About this Online Course

This is a FULLY ONLINE 16-week, asynchronous course that runs from Tues. Sept. 3rd through Wed. Dec. 18th.

• Canvas will be our online classroom.  We will not meet on campus.

• Asynchronous means you are not required to log on at any specific time for this class. You may complete the assignments on your own schedule provided you do your best to adhere to posted due dates.

• Open Zoom hours will be held synchronously, to give us the chance to connect in real-time. I encourage you to attend (but it is not required).  

• Add/Drop and Withdrawal Deadlines can be found through Admissions & Records "Important Dates" 

This class emphasizes reading for understanding – a big part of which is metacognition, or thinking about thinking. As you read, pay attention to your internal dialog, especially when you feel lost or confused. Over the course of the semester we will work on developing strategies to improve your confidence and competence with reading and understanding, with particular focus on the way science is communicated.

IMPORTANT:  Please plan to complete the THREE check-in assignments by Sun. Sept. 8th  in order to stay enrolled in the class.  

Course Essentials - What you need to succeed

What does it take to make it on this voyage?  Show up and engage your curiosity.

I encourage each of you to evaluate your prior experiences and current attitudes about math and science, and the beliefs that arise therefrom.

Whether you consider yourself “good” or “bad” in these subjects, the fact is – these are just stories we tell ourselves.

YOU are the author of your life. You get to tell the story. You CAN succeed at anything you set out to accomplish.

Set your goals high. It will require a lot of hard work, but it is worth it.

Know this: I am one of many who support your efforts.

You are invited to bring an open mind and a willingness to reflect and share as we build our knowledge and community together.

TECHNICAL STUFF:  

You will need a computer with a decent internet connection to get the most out of this class.  Don’t have one? No worries! You can request one through GCC library.

You will also need access to your student email account and your Canvas log-in information. Don't have access? GCC's Welcome Center can help!

While most materials can be accessed with a mobile device, it is strongly encouraged that you engage with the material from a computer.  

TEXTBOOKS - Free to download at the links below:

• Webb, Paul, Introduction to Oceanography, 2020. Pressbook (CC/BY), Published under creative commons license and freely available for download.

• Hlebakos, Jason. Environmental Science 101. LibreTexts(CC/BY), Published under creative commons license and freely available for download. 

Our pact

What are Open Office Hours?  Why should I visit?

Every week I set aside a certain amount of time to visit with students one-on-one or in small groups via Zoom (link available through Canvas). This is YOUR time, not mine. There are lots of good reasons to come to office hours. Here are just a few:

1. If you are confused or stuck, I can help guide you toward clarity.

2. If you are curious about a topic and want to know more, we can find out together.

3. If you are anxious about your performance, I can help you develop an action plan for success.

4. If you’re not sure how to study or what’s expected from an assignment, please come see me.

Support for YOU!

What's my role?

I am your guide to the Earth and her oceans. I am your captain and your cheerleader. I am here to support you.

Canvas Assistance

We will use Canvas as our online classroom. 

If you are unable to log in, please let me know ASAP so we can work together to get you in.  Remember, nobody gets left overboard in this class!

Are you new to Canvas? Need technical support?

Check out the resources Distance Education offers!

Just click the link and scroll down below the log-in portal to find tutorial to help you get oriented.

You can get LIVE Canvas support Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.  or call the Canvas support line to get help 24/7 around the clock: 1-844-600-4951

Are you a Dreamer? A Black scholar? A veteran? Foster youth? Need money or food?...

Whoever you are and whatever you need, GCC's got your back! 

I feel so lucky to be a part of the GCC community because it is like a family - we all look out for each other.  

Here is a list of resources to help you find the help you need!

If you DON'T find what you need, please hit me up and I will do what I can. Remember, I am one of many who support you.

Will there be a chance to earn extra credit?

Heck yes! You can earn up to 5% extra credit (45 points) over the course of the semester. Here are some ways to do it:

• 5 extra credit points for coming to visit during Student Open Office Hours (Open Zoom).  

• Variable extra credit points for bonus activities to be found inside select modules

• Variable extra credit points for replying to "easter egg" posts on our Weekly Discussion Boards

How will I know what my grade is?

Good question! You can view your grades using the Grades button in the course navigation links. 

I encourage you to check your grades and assignment feedback regularly as it will help us to stay the course together. 

What if there is a problem with my grade?

 Then please bring it to my attention so that issue can be addressed and corrected.  

Grades are confidential - just between you and me, so please do not post your personal concerns in a public discussion forum.

• Academic Integrity: 

 I trust that you will devote the time necessary to do the assigned work to the best of your ability. This includes:

• 1. 1. 1. 1. giving appropriate credit to outside sources that you may have consulted or "borrowed from" in the completion of your work

           2. adhering to the expectations outlined in each assignment, whether a group project that invites collaboration or an exam  that you would complete individually

           3. reaching out to me for additional clarification if you're unsure about expectations or if you would like feedback about how best to cite sources

• Attendance:  

Because this is an online class, your attendance is recorded based on your participation in and completion of assigned work. 

Please plan to complete the THREE check-in assignments by Sunday. Sept. 8th  in order to stay enrolled in the class. 

I understand that life happens and sometimes you may not be able to complete your work on time.  If this happens to you, please reach out and let me know how I can support you. I don't want you to fall behind, but if you miss more than a week of assignments, it will become more difficult to catch up.

If you do fall behind and feel it would be best to drop the class, it may be helpful to know your rights & responsibilities and to understand the refund policy.

• Classroom community: 

Everyone has a shared responsibility to ensure that the classroom is a safe place to support learning.   To help preserve this sense of online safety, let's all agree to abide by the rules of netiquette.

• Communication: 

Students are always welcome to reach out to me.  I will respond to electronic communication within 24 hours during weekdays and up to 48 hours during weekends. If you do not hear back, then chances are the message was not delivered and you should verify my email address and re-send . Confidential information such as grades can only be communicated through your official student email account. Please use this account for confidential correspondence.

• Disability Accommodations:  

Any students with disabilities are encouraged to contact me. Assistance is available on campus to facilitate reasonable accommodations through the Center for Students with Disabilities.  They can be reached at (818) 240-1000, ext. 5905

• Drop Policy: 

If you are thinking of dropping the class, please reach out.  It may be possible to find a way to bring you back on board so that you don't have to leave the class.  But if you decide you no longer wish to be enrolled, it is the YOUR responsibility to drop the class. I will not drop you. 

Admissions & Records publishes the Add/Drop deadlines.