Online Learning Environment
- This is a complete online class offered through the campus BBLearn environment, it is a self-guided course that you will complete on your own time. However, the class will be paced, with one module assigned every two weeks. I will not respond to questions about course content that are not in synch with the current module.
- Each module should take between 12-20 hours accounting for time allocated to readings, online content, quizzes and the exam. You should plan the time you will be work on this course into your weekly schedule. Without marked time for an online class, you will not be able to complete the class. Although an online course offers you scheduling flexibility, it may be unwise to start a module the night before it is due.
- You are responsible for reading announcements and checking into different areas of the online classroom to make sure that you receive instructions and updated information. It is also your responsibility to check the grades you receive are correct and report inconsistencies to me within a week of receiving any contested grade.
- Is an online course best for me? Please consider the following factors:
- Commitment: An online class is not easier than a face-to-face one. You need to have the commitment and patience to overcome technical and other problems that often accompanying an online class.
- Time management: An online class gives you the flexibility of managing your time but may not save you time. You need to dedicate at least 6 to 10 hours each week for this course and check into the online classroom at least twice a week, sometimes, more often.
- Study Skills: You need to develop efficient study skills to master the required course material. The learning activities I design for you would only work for you when you adopt and adjust them to fit your learning style, which may require you develop your learning skills to achieve that.
- Technical skills: You will need certain degree of technical proficiency and access to required technology to be successful in an online course. The technical guide section of the syllabus provides you with resources that will help you to solve certain technical problems. It is your responsibility to seek help and to solve problems in a timely manner.
- Communication is very important in an online class since you don’t have the ability to ask the instructor questions in an active setting. Let me know when you have questions, concerns, or suggestions; however, please understand that it may take more than 48 hours for me to respond your questions. I recommend that before you ask me a question via email you first check the discussion board on BBLearn to see if that question has already been answered.
- Discussion board. I encourage you to use the discussion board built into BBLearn. This will be the primary forum through which we communicate as a group. I will respond to posts on the discussion board at least twice a week. Understand that if you post something on the discussion board, the whole class will see it. Please distinguish messages intended for public or private and use appropriate means to deliver them. Only postings that contribute to (or seek) clarification and enhance the course contents should be posted on the discussion boards. Again, please use languages that are appropriate for an academic environment at all times when you post messages on the discussion board or e-mail classmates or instructors.
- Technical help with BBLearn can be obtained through one of the following means:
- Online support: http://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/bblearnhelp/student-help/
- Discussion board: Many of your colleagues have experienced similar problems and have solutions
- Email the instructor
- University of Idaho ITS help desk [email protected]