Discussion: Optional - Introducing IPT 286

No Author
2014-03-11T13:40:47-06:00

First, I would like to go over the goals of the course as well as how we run the course! I know it's tempting with online videos to not pay attention and (view) them while doing other ... stuff. Please resist this temptation! Every semester I have students who struggle in the class or on a particular assignment simply because they do not view the videos. I'll try to keep them short, so be sure to watch 'em!

I will also try to be clear about anything that you don't HAVE to watch or read in order to do well in the class. For example, if you came to our face to face meeting the first night, then you can skip the next two videos, because it's just review. But if you didn't catch everything we talked about the other day, or if you added the class late and missed that meeting, then be sure to do the following:

-- Watch both videos completely!

-- After watching the videos, make an appointment to come in and meet me if you didn't come to our class the first week. This is important! First, I want to get to know each of you, so I want to have the chance to meet you in person. Second, this allows you to ask any questions you had after watching the videos, so we can be sure you know exactly how to be successful this semester. You can meet with me during my office hours, Mondays, 2-4 p.m. in MCKB 150-H, or make an appointment at http://doodle.com/rickwest.

Video 1: Introducing me, and the goals of the course.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oA5y3rUalmo

Video 2: Going over the structure of the course and how to be successful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkRlmIOUSO4

A few notes on navigating Canvas

Navigating Canvas should be pretty easy, especially if you watch the videos for this week. But there are a couple of things that you might not see happening under the cover, that might need some explanation. First, each week is a "module" and each module is locked until you complete the module before it. And a module is "complete" when you have participated in the discussions, viewed the presentations, turned in the assignments, etc. So if you ever try to jump into a new module and it won't let you, it is likely because you haven't completed everything in the previous module yet. In addition, modules open on certain dates so that the conversation can all happen within a certain time frame. If you have a reason for needing to move ahead (for example, you know you have a major assignment in another week, and so you are trying to work ahead in this class), just let me know, and I can unlock it for you to move ahead.

Please post any questions you have about the class below so I can answer them!