• How do I register?
• What is the textbook for this course? How do I get it?
• Do I need a password for this course? How do I log in?
• What is WebBoard? How do I use it?
• Do I need e-mail? How can I get an e-mail address?
• How do I take my exams?
• How much computer knowledge do I have to have in order to complete an on-line course like this?
• Will I need any special computer hardware to successfully complete this course?
• I noticed that the textbook assignments provide web links for each topic covered in a chapter. Am I required to follow every link?
• Are grades curved in this course?
• Should I turn in all my work at once or little by little throughout the quarter?
• Can I work with other students as I complete the course?
• How do I complete the laboratory component of the course?
• How can I speak (communicate) with my instructor?
• How often am I required to communicate with the instructor?
• If I cannot finish all of my work by the deadlines, what are my options?
• What if I am unable to access one of the web links provided in any of the course assignments?
• Can I finish the course early?
• This is the first self-paced course I've ever taken. What are my chances for success?

How do I register?

The course code for this section of Earth Science 100 is found on the Course Information Page. You may use this number to enroll through the Registration Office in SRC 2048. There are several ways to register through the Registration Office including telephone self-registration at (630) 942-3555, mailing or faxing in your registration or using online registration over the Internet.

What is the textbook for this course? How do I get it

The textbook for this course is Foundations of Earth Science, 2nd Edition, by F.K. Lutgens and E.J. Tarbuck (Prentice –Hall, Inc., © 1999. ISBN 0-13-914037-9) Books are available at the COD Bookstore in person or by telephone, (630) 942-3883. Books ordered by telephone are shipped UPS.

If you prefer, you may be able to order the textbook from your local book seller.

Do I need a password for this course? How do I log in?

Yes, you do need a password for the course. About two weeks before the class is scheduled to begin, you will receive a letter which will confirm your registration, give you a password, and provide you with full details on how to log in.

What is WebBoard? How do I use it?

WebBoard is the conferencing software used to exchange messages and participate in chat sessions and discussion forums in this course. One distinct advantage that WebBoard has over other chat software that you may have used before is that the software and user friendly instructions reside on our server and therefore do not need to be downloaded to your computer.

You must send your e-mail address to cdonline@cdnet.cod.edu before you will given access to WebBoard.

Once you submit your e-mail address and you are given a password for this course, you will be able to access a full set of easy-to-understand instructions and the discussion forum specifically designed for this class.

Do I need e-mail? How can I get an e-mail address?

You will need e-mail to communicate with your instructor. You will also use e-mail to submit your assignments. If you do not have e-mail capability, you must notify your instructor and he will arrange for you to have a free e-mail account on our college server.

How do I take my exams?

All students must take tests in the Assessment and Testing Center, room IC 100, at the Glen Ellyn campus. For more information, see exams.

You will need to be proficient in three basic areas. First, you need to be comfortable with computer use in general. You should be able to use the word-processing program on your computer efficiently. Second, you need to be proficient in the use of e-mail. This will be your primary method of communication with the instructor. Finally, you must be able to use a web browser such as Netscape, Mosaic, Internet Explorer, etc. effectively. Much of the work you will be doing in this course will rely on your ability to browse, search, and otherwise interact with resources on the World Wide Web.

If you feel that you are not proficient in these areas, you may wish to "enroll" in a free Newbie University course and review the WEB, P.E.G., and e-mail. Please do this before you register for Earth Science 100.

Will I need any special computer hardware to successfully complete this course?

If you are reading this on-line, then you are all set! However, some of the web resources which you may encounter will recommend or require a particular web browser version (e.g. Netscape 4.0) or a special "plug-in" in order for the resource to run effectively or at all. In most instances the required item can be downloaded by following the instructions provided.

I noticed that the textbook assignments provide web links for each topic covered in a chapter. Am I required to follow every link?

The goal of these links is to provide you with resources beyond the textbook which clarify, expand on, or visually illustrate the concept under consideration. To ignore these resources would be akin to attending a traditional classroom meeting and falling asleep at your desk. Don't do it!

Are grades curved in this course?

No. Your grade is an accurate reflection of your demonstrated ability to meet specific course objectives.

Should I turn in all my work at once or little by little throughout the quarter?

Little by little throughout the quarter. This will allow you to receive adequate instructor feedback and to prepare more effectively for your exams.

Can I work with other students as I complete the course?

Please do! Collaborative learning can be one of the best methods of achieving conceptual understanding. However, it is extremely important that you do your own work as you complete assignments. Submitted work which is identical to another student's constitutes plagiarism and may result in academic disciplinary action.

How do I complete the laboratory component of the course?

All laboratory exercises use internet resources as the tools of investigation. Therefore, you are not required to visit a special laboratory site or obtain special equipment to complete these assignments.

How often am I required to communicate with the instructor?

As often or as seldom as you wish. There are no specific requirements for communication, but past experience has shown that more frequent communication leads to better conceptual understanding. You are particularly encouraged to participate in chat sessions which focus on the topics of textbook homework assignments.

How can I speak (communicate) with my instructor?

You have a number of options for communication. You may e-mail your instructor (sutherla@cdnet.cod.edu), telephone during office hours, fax (630) 942-3077, or participate in a chat session using WebBoard.

If I cannot finish all of my work by the deadlines, what are my options?

You have three options. The first, and least desirable, of the three is to receive an "F" grade. To avoid an "F" you can either withdraw from the course or request an incomplete ("I") grade. In either case, you should discuss these options with the instructor. Refer to the course syllabus for more information.

What if I am unable to access one of the web links provided in any of the course assignments?

First, try accessing the site at another time. The server may by busy or temporarily off line. If repeated attempts fail, please e-mail the instructor with the name of the link. In many cases a substitute site will be available and the link can be recoded quickly.

Can I finish the course early?

Absolutely! Although the chat sessions are scheduled to guide you through the course gradually, you are free to work at a faster pace if it is comfortable and effective for you. In fact, if you need your grade processed before the end of the quarter, this can be done with a simple request to the instructor.

This is the first self-paced course I've ever taken. What are my chances for success?

Only you can answer this question. Past experience has shown repeatedly that successful students in these courses have solid study skills, good self-motivation and self-discipline, strong reading comprehension skills, and are able to follow written directions effectively. If this sounds like you, then your chances for success are good!