PCM English 1302 #16462

Summer 2008

Required PCM Online Orientation

Professor: Joe O’Connell

 

ENGL 1302 is a study of composition focused on the elements of short stories. It is a bridge course between composition and literature

 

Phone: (512) 223-3367           Office Hours:             Online 11 a.m.-noon Wednesdays and 8:30-9:30 p.m. Sundays via AIM and Yahoo Messenger

E-Mail: joconne@austincc.edu                                                                            And by appointment.

Fax:  512-223-4306                                                                              

Be sure to put my name on fax                          Website: http://www.austincc.edu/joconne

                       

You will be able to complete this orientation about a week before the start of classIf you do not complete the on-line orientation by June 2, you will have to withdraw from the course.

 

 

Before you complete this orientation, make sure that you are registered for this course:

PCM English 1302 #16462

 

 

During the semester, remember: a live person (me) is here, at the other end of your computer. Feel free to call, e-mail, or come in person to my office any time that you need help. I'm here for you, in any way that I can help.

 

To complete this orientation:

1.      Carefully read the distance learning information below.

2.      Follow the directions under “Orientation Directions.”

3.      Carefully read the course syllabus and review/print out the deadlines, assignments, etc.

4.      Enter your e-mail address on Blackboard.

5. Take the brief orientation quiz

5.      Send me a brief email with your answers.

6.      Leave a note about yourself on the "Introduce Yourself" discussion board.

 

Online Learning Explained

You don't have to be a computer guru to take on an online course!

The minimum requirements for students to participate in an online course are access to a computer, the internet, e-mail, and motivation to succeed and to complete your assignments on time.

 

The minimum requirements for students to participate in an online course are the following:

·        Access to an IBM compatible or Macintosh system.

PC Hardware Requirements                               Macintosh Requirements

IBM compatible                                                     Macintosh 68040

Windows 95 (or higher)                                          Mac 0s 7.1 or higher

16 MB RAM (or more)                                          16 MB RAM (or more)

28.8 or better modem                                             28.8 or better modem

 

Requirements continued:

 

·        Software Requirements

Microsoft Word

Real Player

Adobe Acrobat    

 

·        Your own personal e-mail address (don't share).

 

 

ORIENTATION DIRECTIONS:

If you have trouble logging onto Blackboard:

The web for Distance Learning at ACC is http://dl.austincc.edu.

The Help Line is 512-223-8026 or you can e-mail dl@austincc.edu

You will not be officially enrolled in ENGL 2307 until you are enrolled in my Blackboard site.

To enroll complete the following steps.

 

1.   Logon to Blackboard

            With a web browser, open the following URL:

             http://itdl.austincc.edu/blackboard/stlogin.htm

 

      2.   Follow the directions

     

  1. Familiarize yourself with the site. Click the buttons to the left to explore the course.

·        Click the "Syllabus" button to find the Syllabus and other vital info.

This site includes textbooks, grading system,  etc.

 

·        Click "Assignments" to find a list of daily assignments.

 

·        Click “Format Specifics” for anal-retentive comments about the writing assignments you’ll complete in the class.

 

·        Click “Lecture Notes” for the weekly lecture I will give you in written form.

 

·        Click "Discussion Board.”  The Discussion Boards are where you will post questions about assignments and communicate with your peers and me. It will be your lifeline for answers. I check it regularly but do not post my answers until I see that many of your have grappled with the question on the Discussion Thread.

Post any questions here in lieu of sending me e-mails (I'm often inundated with individual e-mails when your answers are on the Discussion Thread, only a peer away.

Send individual e-mails to me about personal catastrophes, personal appointments, etc.

 

 

You've changed your e-mail address, right? You’ve found the Syllabus, Deadlines, assignments, etc., right? You've printed them out? You’ve sent me your answers to the ORIENTATION QUIZ?

 Now your orientation is complete!  Send me a brief email introducing yourself and providing your quiz answers. You’ll also be sending me a brief intro paper this week, so no need to be in depth here.