate protocol when seeking solutions to problems
Values team work and demonstrates commitment to achieving team goal
Failure to comply with the criteria noted above may result in the need for a Candidate Improvement Plan