A NOTE ON DISTANCE LEARNING


This may be the first time that you have taken a distance  course.  If
this is so, it may be helpful to go over a few points.


HOW IS DISTANCE LEARNING DIFFERENT?

There are a number of variations on  distance  learning (DL), but  the  
form that we will use in this course is called "Web-based asynchronous
learning." This means that the activities of teaching and learning can 
take place independently  of  one  another.  Here are  some  important
characteristics of Web-based asynchronous learning:

  o  It can take place anytime.

  o  It can take place anywhere.

  o  It is self-paced (to a point).

  o  Learning objectives are no different from those that apply to 
     the same course offered in a standard classroom setting.

  o  Students must take an active role in managing their time  and
     learning activities.  

  o  The instructor must provide students clear directions on what 
     is expected at every stage of a course.

  o  The instructor must have a way of reliably assessing  student 
     progress and providing them with useful and helpful feedback.


Fortunately, we will  be using the Blackboard system, which will  help
create an instructional setting that should support the needs of  both 
students and the instructor. Features offered by the Blackboard system 
include presentation of course documents and assignments, group email,  
online gradebook services,  discussion  groups,  an  interactive  chat  
facility, and automatic grading of quizzes. 


KEEP COMMUNICATIONS FLOWING

Some students do not adjust well to distance learning.  They feel very
isolated and miss the face-to-face interaction  with  fellow  students 
and the instructor.  But even though there are no regularly  scheduled 
meetings, you are nevertheless a member of a class.  In order to build
more of a sense of community, you will have available a number of ways
to participate as a class member.  

Keeping communications flowing is key.  Some  measures  are  optional,
such as discussion groups and interactive chats as mentioned above. In 
addition several activities that require  your  regular  participation 
have been built into the course.  In particular, you will be asked  to 
follow the weekly schedule of readings, assignments and  quizzes  that 
are summarized on the  course  syllabus.  Along with  assignments  and 
quizzes, email offers a vital link between students and the instructor.  
Thus, you are urgued to email the instructor  at  anytime  you  have a 
question or need assistance.  
  

YOUR INTERNET CONNECTION

Having a reliable Internet connection that supports  the  sending  and
receiving of attached files is an essential requirement of this course.
Best is a direct connection, such as DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)  or
a cable TV connection.  Dial-up connections via a modem are acceptable
as well, but are subject to line disconnections due to  inactivity  or
other causes.  The weekly online quizzes are an important part of  the 
course.  To avoid being disconnected during a quiz (or at least reduce 
the likelihood of this happening), I recommend that you  download  and
and install a program such as "Connection Keeper."   Connection Keeper 
by Gammadyne Software is available for purchased for $10.  To download  
Connection Keeper, please go to the following site:

  http://www.gammadyne.com/conkeep.htm.

I have found it to be highly effective.

If you do get disconnected during a quiz, the Blackboard  system  will
not permit you to retake the quiz without it being  "reset."  In  this
event, please email me and I will reset your quiz.