Welcome to my Online Orientation! English 120: Section 723 Fall 2010

1. Welcome to my Online Orientation! English 120: Section 723Fall 2010 Catherine Gillis Professor of English Office- Room 1765G (2nd floor of the McCarthy Library) cgillis@napavalley.edu

2. Upon Completion of this Orientation, you should be able to: • Understand the expectations of this Online course • Acquire knowledge of expectations for Online courses in general • Feel comfortable that this is the format for you • Understand the difference between WebAdvisor and Blackboard • Understand how to set up your computer to use the Blackboard platform • Understand enough Blackboard basics to begin this course

3. Blackboard Versus WebAdvisorWhat is the difference? Blackboard WebAdvisor WebAdvisor is where you register for admission to the college and thereby enroll in classes. NOTE: You will have different User names and Passwords for both WebAdvisor and Blackboard. Blackboard is the hosting platform for the college’s Online classes.

4. Before logging into your Online Class, you will need: • Your Student ID number- This can be found on your registration receipt or in WebAdvisor. • Access to a PC or Mac computer with: • Microsoft Word 2003 or 2007 • Internet Explorer 7 or later; Mozilla Firefox 3.0X or later; Apple Safari 2 or later with Mac OS 10.4 or 10.5 • Java 1.5.0 or later • All pop-up blockers disabled • An Internet connection, ideally broadband like DSL or Cable • Good computer skills • An environment where you can focus on your school work.

5. Step 1: Open your Browser and type in the Napa Valley College Website Address athttp://www.napavalley.edu/ Click on Online Education

6. Step 2: Click to Log In to the NEW section of Blackboard!

7. Step 3: In the new window, click on Log In

8. Step 4: Be sure you have the latest Java update and your pop-up blocker MUST be disabled for this site.

9. Step 5: Log in! Your User name was created using the first two letters of your first name, followed by the first two letters of your last name, followed by the last four digits of your Napa Valley College student ID number (WebAdvisor number).  For example, if your name is John Smith and your ID number is 2341343, your User name would be JOSM1343 (letters in all CAPS.  If you do not know your student ID number, check your registration receipt or log-in to WebAdvisor. Your initial password is STUDENT (caps)

10. Step 6: Yeah! You’ve successfully logged in! IMPORTANT! NOW CHANGE YOUR PASSWORD IMMEDIATELY! Be sure to change your password to something easy for you to remember, but hard for someone else to guess.You can change your password in Personal Information.

11. Step 7: Click on Change Password Once you’ve changed your Password, click Submit to return to your class Home Page.

12. Step 8: Accessing your course To access your Online class, click the underlined title to enter the course.For example, this user has two sections: ENGL 120

13. Congratulations! You’ve successfully logged into your Online course and are ready to learn more about Online learning! Problems? If you have questions, or need additional help, please email me first, then fill out a help form on the online education page

14. Role of Online Instructors • Online instructors have a rather different role in Online classes versus a traditional classroom. They are no longer lecturers standing in the front of the classroom, they are in a virtual world. • “Instructors are no longer sages on the stage, but they become guides by your side”!

15. Online Etiquette & Chat • Online courses are based on the premise that students learn best in a community. However, some things don’t change: the practices of courtesy and respect that apply in the ordinary classroom also apply Online and require even more attention. • Therefore, please use common courtesy and socially acceptable behavior in all e-mail communications.

16. Online-Class Etiquette Guidelines • Participate to share and be heard—create a sense of community.  • Be polite, respectful, and honest. • Do not type in UPPER CASE. This is considered “shouting” on the Internet and is hard to read. • Don’t be inappropriate. Avoid “flaming” or sending heated or abusive messages. Think BEFORE you decide to reply or not! • Be clear! Help us to see you by explaining your ideas fully. • Always enter a subject and your name in your e-mailsto your instructor.

17. Online-Class Etiquette Guidelines (Continued) • If sending large attachments, please inform the recipient. • Be persistent—when stuck, e-mail or call for assistance or help right a way. • There are no dumb questions—share tips, helps, and questions. • Ask for feedback—agree to disagree if necessary. • Remember, e-mail is a permanent type of document. It can be retrieved and shared by many persons. • Think BEFORE you push the “Send” button.

18. To Online or Not to Online!Words of Encouragement! • Online classes are NOT easier than traditional classes. • They require at least as much time as on-campus courses. • Self-motivation; self-discipline; time management; communication and organizational skills; and patience are all necessary traits to be successful in any Online class.   • In this regard, please plan to fully participate and give this class the amount of time and attention needed to learn the material to be a successful Online student!

19. Academic Honesty You must abide by Napa Valley College’s Academic Honesty Policy (S6330 Napa Valley College 2008-2010 Course Catalog, p. 37). Know the consequences of cheating and plagiarism

20. Congratulations! This Completes the Online Orientation part of the class. Now, let’s move on to a few more tips on how to be successful in navigating around this Online English class!

21. Welcome to English 120 • Regardless of your major or career goal, it will always be important to communicate intelligently and clearly. Despite how smart you may be, if you apply for a job or send out a company email with errors in it, people will and do judge your competence. • When you have successfully completed this class, you will be able to find and proofread errors in grammar, learn the MLA format requirements for research papers, learn research techniques, and utilize critical thinking skills to analyze and approach topics.

22. Step 1: Go to the main Course Content (Home)Page • Feel free to click on EVERYTHING you see to familiarize yourself with the class. • Notice the folder (assignments) which will contain each week’s assignments. This is on the course home page. • Send an email to me which contains an alternative email just in case. You may also inform me of any special needs or questions you may have.

23. Open the first week’s assignments and review the list for that week. • You should upload something about yourself from this area. Step 2: Click in the Assignments folder on your home page

24. Step 3: Click on the Mail link on the left-hand side of your screen NOTE: All e-mails between the students and your instructor must go through the English 120Website! • To send a e-mail, click on the email link and then “create message.” • Click on the “TO” box (and cc or bcc if desired) in #1. • To send an email to me, scroll to find Catherine Gillis To select other classmates, be sure to select all or individual users. • In the #2 box, be sure to place a subject in the Subject box, then write a message. • To attach/upload files, click on “browse.” Browse to the file you want to attach, select it, and click Open. Pop-up blockers must be turned off and Java must be on!! • Once your are finished, click Submit. That’s how easy it is!

25. Step 4: Go to your dashboard each time you log in and check for announcements, recent posts, and other messages • Announcements- Check each time you log in. • I may also post important messages at the top of the Main Home Page. • Discussion Board- Check the Discussion Board each time you log in. Collaborative student learning is a great way of gaining information. • The Discussion Board will be monitored to ensure it is used appropriately. Be certain that all posts pertain to this class only. • To use the Discussion Board, click on any underlined topic to reply or click CREATE FORUM to start your own thread. Type your message and click Submit.

26. More! • Assignments- All written assignments and instructions will be in the Assignments Folder on the home page. • Assessments- This area is for timed quizzes and essays only (including the final). You will be required to come to campus for Essay #3. • On the Syllabus link, you will find the entire syllabus with an outline of important dates and assignments, but specific weekly assignments must be checked in the home page folder. • IMPORTANT! Any technical problems with your computer or passwords, etc., that you are responsible for maintaining do not count as legitimate excuses for missing due dates.

27. Time Commitment • You will need to log on to the Website at least three to four times weeklyto check for any important messages on the Home Page, Announcements, E-Mails,and to read and post discussions on the Discussion Board. • Approximately six to eight hours per week of computer use is recommended for successful completion of course requirements. • Each week’s assignments are due typically at the end of the week and the next weekly assignment list will usually be up by Sunday evening at the latest. • All assignments must be completed to satisfactorily complete the requirements of this course.

28. What Next? Read the Syllabus AGAIN from Top to Bottom…Why? Understand the Course Objectives, Evaluation & Grading • Contact information/Office Hours • Required textbooks & other materials • Requirements of the course (the same as a face to face class). You must also write one essay on campus (#3) • What to do when your computer or connection doesn’t work • Grading information • Catalog Description • Course Objectives & Student Learning Outcomes • Evaluation & Grading Standards • Grading Policy • Academic Honesty Policy & Consequences of Academic Dishonesty • Withdrawal Dates

29. Good Luck with Your Online Learning Adventure! Catherine Gillis