This lecture contains some of the most important information you'll read this semester. Read it carefully so you know what you are getting into. This lecture should help you decide if this on-line class is right for  you.

Know What You're Getting Into

I want to warn you in advance: this class is a lot of work! In fact, whether you take it online or in the classroom, this will probably be one of the most demanding classes you take at UMF (especially if you are a freshman or have never had to work on several writing projects at the same time). Composition classes are always intense because they involve a lot of reading, writing, and research. Some people think online classes are easier or less work than regular classes, but that is not true. Online classes are even more work because the student is responsible for completing the work by the deadlines and using Blackboard effectively on his or her own. Most professors will not be sympathetic if you aren't comfortable with Blackboard and computers; they are essential elements of any online class.

Time Management

How much time per week should you devote to this class? Since it's a 3-credit class, plan on spending at least three hours a week "in class" (online in the class, participating). For each credit hour, plan on at least two hours outside of class for reading, writing, and research (3 x 2 = 6 hours). That's a total of at least 9 hours a week for this class.

I do not recommend taking this class if you work a lot of overtime, plan on getting married this semester, or plan on having a child this semester. Students in these situations in the past have always failed this class because they can't keep up with the work.

Pace and Computer/Internet Access

Another warning: the pace will be very fast.  Because of this, I expect you to be proficient with Blackboard. If you have not taken an on-line class before or if you have not taken the Blackboard Orientation, you may have trouble keeping up, and we don't have time to wait for you. Let me be clear:

Expectations

• Abide by Syllabus, Policies, and Expectations.

• Check your UMF e-mail daily! Since this is an online class, this the most efficient way for me to reach you  so check it often. This is the only e-mail address the University or Blackboard recognizes, so it will be my primary means of contacting you. NOTE: You can not forward your University e-mail to another account, so you must check your UMF e-mail.
  

• Read all the assigned readings in the required order. Each week's lessons and assignments will build on previous knowledge, so I will assume you have read, understood, remembered, and applied all the readings! If you have questions, ask; otherwise I will assume you don't have any.
  

• Complete all of the assignments by the assigned deadlines.

• Make at least two backup copies of all your work. (That’s what the CDs/jump drives are for.) Losing all your work because you didn’t have a backup when your computer crashed is not an acceptable excuse. Tip: backup your important files every day.

• Be familiar with MS Word, or at least willing to learn. I provide lots of how-to instructions and expect your papers to be professional and polished in appearance as well as content, including word processing techniques. All assignments must be turned in as MS Word files, so you need the latest version of Microsoft Office (Microsoft Office 2000 for Windows XP or Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac OS X). Students can purchase Microsoft Office from the University for $45. For details refer to the Information Technology Services software sales. If you don't want to buy MS Office for the ridiculously low price of $45 you download a similar program called Open Office. It's free and completely compatible with Office. Versions are available for all operation systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.).

• Participate in weekly discussions and peer-edit each major paper assignment for all the other students in your group. (Refer to Syllabus and Discussion Board Policy.) Return peer-edited papers promptly!
  

In short, if you can't devote at least 9 hours a week to this class, if you are not comfortable with writing, if you are not comfortable with technology, or if you are not comfortable with my expectations I recommend dropping the class and taking it on campus instead of online. I won't be offended and you'll do a better job.

If you decide to stick it out, I expect you to keep up with all the work (reading, writing, research, peer-editing, on-line discussions, quizzes, etc.) and complete everything by the assigned deadlines without whining. I know the class is a lot of work and after reading this, you should too.

Tips

Now that you've decided to stick it out, how can you pass this class? Here are some suggestions from my previous on-line students (my additional comments are in blue):

• Get all your books right away and keep up with the reading. Read ahead as much as possible. (I recommend ordering your books online from Amazon or Barnes and Noble and paying extra for overnight shipping so you'll have them right away. Use the ISBN numbers to be sure you purchase the correct editions.)
  
• Read everything! (They're not kidding. I expect you to read, remember, and apply all the reading assignments and lectures.)
  
• Log on early in the week to get assignments. Finish them as soon as possible, then log back on to participate in the Discussion Board. Log on to the DB often and keep up with the developing discussions.
• Log on often.
• Check your UMF e-mail daily, especially after a deadline in case there is a problem with your paper and the instructor needs to reach you. (Again, they're not kidding: I expect you to check your UMF e-mail every day.)
  
• Print out the list of assignments for each unit and check them off as you complete them.
• Print out the assignments and lectures so you can refer to them later.
• Always view announcements for the past 7 days (or the past 30!) so you don't miss anything.
  
• Plan ahead as much as possible.
• Put deadlines on your calendar/planner. (You do have one, right? If not, be sure to print out the class Calendar: Tools --> Calendar --> View Month --> Print.)
• Print out the course calendar so you don't miss any deadlines.
  
• Don't write papers at the last minute.
• Take quizzes a day or two before the deadline in case of technical problems.
• Check off work you have completed by clicking the "Mark Reviewed" button. This new feature will help you keep track of what you have already finished and what you still need to do. It also shows me that you have fulfilled your responsibility by completing the assignment as I keep track of your work. (NOTE: If you don't click the "Mark Reviewed" button I will assume you have not completed the assignments as I keep track of your progress.)
• Contact me immediately if:
  
• You get behind in the classwork
  
• Have a personal, work, or family crisis that prevents you from participating
• Have major technical problems.
• Remember: If you stop participating and I don't hear from you, I will assume you have decided to drop or fail the class.