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Are
there any special concerns for America Online (AOL) users?
Are
there any special concerns for those who use free e-mail accounts (i.e.,
Yahoo, Hotmail, etc.)?
I
am having trouble logging on to MOODLE, what should I
do?I
am having trouble submitting my homework using the web-based
forms, what should I do?
What
software do I need to use the 'Whole Health' CD-ROM?
What
do I put in the subject line of my e-mails?
What
do I do if I need technical support?
How
long should my assignment papers be? How
do I Write a Lecture Summary Assignment?
Are
there any opportunities for extra credit if I don't perform
well? How
do I write a Unit Summary Assignment?
What
should I do if one of the assignment links doesn't work?What
assignments am I supposed to complete?
How
should I study for quizzes?
What
happens if I miss a Quiz?
Can
I fax my homework?
How
are my internet homework papers graded?
How
do I listen to the MP3 lecture files?
"Are
there any special concerns for America Online (AOL) users?"
- AOL users need to pay careful
attention to a couple of items. First, the web-browser that
comes
with the AOL software is not a full-featured browser. I recommend
that instead of using the AOL browser, that you use either
Microsoft
Internet Explorer, Mozilla, or Netscape Communicator (both of
which are free downloads). For Mac Users, either Safari, Netscape
or Internet Explorer should work fine. To use these browsers,
you just log onto AOL
as you normally would and then minimize the AOL window and open
up either Internet Explorer or Netscape browser.
- If you are using an older version
of AOL, you will get "timed out" by AOL after about
20 minutes or so. This can present problems if you are in the
middle of an assignment or exam.You can prevent this by downloading
the most recent version of the AOL software. If you still experience
this problem you can download the free or shareware software that
will keep you from getting timed-out. Software titles include:
"AlwaysOnline," "KillTimer," "AntiTimer,"
and others. You can download these software programs at http://www.download.com
Another way of getting around getting "timed out" is
to open up an AOL chat room with yourself. This will work just
as well if you know how to set it up.
"Are
there any special concerns for those who use free e-mail accounts
(i.e., Yahoo, Hotmail, etc.)?"
- Typically I won't be emailing
the class. However, if you email me directly with questions
I will return your email to the same address that you used
to email me. Those of you who use free email accounts need
to remember to regularly trash all unwanted email and then
empty the trash. Sometimes free email accounts have rather
small amounts of storage space for you to save old messages.
If you don't clear out old messages, you might run the risk
of running out of space. In this event, you will not be able
to receive email until you clear out your email storage area.
ALSO, sometimes the spam filter of your free email service
will filter out messages from your teacher. Be sure that you
look very carefully in your SPAM folder (or wherever the spam
messages go) for communications from your teacher and make
sure your SPAM settings allow email from CUESTA.EDU AND EARTHLINK.NET.
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"I
am having trouble logging on to Moodle, what should I do?"
- First, be sure to double-check
your username and password.
- Second, if you have already changed
your password, be sure that you are typing in your password
exactly as you changed it. Usernames and passwords are CASE
SENSITIVE
- NOTE: YOU
ARE FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING TRACK OF YOUR PASSWORD. FAILURE
TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN YOU NOT MEETING DEADLINES FOR ASSIGNMENTS
OR QUIZZES AND YOU WILL NOT BE PROVIDED MAKE-UPS FOR MISSED
ASSIGNMENTS OR QUIZZES.
- If none of the above works, contact
our local Cuesta help people:
- As an instructor of the class, I don't have sufficient Blackboard
permissions to reset or change passwords, or add students to
the database, if they are not already in there.
- When contacting support, BE SURE to give your full name and
the CRN# of the class. AND, remember that they will only be able
to answer your questions between the hours of 7:30 AM to 9:00
PM.
- Cuesta Help:
1. Lee McCrea and Al Silva can be emailed at: support@my.cuesta.edu
Lee and Al are usually very quick to get back to students.
- Please let me know as soon as possible if the tech support
is unable to help you.
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"I
am having trouble submitting my homework using the web-based
forms, what should I do?"
- NOTE: If none of the suggestions
below fix your problem,
send your homework in via email adding your homework file
as an attachment.
- First, and this advice helps
most people, reduce the security level of any virus protection
software while you
are
trying
to submit
your homework. Some people set the security level too high.
- Second, make sure you have allowed
cookies and turned off the "block pop-up windows" feature
in your web browser settings or through your Zone Alarm.
- Third, make sure that
you disable any personal firewall that may be working.
- Finally, update
your system software. If you have a PC, you can click on
the Windows
updater. If
using a Mac and OSX, under the Apple menu, click on System
Preferences and then Software Update. If using Mac OS 9,
go to Apple Menu, Control Panels and click on Software Update.
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"What
software do I need to use the 'Whole Health' CD-ROM?"
- All you need is a Web browser:
preferably a recent version of Firefox, Safari, Internet
Explorer or Netscape Communicator.
You will also need the Apple Quick Time software and Quick
Time "Plug-in" for
your browser. This software can be downloaded
from the Apple website.
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"What
do I put in the subject line of e-mails that I send to my instructor?"
- ALWAYS start your subject line
with a clear idea about the nature of your request.
- If you need help or want to ask
me a question about the Blackboard, type "Help with
Blackboard" in
the subject line.
Or, another example would be "Question
about test#1".
"What
do I do if I need technical support?"
- If you need help with class policies
or procedures,
first check your class welcome
letter/syllabus and the
class orientation pages.
If you don't find an answer on those pages, check the FAQ
page, which is section 6 in the orientation pages. For logon
problems for Blackboard, please see question
above.
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"How
long should my assignment papers be?"
- A general rule of thumb should
be that summaries for either UNIT ASSIGNMENTS or LECTURES should
be at least ONE PAGE, SINGLE-SPACED. Discussion
assignment posts should be about three-fourths of a page in length.
- Remember that lecture summary
length will vary depending on the length of the lecture. You will
need to summarize all sections of the lecture notes. Remember
too, that lecture summaries are divided into two parts: the summary
and the application sections. Each section will be aproximately
one-half page single-spaced.
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"How
do I write a lecture summary assignment?"
- The lecture summary assignment
is broken down in to two parts. Part one is the summary.
In this part you simply summarize the important points of the
lecture IN YOUR OWN WORDS. Your summary must be sufficiently detailed
so that it is easy for me to see that you read and understood
the lecture.
- Part two is the application
section where you apply the lecture contents to your own personal
situation. A lecture summary
needs to demonstrate comprehension of the material. Therefore,
besides restating the lecture contents (summary), you need to
use illustrations or examples of how the content relates to your
own experience (application). Show some of your own insights.
This way I know that you not only read the material, but that
you have some understanding of what it means to you. You do not
have to agree with everything in lecture, if you want to object
to some of the statements or disagree with them, that's fine.
But you still need to refer to the lecture contents and balance
that with your own thoughts in your own words. An acceptable lecture
summary is about 50% recitation of lecture facts, and 50% application
to your own life.
- This should all be accomplished
in a minimum of 2 pages double spaced (or, 1 full page single-spaced).
Look at an example of a Model Lecture Summary Assignment in the
Distance Learning area of the WholeHealth web site.
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"How
do I write a Unit Summary Assignment?"
- The unit summary assignments
are pretty self-explanatory, you just follow the directions
on each
assignment page. You can find an example of a unit assignment
on the Model Unit Summary Assignment page in the Distance
Learning
area of the WholeHealth web site.
- If you want the maximum possible
points on unit assignments, you can complete an extra assignment.
There is one extra text box on the assignment post page for this
purpose. You can receive up to the total possible points for
the
unit assignment.
- Reminder: please submit
all unit assignments at the same time (NOT ONE AT A TIME)
using
the same form. It is very difficult and time-consuming for me
to have to sort through several posts to total your assignments
scores. This also delays the posting of grades.
"What
do I do if one of the assignment links doesn't work?"
I always receive
emails from students wanting to know what to do if the links
to the
different
web
sites for the Unit Assignments
don't seem to work. Here's my advice:
If any link does
not work, you can try a few things. First, wait awhile and
then try back later. The server might be busy or down.
Second, it's possible that the links have been changed,
that sometimes happens. In this case you can try Googleing
(i.e., the Google.com
search engine) the site using keywords. Finally, if all
else fails, move on to a different assignment. That's one of
the reasons I've
included so many for you to choose from.
"Are
there any opportunities for extra credit if I don't perform
well?"
"What
assignments am I supposed to complete?"
There are many different assignments
on your Whole Health CD. You will NOT need
to complete ALL of them. I usually vary
the assignments that I require
each semester. Also, students in the first 9-week classes
will complete different assignments than the students
enrolled in second 9-week classes. Thus, if it is not
listed on
the Assignment
Deadlines page, it is not a required
assignment. Complete only the assignments with
point values on the Assignment Deadlines page.
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"How
should I study for quizzes?"
Checklist:
- Be sure to read each of the chapters
in your textbook that are part of the section for that particular
quiz. These are named on the Assignment Deadlines page for
each quiz.
- The quizzes will be open book,
open-note quizzes. However, there will be a time limit. You
will be able to use your notes and your textbook, but you will
need to come to each test prepared, otherwise you will run
out of time.
- Once you begin the quiz, the
timer is running. You will not be able to log out of the quiz
and revisit it later.
- Read your lecture summaries and
other notes from each lecture that are within the unit for
the quiz. These are named on the Assignment Deadlines page.
- Take the Practice Quizzes that
are available on the WholeHealth web site. These will also
help you to study
for the text and lecture questions on the quiz. At least two
or three of the questions on each practice quiz will be real
live
quiz questions.
- The quizzes will be 30 questions
and 30 points each. About 70-75% of the quiz questions will
be from the textbook, the other 25-30% will be from the lecture
notes.
"What
happens if I miss a Quiz?"
Like other homework, there are
no make-ups for missed quizzes. In a traditional class you
typically have one class period and just 50-minutes (or less)
to complete a quiz. You also typically must meet at an assigned
classroom to take that quiz or test. In this online class,
you have a window of 48-hours within which you can complete
your quiz. You can be at home or anyplace else where there
is an internet connection. Just like in any other class, I
expect you to inform me if you will be missing a quiz, but
you must contact me BEFORE the quiz and not after the fact.
If you give me the courtesy of contacting me early, I will
try and find some option for you. But if you contact me after
the quiz period, there is nothing I can do.
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"Can
I fax my homework?"
- No. You can either use the assignment
submission forms, or if all else fails, send your assignment
word-processed file as an attachment to an email message. Direct
your emails to me at: davidpdiaz@earthlink.net
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"How
are my internet homework papers graded?"
- Most assignments and lecture summaries
are worth 10 points. The following principles will apply to all
internet assignments. If your assignment is received on time you
will usually receive one of four grades: a 7, 8, 9, or 10 (that
is, if it is a 10 point assignment). A 7 is equivalent to a grade
of "C" and is an average paper. This means that it does
not stand above what I consider to be the norm for this assignment.
An 8 is equivalent to a grade of "B" and is above average.
This means you have completed the assignment on time and done
a better than average job. A 9 is an "A" paper. It is
outstanding and is far above the norm. I don't give many 10s.
This is an "A+" and is an exceptional paper in all ways.
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"How
do I listen to the MP3 lecture files?"
- Each lecture can be found in
an audio mp3 format. There are two different ways to listen
to the
MP3 lecture files found on the CD-ROM. First, you can listen
to them from within your browser. This is the way that I had
originally
planned for them to be accessed. You will notice that there is
a hyperlink attached to the MP3 files from the lecture pages.
When you click on these links, if everything goes right, a
player
application will launch (e.g., QuickTime)
and you will see the player interface as a floating window over
your browser page. Using the files this way, you can then just
listen to the audio lectures or you can click through the lecture
multimedia slides while the audio plays in the background.
In
some cases, your browser may not be set up properly to hear the
MP3s. In that case, you will need to read your browser's help
files and set up the browser's preference for handling MP3
audio
files.
- A second way to listen to the
audio files is to use your MP3 player. In this case, you just
drag all the audio files (or just the one's you want to listen
to) onto your computer hard drive and then open them using
your MP3 application as you would any other MP3 file. To drag
the files onto your hard drive, go to the WholeHealth CD-ROM
icon (displayed on your computer desktop when you put the CD-ROM
into your CD drive). Then, double-click the CD icon and you
will see a folder titled: "audio." Just
drag this folder, or any of the files within the folder, to
a location on your computer hard drive where you would like
to keep the files.
- Another way of using the files
would be to transfer them to a portable MP3 player (if you have
one). Then you can listen to them while you are jogging or taking
a walk.
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