If you are taking this class as a Distance Learning class you should also read [Welcome to Environmental Science Distance Learning]
Also look at the Powerpoint presentation [Welcome and Introduction ] which should answer most questions about the class and how to use the various resources. You will need Real Media's Real Player™ to use the audio or video files which go along with the presentations.
What is WebCT and how will it help me?
WebCT stands for Web Course Tools, and represents a software program which provides useful tools for offering a course over the internet, or as a supplement to on-campus instruction. In Jim Swan's Environmental Science classes WebCT will be used in conjunction with regular classwork and the resources already available to students to enhance the class in a number of ways:
1) Allow the student to see all that is available in a conveniently organized form with a course map and unit-to-unit organization.
2) Allow the instructor to give assignments and provide self-tests which will help the student keep up-to-date, and permit the instructor to monitor student progress.
3) Provide for online discussions about subjects relevant to class work and online office hours when the instructor is available without going in to the office. WebCT can provide more instructor contact with students and students with one another, helping to foster a "learning community".
4) Provide updates of schedule changes, assignments, etc. which are easily available to students.
How do I access WebCT?
For the first month Jim Swan's BIO 111 course will be self-registering. You can create a WebCT ID and then add BIO 111 to your WebCT page.
What should I do first?
First log on to the TVI WebCT page, click on Create My WebCT. Fill in the form, give yourself a WebCT ID and select a password. Be sure you write these down somewhere in case you forget them! You will be asked to confirm the ID and password. When you do so your WebCT page will appear with no courses. Select Add Courses and then from the drop down menu select Distance Learning, and then find BIO 111 51 Environmental Science DL Swan. Click on this course and when the next page appears, select "Add Course". (Important: DO NOT RE-ENTER YOUR ID AND PASSWORD AT THIS POINT). The course should now appear on your page when you select Return to My WebCT. Once you have added to the course click on the link to it and do the following:
Look at the resources available and the organization on the WebCT page. Click on the Assignments logo to get your first assignment, Introduction to Course Materials. This assignment will introduce you to WebCT and get you started in the course materials. As part of this assignment, when you have familiarized yourself with the WebCT organization take the Introduction quiz. You find this under Quizzes and Self-Tests. You also need to fill out the Student Profile which includes a place to give your Username (NOT your password). Taking this quiz and submitting your student profile will earn you five points (~1%) toward your grade in the class!
Highlights:
Assignments - Regular assignments will be given which require the student to write essays etc., or post discussion messages. Students will submit these assignments electronically through WebCT. These assignments are worth varying numbers of points, which will total 50 out of the 550 points earned in the course. Failure to turn in any two of these assignments will likely result in your being dropped from the course for non-participation. The Introduction Assignment, as mentioned above is extra and not part of those 50 points.
Self Quizzes - There is a self quiz on each of the first three units. These allow the student to be queried on material recently studied. Students will see which questions they answered wrong and will have a second opportunity to take the quiz after reviewing notes and other course materials. In some cases explanations or comments may accompany the questions. The results of these quizzes will provide feedback regarding knowledge of course material, and will count as extra points, 3 points each for a total possible of 9 points.
Daily Calendar - The calendar feature makes it easy to keep up with assignments, quizzes, changes in schedule, etc. When students log on to their WebCT account, calendar changes and additions are instantly noted. The Daily Calendar will also be used to indicate what particular material is covered each day. This will allow students to easily catch up when a class is missed by accessing the study guides, learning modules and Powerpoint Presentations. Students can also use the calendar feature for private entries.
The Message Board - In the message board I will post the same messages that are sent out via email so that students can access these messages at any time. In addition discussion topics will be posted. Students are to read the topic and reply with their own message
The Schedule of Completion tells you when assignments and tests are due, and how they will be submitted.