As you progress
through your completion of this course you will undoubtedly generate
questions related to the structure of the course, its administration,
or to the concepts you are learning. It is critical that you communicate
with the instructor at these times. However, students often enter
a course like this with similar uncertainties with respect to
the experience to come. The following examples should clarify
some of your concerns.
How
Do I Register?
The course code for this section of English 226B, Masterpieces
of World Literature 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?
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. Top
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. Top
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. Top
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. Top
How do I take my exams?
Exams are taken over the web. You are given a window of time in
which to take the exam. Missing the window may result in inability
to make up the exam, or in a make-up exam that may involve research. Top
How much computer knowledge
do I have to have in order to complete an on-line course like
this?
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, 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 English 226B. Top
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. Top
I noticed that the textbook
assignments provide web links for each topic covered in a chapter.
Am I required to follow every link?
Yes, unless otherwise specified. Required links connect you to assignment materials.
Optional links provide 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! Top
Are grades curved in this
course?
No. Your grade is an accurate reflection of your demonstrated
ability to meet specific course objectives.
Top
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. Top
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 or very similarin wording to
another student's constitutes plagiarism and may result in academic
disciplinary action. Top
How can I speak (communicate)
with my instructor?
As often or as seldom as you wish. There are few 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. Top
If I cannot finish all of
my work by the deadlines, what are my options?
You have a number of options for communication. You may e-mail
your instructor (anschick@cdnet.cod.edu), telephone during office
hours, fax (630) 942-2311, or participate in a chat session using
WebBoard. Top
This
is the first self-paced course I've ever taken. What are my chances
for success?
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. Top
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. Top
Can I finish the course
early?
Absolutely! Although the Web Board 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. Top
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!
Top