Orientation

How this course works: In each online course, there is a rhythm and a pattern. Once established, I don't change the pattern. So here is an overview of the pattern and how the course works. (For those of you, who would rather watch a video, this orientation is also available on cdrom or DVD.)

ED 235 is a collaborative classroom, where interaction is important. This is not a "one to one" class, nor is it just one to many, ie from the teacher to all the students, instead it is "a many to many" class where we are all learners. Therefore, the most important part of class is the interaction among all of us in the discussions and projects

This is why each week begins with classroom discussion. I will post a discussion question(s) or you may add your own question on the chapter of the week. The discussion questions are posted both on the web page and in the conference area.This is a chance for you to explore your own ideas and share with others on the weekly topic. The first person who begins the discussion will receive bonus points. You may reply to another students comment or reply directly to the question. Do not try to answer all the questions. Just add your two cents and "talk". Consider this a give and take area. If everyone replies there should be one long scrolling field that we only have to open once to see what everyone says. This works better than trying to open individual messages. Besides to you reply to another student right in the same window.

Textbook:
Use TRG (our Textbook Reading Guide) to see what pages of the chapter to read for this class. There is much more in this textbook than we can possibly cover in a term. So I have streamlined the readings and TRG will be your guide.Only TRG's suggestions will be assessed on the test. This way he is telling you what is important in the chapter. It's great to have a guide.

Weekly Activities: These will vary each week depending on the topic. They may include such things as portfolio assignments, field trips to various web sites, creating classroom materials, posting material in the conference area, using your CDROM in your textbook,portfolios and projects.

Assessment: There will be three online tests on TRG's parts of the textbook. They will be similar to the kinds of questions that are in the self tests, so you can use these as practice.The tests are minor parts of the course. Projects are worth more than the tests. One final presentation project of 15 minutes (either face to face or on video) will substitute for the final exam.

How to discuss online!

Discussion means giving your thoughts and opinions not writing a paper. You do NOT have to read the chapter first. These open ended questions ask about your views on a concept. It works like this. I will post the weekly discussion questions. All you have to do is to click on the reply to answer.

You do not have to answer all the discussion questions. Pick one.

You can also just reply to another person's observations. Replying to another student is worth the same amount of points as answering the discussion question. Remember, this is a conversation.

If we all use reply, then the discussion will be one long scrolling list all about the same topic. This way you can see what everyone has to say.

The first person to start gets bonus points.

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