A modified version of the FAQ for Online students, for ED-214

1. FAQ* for Online Students *Frequently Asked Questions 1 adapted by P. Blanco, Grossmont College

2. ASTR110-ED214: Introduction to Astronomy Instructor: Dr. Philip Blanco, Grossmont College, California, USA. Email:Philip.Blanco @ gcccd.edu (by far the best method) Office: 34-158. Phone: +1 (619) 644-7312. Web page:http://www.grossmont.edu/philipblanco Online office hours (using Blackboard Chat): Mon/Wed 1-2:30pm, Tue/Thu 7-8pm (all times Pacific USA) Textbook: The Essential Cosmic Perspective, 5th ed. by Bennett et al. ISBN-10: 0321566947: 2

4. Have good organizational skills

5. Have good time-management skills

6. Are familiar with computers and the Internet

7. Are resourceful and actively seek answers and solutions to questions and problems.3

9. Be supportive and constructive in your comments to each other.

10. Everyone will benefit from a positive online learning environment.

11. Read information on Online Etiquette (use the back button to come back and finish the presentation). 4

13. Course expectations

14. Assignments

15. How to submit assignments

16. How to label files

17. How to address your e-mails to the instructor

18. Grading Policies

19. Other course issues 5

21. Submit work that has been written or revised in part or in whole by another person.

22. Submit work that you have submitted for another class.6

24. Usually homework, other activities, and online class participation must be completed by deadline.

25. Many Instructors set the deadline for midnight on Saturday to assist those who work Monday-Friday.

26. Use a calendar for deadlines.

27. Set aside time each week to login.7

29. For a one unit class - you'll spend a minimum of one hour a week looking at some of the class resources, checking on assignments, contributing to discussions, and posting homework.

30. You’ll probably spend another 3 hours on reading, practice activities and homework. 8

32. Your instructor MAY require chat sessions or other real time activities.

33. It’s important NOT to leave it to the last minute to do your work or to submit it.

34. If you have trouble connecting to your ISP or the course website, then your assignments will be late.9

36. We'll interact regularly through the Internet.

37. We'll be using some software calledMasteringAstronomy, available with the textbook.

38. Course materials are available on the course web pages, the bulletin boards, announcements and email.10

40. The instructor is available to you through email, voicemail and virtual office hours.

41. On-campus office hours are also available by appointment.

42. These same tools will be used for student-to-student communication also.11

44. You have to stay motivated and stay on top of your work for the class.

45. The workload in an online class is usually identical to an on-site class on the same topic.12

47. Students can access computers on the campus in several locations (the Learning Resource Center, and the Business Computer lab, for example) or at other district colleges.

48. Some students complete online classes from work (with permission from their employer, of course). 13

50. Know how to use an email program.

51. Know how to make and organize bookmarks in your browser software.

52. Some familiarity with web-based interactions bulletin boards, chat and mailing lists will also be useful.

53. Some familiarity with word processing.

54. Experience in successful Internet searches using a variety of search engines.14

56. Courtesy

57. Professionalism

58. Academic honesty

59. Participate with appropriate consideration for each other and for the instructor.

60. Your emails and web postings should:

61. On the topic at hand

62. Be appropriate

63. Should reflect a professional demeanor15

65. GCCCD Online Tutorials

66. http://www.gcccd.net/online/tutorials/tutorials.htm

67. GCCCD Online Orientation

68. http://www.gcccd.net/online/orientation.htm

69. Login to Blackboard at GCCCD

70. http://bb.gcccd.eduContact your instructor if you have any other questions. 16