Introduction

This Orientation will introduce you to course content and expectations. You'll also get everything set up and ready to go for the class. Your first quiz will include questions about the syllabus and your textbooks. While you work through this orientation, jot down any questions you have and post them to our course Blackboard discussion forum. (I'll be giving points for messages posted to Blackboard discussion.)

This lab is due by the second week of class so that I can make sure all students are ready to go and have some basic prerequisite skills.

Plan to spend 1-4 hours on this orientation (and other learning activities in the course). Schedule more time if you have little experience.  You will find it easiest if you schedule 2 work sessions a week and keep up with assignments as they are assigned in the schedule.

What to Do

1. Browse the course web site and and bookmark schedule.
   
   
2. Carefully read the course syllabus and skim the schedule. Read How an Online Class Works.  Make sure you can answer these questions:
   1. How much time should I schedule for this class?
   2. What software do I need (including version numbers)?
   3. What textbooks do I need?
   4. How will I be graded?
   5. How often will I need to check Blackboard?
   6. Where do I find assignment instructions and due dates?
      
      
3. OPTIONAL.  I use MSN Messenger (screen name jrTeacher, email address jreed@banyantree.org) and AOL Instant Messenger  (screen name teacherCIS) for instant messaging.  If I'm online and available, you can tell and you can usually get a very quick response, so it can be less frustrating than waiting for a reply to e-mail or online discussion.  This is optional, so don't worry about it if you are feeling overwhelmed, but many students find this useful. 
   
   I have set them up so I don't get disturbed by strangers, so let me know your screen name and I will add you to my contacts list.
   
   
4. Open a Word document, type your name, save it as ED214 Orientation.doc and answer the following questions:
   1. What is your teaching background?
   2. Do you use technology in your teaching? (Web site, smart classroom, etc.)
   3. What do you hope to accomplish in this class?
   4. Have you ever taken an online class?
   5. Is the main computer you plan to use Mac or Windows?
   6. Describe your Internet connection (Cable, DLS, modem)
   7. Are you confident about your computer skills (Web, email, Word, Powerpoint)
      
      
5. Add the course if you have not done so. Please do this TODAY. You cannot add the class late, even if you have done all the work.
   
   
6. Get your textbook(s) and skim the contents.
   
   
7. Arrange for reliable access to a computer with Internet (high speed access preferred).
   
   
8. Get a digital photo of yourself. If necessary, stop by my office during office hours and I will take a photo. You can also scan a photo in room E-102 or in the library. If you can, crop and size it to 200 pixels high (72 ppi). You will turn this in later in response to the Blackboard orientation discussion message.
   
   
9. Adjust software that blocks pop-up windows. Blackboard uses pop-up windows.
   
   
10. Complete the Student Information Form.
    
    
11. Use the link at the top of this page to go to the Blackboard Log In page, then log in with your Cuyamaca STUDENT login name (firstlast with NO PERIOD in between first and last name) and PIN (usually 6-digit birthday). After you log in, you should see a list of classes in the opening screen. 
    
    If you can't log in or you don't see this class listed on the opening screen, contact me as soon as possible!
    
    
12. After you log in, click the link to ED 214 and then click the TOOLS button on the bottom left. Click Personal Information and enter your e-mail address. Make sure it is correct!  Adjust your name to what you prefer to be called. Click Homepage and tell us about yourself.
    
    
13. Explore all the sections on the Blackboard class home page and do these activities:
    1. respond to the the orientation discussion items (ice breaker, share photo)
    2. Go to ASSIGNMENTS and turn in ED214 Orientation.doc
    3. take the orientation quiz
       
       
14. HOME COMPUTER SECURITY is very important.  Please make sure you have an anti-virus program that you regularly update.  I use MacAfee VirusScan.  I also strongly recommend that you use a spyware checker such as Ad-Aware or Spybot Search and Destroy.  These are free and will check for nasty spyware & adware. 
    
    
    
15. If you have any special needs or concerns, please send me an e-mail (jodi.reed at gcccd.edu), call me (660-4465), or stop by my office during office hours. In particular, please inform me of physical or learning disabilities so that I can tailor instruction and communication to help you succeed.

Submitting work

• Upload and submit your file to Blackboard. 

Grading - 50 points