Course ExpectationsFabio Cominotti

Boise State UniversityOnline Teaching Intern

Spring 2014Discussion Based Assessment

Sample Presentation

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Syllabus

•The course syllabus contains important school and course policies such as grading, late work, and academic honesty policies.

•The syllabus is located online in the course and you can find a link to a printable version there as well.

•Please review the syllabus and jot down any questions that you might have.

Schedule

•The schedule is also located online inside the course and in the syllabus as well.

•It contains important dates and can be used to help ensure that you are staying in pace.

•The main schedule is high level and list dates for units,•Inside each unit, a schedule for each unit is posted that has a

general guide for that unit.•Look over the main course schedule and jot down any questions.

ExpectationsI really only expect a few things from you

1.Be Respectful.2.Be On-Time. 3.Be Prepared. 4.Participate.

I know these expectations seem familiar. I'm sure you've encountered them in your academic career. Most likely, though, those encounters have been in a traditional classroom. In the online classroom, these expectations may mean something slightly different. Let's take a look at what they mean in the online classroom.

Be Respectful

•This one is pretty much the same in any environment.•Everyone wants respect.•Everyone deserves respect.•Please respect your classmates, me, and other staff by adhering to

the netiquette guidelines and other policies in the course.•Remember, even though you are only reading and typing, there are

real people on the other end of the conversation. Treat them how you would like to be treated.

•We are all in this together so let's all aware of each other.5

Be On Time

•Obviously, this one doesn't mean show up on-time. We all work and post at different times. Although if you make an appointment with me or someone else associated with the course, you should be on time for that. That's one of the basics of respect.

• In this type of course, discussion is a big part of a successful outcome. So, post your discussion prompts on time. Turn your assignments in on time. Finish your part of the group assignments on time. This helps you learn and others learn. It also helps you get feedback so that you can incorporate that into subsequent assignments.

•Completing work on time will help you learn more and develop the skills you should take away from this course.

6

Be Prepared•Traditionally, this means bring your book, pen, and a notebook.•Well, in the online world, it means something slightly different.•Make sure that you get copies of books and texts promptly. Most if the materials are

readily available at no cost. Get them early.•Also, prepare before starting an assignment of discussion post. • Make sure you get enough rest during your nights so you can give your

assignments your best thoughts.• Make sure you complete any pre-activities like reading or writing before

discussing so you can add meaning to the discussion and understand what others are referring to.

•This is a learning community, so be prepared and pull your weight (so to speak)7

Participate

•As with any course, participation is key.•This goes beyond doing the minimum.•The more you participate, the more you and others will take away from

the course.•Don't be afraid to ask questions. No one will ridicule you and there is a

good chance others are wondering the same thing.•Don't be afraid to respond to your classmates or my discussion postings. •Take charge of your learning. The more you interact, the more successful

you will be in the course.8

• Make sure to complete the Discussion Board activity for this module.• Please see the Discussion Board for directions and assignment

details.• Also, please review the Discussion Board Rubric before

completing your posts.

Discussion Board