|
Update your E-Mail Address!
Greetings!
Welcome to Fall Quarter 2008 at Cascadia. You are registered to take an
online class through our partner, Spokane Community College. This letter
will give you some important information about how to get started. Whether
you are a new distance learner or an experienced one, please read this
letter carefully.
Spokane based OFTEC classes begin September 22
(Section code OLS)
You will need to log in to your course on that day for important information
from your instructor. Although
I, Stephanie Delaney, am listed as the instructor for the course, it will
actually be taught by faculty from Spokane Community College.
Although your class will be taught by Spokane faculty, I am your Cascadia
contact and you should contact me if you run into any non-class related
problems (testing, etc).
Before classes begin:
·
New students should
participate in the Week Zero
Tutorials to get comfortable with Blackboard. Once class starts, you
want to concentrate on the course, not the technology (http://www.scc.spokane.edu/WeekZero/);
·
Buy your textbooks: The campus bookstore has ordered your books. They should be available
to you next week, but you might want to call first to confirm they are in -
425.352.3344.
·
Activate your library card
(http://library.uwb.edu/cccnewstudent.html).
Even if you don’t plan to use the campus libraries, you will need your
library card to access valuable library research databases;
·
Plan time in your schedule to participate in class. A 5 credit online class takes just as much
time as a 5 credit campus based class. Plan on at least 15 hours a week;
·
Make a “Plan B.” What computer will you use if your primary computer is unavailable?
Campus computing options are one great alternative, but you will be expected
to participate on time, regardless of technical glitches.
·
If you need to communicate with your instructor, remember that he or she
is on vacation until June 25 and may not respond to you until after that
date.
On September 22,
the first day of class:
·
Log in to your class: online classes allow for a lot of freedom, but are not self paced. You
will have regular assignments and you need to get started on the first day.
If you won’t be able to, be sure to contact your instructor.
Classes are offered on Blackboard
http://bbccs.spokane.edu
NOTE: this address is different from Cascadia online courses
Login Instructions
http://www.scc.spokane.edu/WeekZero/b01-01.htm
(use the arrows at the top of the page to move through the tutorial)
-
Review the course:
Each instructor uses Blackboard in a slightly
different way. Be sure you know where to find and submit assignments,
how to take tests, etc. If you have questions, be sure to ask your
instructor for clarification.
-
Make sure your email address is correct in Blackboard: Email is the
primary way that your instructor will get in touch with you. Be sure
that the email address in Blackboard is correct.
-
Print out your syllabus & calendar: Your instructor
provides you with lots of important information in the syllabus and/or
calendar. Print these out and read them. Then, put them in your book as
a backup. Put key dates (tests, due dates, etc) in your personal
calendar. Be sure you have noted a phone number for your instructor in
case you need to get in touch and cannot use a computer.
-
EXAMS:
You will need to
take exams on the Cascadia campus.
Your instructor will give you the details, but remember not to wait
until the last minute to reserve an exam time. To reserve an exam time,
contact Bonnie Ellis at
bellis@cascadia.edu .
After classes begin:
The first two weeks of an online class can be the
most challenging weeks of the quarter. Don’t give up! If you encounter any
trouble, here’s where you can get help:
·
Your instructor: This should be the first person you contact for most questions about
the class itself. Their email
addresses are in the chart at the top of this message. For trouble with
Blackboard, see Technical Support below.
·
Technical Support: For passwords and other Blackboard matters, you can get technical help
24 hours a day at (800) 353-8135.
·
Distance Learning Office: If you aren’t sure where to go, contact the distance learning office
for help. You can reach me at
sdelaney@cascadia.edu or 425-352-8166. You can also contact the Advising
Office. Carri McDermott manages distance learning issues and she can be
reached at cmcdermott@cascadia.edu
.
Good luck in your studies
this quarter.
Stephanie
Stephanie Delaney
Director of Distance Learning
www.cascadia.edu/distancelearner
|
