AMERICAN HISTORY ONLINE 108

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What basic computer components do I need for this class? It is essential to have internet connection along with an e-mail account. Most computers have a sound card; it is recommended that your computer have Real Player. Real Player can be downloaded for free at: http://www.real.com/. Most computers have the Windows Media player for playing video clips; this is located in the accessories area under entertainment. A version of Quick Time Movie Player is also often installed on many of the newer computers to play video clips.
2. How are online classes different from on campus classes?
   Online classes cover the same material as on campus classes. For this class the same readings and lectures and power point presentations are included, but there are more discussions in the online classes and online classes can be done anytime and from any place with internet connections. Plus there are self paced quizzes and two key assignments.
3. What is the Blackboard online management system?
   The Blackboard online management system is the management system that will be used for this class. To get to this first, you first go to: http://bb.gcccd.net  Your login name will be your first name and last name all in lower case and no spaces and your password will be your birthday. For example, May 4, 1988 would be 050488. You will be automatically loaded into the class before the class begins. Once you add the class with your add code, it may take up to 24 hours before you appear in the Blackboard system.
   Blackboard contains a series of areas where you find class material. When you open the class you see the announcements area where you will find timely announcements about general class information and deadlines. There is a Course Information area where you find general information about the course, Staff Information about your instructor, Course Documents where you find class lecture and readings with links. The assignment area contains the six quizzes and two key assignments: take home midterm and take home final. There are also extra credit assignments in the assignment area. In Tools you will find the Calendar with course topics and deadlines and finally My Grades is where you find your grades for your assignments in the class. One of the most important areas is the discussion board.
4. What is the discussion board process to follow?
   You have six discussion board answers and you need to post your answer before the deadline. The process or protocol of the bulletin board is quite easy. In the discussion board area you find forums and you click on the form to find the area for threaded discussion. You click on the discussion topic and you read information that you respond to by hitting reply, putting in your answer or introduction or question, and hitting submit. Make sure you follow the deadlines for discussion board work since late assignments count less. It is suggested that you respond to the instructor’s question and also to other students, when appropriate.
      BULLETIN BOARD EXPECTATIONS:  Student bulletin board answers involve content material from lecture and text and sometimes from the essays in the reader and readings from various websites .You are graded on how the answers reflect the reading material and these answers average 600-800 words.
5. How will I use  e-mail sytem?
   In the communication area there is an email area where students can send email to instructor or other students in the class.
6. How are assignments sent within the system?
   Blackboard's Assignment tools enables students to submit files they've created to the instructor such as a Word document or an Excel file OR to download a file provided by your instructor, complete that assignment, and return it to the instructor. After you login to Blackboard, go to the course Web site and follow theses steps:
   1. Go to the location where the instructor is providing the assignment.
   2. Click the View/Complete link.
   3. If the instructor has provided a file for you to complete, right-click on the file and select Save Target As to download the file.
   4. After you complete the assignment, return to the location where the assignment is provided.
   5. Click the Browse button provided under Attach local file
   6. Select the assignment you want to submit to the instructor.
   7. Click the Submit button.
7. How is the instructor web page used?
   The instructor web page is found at: http://www.jerrybaydo.us . This instructor home page includes a link to your online class information.  Here is where you will find the general information about the class, the assignments, class syllabus and book information.
8. What is the grading system for this class?
   The grading system is the following: 20% of your grade from self-quizzes, 60% of your grade for discussion board work, and 20% of your grade for the take home midterm and take home final assignments. Grading scale: 90-100-A; 80-89-B; 70-79-C; 60-69-D, below 60-F.
9. How do students know their grades in the class?
   Grades are posted in MY GRADES for each bulletin board response. 100 points for each quiz and grades with comments for discussion board work and the two key assignments.
10. Why do I register my CD at NSS Press website?
    You automatically register your text and reader at NSS Press website; you register these to get into the websites there that contain essential class information with timely videos and links.
11. What are the assignment requirements in the class?
    There are two key assignments in the class: the take home midterm and take home final assignments. These assignments consist of a series of 2-3 paragraph answers based on essay material in the digital reader. There are two optional extra credit assignments: key concept assignment # 1 and key concept assignment # 2. These are assignments that involve identifying items from lists related to class material.
    Keep in mind that this class is equivalent to an on campus class. But you have flexible time and space. It is still very important to budget time for reading and writing, for doing the bulletin board work and the assignments. It is also essential that these assignments meet the deadlines.
    Good luck and enjoy online history