Introduction

This Orientation will introduce you to course content and expectations. You'll also get everything set up and ready to go for the class. Your first quiz will include questions about the syllabus and your textbooks. While you work through this orientation, jot down any questions you have and post them to our course Blackboard discussion forum. (I'll be giving points for messages posted to Blackboard discussion.)

This lab is due by the second week of class so that I can make sure all students are ready to go.

Plan to spend 1-4 hours on this orientation. Schedule more time if you have little experience.  You will find it easiest if you schedule at least 2 work sessions a week and keep up with labs as they are assigned in the schedule. This is especially important near the end of the semester when students tend to experience stress.

You will also have creative project assignments throughout the semester. Unlike the "cookbook" lab exercises, these will require you to integrate skills and concepts.

What to do for this assignment

1. Browse the course web site and and bookmark the schedule. You may want to print the schedule and use it as a checklist.
   
   
2. Carefully read the course syllabus and skim the schedule. Read How an Online Class Works.  Make sure you can answer these questions:
   1. How much time should I schedule for this class?
   2. What software do I need (including version numbers)?
   3. What textbooks do I need?
   4. How will I be graded?
   5. How often will I need to check Blackboard and email?
   6. Where do I find assignment instructions and due dates?
      
      
3. Learn how to grab a screen shot (image of what is on your screen). Screen shots can speed up communication of technical problems via e-mail or discussion.
   
   Windows users: copy a screen shot of the active window into the Clipboard by pressing Alt + Print Screen. Then you can paste (Edit -> Paste or Ctrl + v) into a Word document. You can also paste into a graphics program (Fireworks, Photoshop) and then save or export as a gif or jpeg.
   
   Mac Users:  To take a picture of the whole screen, press Command-Shift-3. To take a picture of part of the screen, press Command-Shift-4 then drag to select the area you want in the picture. To take a picture of a window, menu bar, the Dock, or other area, press Command- Shift-4 then press the Space bar. Move the pointer over the area you want so that it's highlighted, then click. (If you decide you want to drag to select the area, press the Space bar again.)
   
   If you are interested and have a little time to experiment, screen grabber utilities can be handy.  You could try Jing, a free screen grabber that also does video and even posts it on the web (Mac & Windows).
   
   
   
4. OPTIONAL.  I use Windows Live Messenger (screen name jrTeacher, email address jreed@banyantree.org) and AOL Instant Messenger  (screen name teacherCIS) for instant messaging.  If I'm online and available, you can tell and you can usally get a very quick reponse, so it can be less frustrating than waiting for a reply to e-mail or online discussion.  This is optional, so don't worry about it if you are feeling overwhelmed, but many students find this useful. 
   
   I have set them up so I don't get disturbed by strangers, so let me know your screen name and I will add you to my contacts list.
   
   
5. Add the course if you have not done so. Please do this ASAP. You cannot add the class late, even if you have done all the course work.
   
   
6. Get your textbook(s) and skim the contents.
   
   
7. Install the course software or arrange for reliable access to it.
   
   
8. Get a digital photo of yourself. If necessary, stop by my office during office hours and I will take a photo. You can also scan a photo in one of the labs on the North side of the H building. If you can, crop and size it to 200 x 200 pixels (72 ppi). You will turn this in later in response to the Blackboard orientation discussion message.
   
   
9. Adjust software that blocks pop-up windows.  Blackboard uses pop-up windows for login and quizzes.
   
   
10. Complete the Student Information Form. Take a screen shot of the class roster with your name on it. You will go to Blackboard and Submit Assignment to turn this in.
    
    
11. Use the link at the top of this page to go to the Blackboard Log In page (available the weekend before classes begin), then log in with your usual Cuyamaca login name (usually firstlast) and PIN (usually 6-digit birthday). After you log in, you should see a list of classes in the opening screen. 
    
    If you can't log in or you don't see this class listed on the opening screen, contact me as soon as possible!
    
    
12. Explore all the sections on the Blackboard class home page and do these activities:
    1. MAKE SURE YOUR BLACKBOARD EMAIL ADDRESS IS CORRECT!!!!!! To change, click Personal Information, then click Edit Personal Information. I don't need other information, though phone number might be handy if there is a problem.
    2. Respond to the the orientation discussion items
    3. Turn in the first assignment (submit screen shot)
    4. Take the orientation quiz
       
       
       
13. HOME COMPUTER SECURITY is very important.  Please make sure you have an anti-virus program that you regularly update.  I use MacAfee VirusScan, but there are plenty of free virus checkers out there. If you don't know anything about this, I suggest you post a question to the Blackboard Discussion and see if any of your classmates can help.   I also strongly recommend that you use a spyware checker such as Ad-Aware or Spybot Search and Destroy.  These are free and will check for nasty spyware & adware. 
    
    
    
14. If you have any special needs or concerns, please send me an e-mail (jodi.reed at gcccd.edu), call me (660-4465), or stop by my office during office hours. In particular, please inform me of physical or learning challenges so that I can tailor instruction and communication to help you succeed.