Hey

Hey! Good for you! You decided to take one of my online courses:

RGTE 0199: Regents' Essay Review

ENGL 0099: Developmental English

READ 0099: Developmental Reading

Whether it is distance considerations or personal preference that assisted in your decision, I think you will find that online classes are an excellent alternative to face-to-face classes. I have spent hundreds of hours creating, monitoring, and revising my all of my courses and I believe you will find that they are very good.

However, before we get involved in the nitty-gritty of the mechanics of online classes, let me point out a few things about it. Despite what you may have heard from other students, online classes are NOT easier than face-to-face (F2F) classes. Also, there is a popular misconception that you can do your online work any time you want to. NOT TRUE: Just like any college course you take, there are deadlines for the assignments and these assignments must be met before the deadline has passed. Now, that said, if you wish to do your assignments at 3:00 a.m. one day and 1:30 p.m. another day - that's fine. Just make sure that you submit the assignment before it is due.

Next, online classes are not the best match for certain people. I want you to take a little self-quiz and read the information that follows the quiz. By reviewing the information, you should be able to determine if an online class would be right for you.

Online Course Requirements:

By their very nature, Online courses are extremely different from face-to-face (f2f) classes. In order to be successful in Online courses, students must take a totally different approach to their education. Students in online courses cannot rely on the instructor to lead them through the information, step-by-step. Unlike in F2F classes, they cannot merely be in the classroom and passively sit through the lecture or presentation. Online students must be extremely responsible and self-directed. They must be active learners who can take the initiative for the information they learn from the course because they are going to have to devote MORE time to the class than they would if they were sitting in a traditional in-class course.

Keeping these things in mind, please take a few minutes and honestly answer the following questions. If you find that you are answering 'NO' more often than 'YES,' then you might want to consider an alternative to Online RGTE 0199, Online READ 0099 or Online ENGL 0099.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER		YES	NO
1	I am a self-starter.
2	I can use a computer competently.
3	I am very responsible.
4	I manage my time very well.
5	I can take the initiative for my own learning.
6	I can make arrangements to be on campus when necessary.
7	I can devote a minimum of 8 hours per week to the coursework.
8	I am an efficient visual learner.
9	I work well by myself.
10	I am more introverted than extroverted.

Why Each of the Above Questions Are Important

1. Being a Self-Starter:

Self-starters are people who, once given the directions, can 'take the ball and run with it.' They do not need to be constantly reminded of deadlines and due dates. Waiting to the last minute in an online course is waiting too long - by then, it's too late to do anything. Also, the material in an Online course is frequently available for only a limited amount of time. Once the deadline has passed, the student has failed that portion of the course.

2. Computer Competence:

Online courses are usually more difficult than face-to-face courses, if for no other reason than they are different from the way you are used to learning. If you are struggling to navigate the computer and the Internet, in addition to being unfamiliar with online learning, then you are starting the course with a deficit that may be difficult to overcome. You must know how to use your computer competently and must have total access to a computer at all times.

3. Being Responsible:

In face-to-face classes, much of the information, especially about assignments, is repeated again and again, often with the instructor making pointed remarks to students whom he or she knows to be 'slacking.' There can be no slacking in an online course. The responsibility for logging on (daily!!), checking and rechecking assignments, joining discussion groups, exploring the entire Web course and understanding how each of the components relates to the others, and receiving the information, falls squarely on the shoulders of the student.

4. Time Management:

You need to be able to find time in your home situation where you can dedicate yourself, without interruption, to at least 8 hours of course-related studying per week. Without good time-management skills, it is difficult to find the time to be successful in all the roles you must fulfill.

5. Initiative for Learning:

As mentioned earlier, online students have to take the initiative for what they learn in the class. The students have to actively engage themselves in the material; they have to search out the things that they need to know about the information being presented.

6. Finding the Time to be on Campus

ENGL 0099 students must be able to write their 6 practice DECE essays under supervised conditions. This means they must be able to come to the Darton Writing Lab to meet this requirement. If this cannot be accomplished, the student must find an alternate method of meeting the requirement that has the approval of the instructor. READ 0099 students will need to do certain Lab assignments in the Darton College Reading Lab. Also, ALL ENGL 0099 and READ 0099 students have no choice but to take their exit final, which is the COMPASS test at the DARTON CAMPUS. At this time, there are no alternatives to this requirement. ENGL 0099 students will have no weekly Lab requirements. Their lab work is incorporated into the course.

RGTE 0199 students must also be able to complete certain assignments under supervised conditions and must find their own solutions to the problem if they cannot be on campus to meet the course requirements. These solutions must be approved by the instructor in advance. I recommend that every RGTE 0199 student write at least two of their mandatory essays under supervised conditions, such as in the Darton Writing Lab. RGTE 0199 students will take their Regents' exams on the Darton Campus.

7. 8+ Hours of Class Time

The ENGL 0099 and READ 0099 face-to-face classes meet for 4 hours and 10 minutes per week. RGTE students meet for 2 1/2 hours a week. Also, all sets of students can expect a minimum of an additional two to three hours of out-of-class assignments each week. The online student must expect to spend even more time as reading the information online presented and discussed in class takes longer than hearing it. Also, you will need to post separate discussion responses with other class members that would normally take place spontaneously in the classroom. All these unique considerations do add up to a bit more time required for online courses.

8. Visual Learners

You need to be a student who learns well through reading and other visual means. 90% of the contact you have with the instructor, the other students, and the material will be through written text. If you are uncomfortable learning visually, you may find an online course difficult to master.

9. Independent Workers

You have to be the type of student who enjoys working by him- or herself. You will have minimal contact with others in the course. See the next comments . . .

10. Introverts vs. Extroverts

Extroverted people thrive on being with others and being the center of attention. Introverts are people who enjoy a more solitary way of interacting. Introverts, research has found, tend to do better in online courses than do the extroverts, as they appreciate the one-on-one approach to instruction and they do not have to tend with the distraction of others in the classroom. They also appreciate the extra thought-time allowed to formulate responses to discussion and other questions. If you thrive companionship in your learning endeavors, you might find online courses very isolating.

Moving Right Along ...

If you're still committed to this Online course, and I hope you are, then please continue on to the next section.

First, my contact information:

Kay L. Thomas, Associate Professor English and Reading

Office: F - 120 D

Phone: (229) 317 - 6861

Fax: (229) 317 - 1106

Office Email Address: thomask@darton.edu (but I'd prefer you use the course email once the class begins)

Next, since I know many of you may be purchasing books before the course becomes available to you, let me give you the correct book purchasing information:

ENGL 0099

READ 0099

RGTE 0199

1) Evergreen: A Guide to Writing with Readings (7th Ed.) by Susan Fawcett

2) Prentice Hall Reference Guide. Muriel Harris. Sixth Edition (This text comes bundled with a dictionary and a thesaurus which you will need for the course.)

1) 10 Steps to Advancing College Reading Skills (4th Ed.) by John Langan

2) Gaining Word Power (7th Ed.) by Dorothy Rubin

1) Successful Regents' Essays: A Sourcebook for Writers (2nd Ed.) by Mary B. Lamb et al.

2) Prentice Hall Reference Guide. Muriel Harris. Sixth Edition (This text comes bundled with a dictionary and a thesaurus which you will need for the course.)

The Course Set Up: The Things You Have to Do

1) Accessing the Course:

On the Darton Homepage, click on the WebCT button on the menu bar that is at the top of the page.
On the WebCT Entry Page, go to WebCT Quick Help:

Read the tutorials that explain:

Logging on
Browser Settings
Downloads
DCid Look up

Learn your logon information and how to change your password for security purposes
Take the time to read the tutorials on:

The Discussion Forum
Course Email

2) Navigating the Course:

The course begins on the first day of the semester, however there may be a day (or so) lag before you can log on after each registration so that I can "populate" the courses.
Log on to the course daily.
On the Course Homepage, you will see several icons (little pictures) that include the assignments for each unit.

Do the Assignment entitled Navigating the Course first - the information included explains how to use all of the functions required for successful use of the class.
After you read the Navigating the Course information, take the Navigating TEST and keep taking it until you have scored 100%.
Shortly thereafter, the first Unit "Getting Started" will be made available. Complete all the required work by the dates listed.
New units are added throughout the semester. Do them in order. Be sure to read ALL of the material included and do ALL of the assignments by the dates listed.
All the information needed for completing the units is included on the Table of Contents for each Unit. Check out all the links.

3) PAY STRICT ATTENTION to assignment due dates!

NOTE that certain tests and quizzes are available only for limited periods of time, usually for 24 - 36 hours.

Certain tests, quizzes, and assignments are timed, meaning that once you begin the exercise you will have only a certain amount of time in which to complete it. The assignments are also 'one-shot deals': once you begin, you must finish at that time. You can't start, stop, and come back and finish at a later time.
Certain tests, quizzes, and assignments also have 'prerequisites.' In other words, sometimes you will have to complete another exercise before you are allowed to access the next one.

4) Learning Supporting Suspension Policy and/or Honesty Policy

As soon as possible, read, copy, sign and mail (snail mail) fax, or scan to me the Statement of Understanding for the Board of Regents' Learning Support Policy, the Statement of Understanding for Course Responsibility and/or the Honesty Policy included in each course.
Once these documents have been received, you will be allowed to continue with the course.

5) LAB Responsibilities:

There is a Lab component to each course.
Expect to spend a certain amount of time in the Writing Lab or Reading Lab at Darton College to fulfill this requirement.
The requirements for each course will be explained in the Course Syllabus.
Distance learners (those who live further than 60 miles away AND are not on campus at any other time or for any other classes) can discuss this requirement with me on an individual basis.

6) Commitment: You will be expected to do the following

Devote the same amount of time as a person in a face-to-face class:

approximately 8 hours per week for ENGL 0099 and READ 0099
approximately 6 hours per week for RGTE 0199

Stay abreast of all assignments and announcements
Be self-motivated and responsible
Contact me as soon as problems or concerns arise

7) Announcements:

One reason I ask that you check the course daily is because I will frequently add announcements to the top and/or bottom of the homepage. Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the screen each time you log on in order to see if additional information has been posted there.

8) Support:

If your problem has to do with the information related to the course and/or its assignments, please call, come by or email as soon as possible.
If your problem is of a technical nature, please observe the information listed below:

Technical Support
Darton College provides free technical support for online learners.
If you experience technical difficulties with any WebCT course component contact the WebHelp Desk.
Email a tech support request online at: http://online.darton.edu/forms/webhelp.htm
Contact the WebHelp Desk by phone at (229) 317- 6923 or 1-800-861-8318

9. ENJOY! I'm looking forward to working with you this semester!

Current Students