Welcome eager students to American Literature Online!  (And those who are not as eager are also welcome, too!)  I know how psyched you must be to be taking this course (I’m glad you’re online so that I cannot hear the laughter), but before we can truly begin, you’ll have to read through this orientation first.  I know how disappointed you must be to see such a short orientation, but rest assured that full information is located on our WebCT Vista page.  So don’t fret…between the syllabus and the literature you will have plenty of opportunities to read!   If a question you have isn’t answered here, email me (my address is at the top of this page).

1. What is new with WebCT Vista?

• With this new version of WebCT, you may need to wait 48 hours after the semester starts before you can log in to the course. That is because Darton College does not populate its own online courses any more; the University System of Georgia does that. Before a course is populated--i.e., all the students' names are imported into the course--a student will not be able to log in.
• WebCT Vista will not run if you do not set up your browser according to the requirements. Click on "Browser Settings" at the log-in page and follow the instructions to set up your browser before logging into the course.
• After you have set up your browser, double check whether everything is fine by clicking on "Check Browser."

2. What do I need to have to take this online course?

• Access to a computer with Internet connection and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint) or WordPad
• The required textbooks

3. What computer skills are necessary for the course?

• Ability to type and save a file in the required file formats, and print documents with a computer
• Ability to surf the Internet
• Ability to send, receive email and handle attachments

4.   How does this “online course thingy” work?

·        On the first day of scheduled classes, follow the WebCT log on instructions (I attached a link for the instructions to the bottom of this orientation).  Please wait to log on until you have finished reading the orientation, though. 

5.    What happens once I’ve done the log on and am in the course page? 

·        Once you’re logged in and on the class pages, you will find everything neatly organized, but hopefully not “boring”.  Your course syllabus will be located under the “Syllabus” link, and you should read this like it holds all the mysteries of life!  Your work for each week will be found under the icon labeled “Weekly Assignments” and will be further labeled as “Week 1,” “Week 2,” and so on.  You will know which week we are on by keeping up with the syllabus!  You will also need to take your first quiz—a scavenger hunt of information on Vista and the syllabus—so that I know that you know what you are doing in this class.  This link will also be on the homepage!  After you have found the syllabus and the quiz, send me an email to say hello, let me know you’re in, and ask any questions that you may have.

6.  What should I read inside the course to get an orientation that tells me only what I need to know—grades, due dates, how to go about assignments, where to email my work, where to phone if my computer crashes, and so on?  

·        Click on Syllabus and read carefully.  Click on Weekly Assignments and check if anything’s coming due.  Check your WebCT email and see if I’ve emailed you.   If you have any questions, email me, or if you have no questions, feel free to email me anyway!

7.   Why use my WebCT account and not simply use own email account to email?  

·        WebCT provides a convenient and class-only format on which to put email stuff pertaining to class itself.  It prevents your important email from being labeled as spam to my account.   

8. What do I need to do to succeed in this class?

• Read the Departmental Comprehensive Course Guide and my syllabus to understand the requirements and policies of the course.
• Follow the syllabus and complete all reading and writing assignments as they are scheduled. 
• Participate actively in the discussions of assigned readings. Make sure you post your responses by the deadline.
• Print out the course syllabus and the calendar. Know and remember all deadlines, and plan your time well to meet them.
• Communicate with me whenever you have a question, a problem, a difficulty, or a suggestion. Be sure to submit your request for an extension of the deadline prior to the deadline (note that this does not promise an extension—but hey, it never hurts to ask!).
• Log in to the course to check for announcements and email at least once every day, and note changes to the homepage and other folders!
• Do not plagiarize! (Duh, right?  But, last semester, I caught over twenty plagiarists!  Don’t be one of them!)

9. Can I work ahead of the schedule?

·        Most of the time you are able to work at your own pace. While you will have to abide by deadlines, you will have plenty of chances to use the syllabus to get ahead of the schedule. For example, you may certainly read the next week's selections if you find time to do so this week. You may also post discussion items early--as long as you post them under the right topics at the Bulletin. Basically, except for the timed essays and other works that are not accessible in the syllabus, you may always complete tomorrow's work today.

10. How many times are we required to come to campus?

·        None. However, you may need to use the library and other resources on campus, and you are always welcome to visit with me during my office hours.

11.  More important information!

·        Be sure to use MSWord and to send all assignments as MSWord attachments (.doc file).  I’m unable to open any other format (that includes .wps and .wpd).  The only “other” type is if you send assignments in “Rich Text Format” (.rtf)—but then only in emergencies.

·        Make certain you save a spare copy of your work (on disk/jump drive and as a print out).  Also, always keep a copy of the email you sent me; that way if I have not received your email, you can later forward me a copy.  You can make sure that I receive emails you send by requesting a read/return receipt or simply by asking me to respond.

·        If you are experiencing any technical problems, contact the WebHelp Desk.  You’ll find their phone number at the end of this orientation.  While I can fix some problems, I am certainly not a technical expert like the WebHelp Desk! 

·        If you have used WebCT Vista for another course, you will not need this link.  But, if Vista and online courses are new to you, here are the instructions for how to get onto our course page: http://online.darton.edu/Handouts/log_on.htm

·        I look forward to working with all of you individually and as a group!  If you have any questions throughout the semester, please call, email, or come by!