Required Orientation for WebLab
(Earth 102, Observational Astronomy Totally Online Lab)
Hi and welcome the Earth 102, the Online Astronomy Lab Course I call WebLab.
If you are also in an Earth 101 online lecture course, it will be a separate course and require separate answers for ALL questions. please do not combine the lecture and lab courses in the same e-mails.
All WebLab students must complete the exercises
in this orientation by Sun., 9/4, 2005, by midnight in order to continue in the course.
Orientation Goals…
This orientation has two goals. The first goal is to help
you determine if you are suited to taking this online course. The second goal
is to give you experience using some of the online course tools.
How long will it take you to complete the activities in this orientation?
About ONE hour (maximum) depending on your experience…
Are you suited for online instruction?
Probably the TWO most common things that students report as being necessary
for success in taking an online course are:
(1) good time management skills
(2) motivation
Of course, time management and motivation are also necessary for success in taking an on-campus course, but in online courses managing your time well and being motivated to complete coursework are even more critical to your success. Online you don't have me to lead you through class activities, remind you about when coursework is due, or motivate you like in an on-campus course.
From my perspective, being a good online student means sitting down and plan your week of activities. The activities I assign you are more than just a list of activities to be gotten out of the way. It is your thinking about course topics over time and participating with others that stimulates thought, not a last minute get this assignment done. And, when you do participate, I need a lot more than a response like "I agree with John." I need to know WHY you agree or don't agree with John.
So, please take a moment now and ask yourself do I have good time management skills, and am I a motivated student? If your answer is no to either of these questions, then I would strongly suggest that you consider dropping this online course section and signing up for a section of this course that meets on-campus. There’s nothing wrong with opting out because online courses aren’t for everyone.
This course has a greater than 60% drop rate... NOT because it is difficult, but because students don't bother doing the weekly exercises!
This one unit lab course requires a GREAT deal of outside observation.
If you live in an area like Isla Vista or any coastal area - where the fog IS a problem - and you are not willing or cannot get away from the coast at night, drop this course right now!!!
My Expectations…
OK, if you've read this far then you've made
the commitment to stay enrolled in this online course. Online courses as I've
suggested before require more independence on your part. You can't sit back
and be passive as you might in an on-campus course. Both the other online students
and I depend on you to participate in class activities and do the coursework
I’ve assigned in a timely manner if this course is to going to be successful.
We are all members of a classroom community committed to the same goals and
obliged to follow the same SBCC
classroom conduct rules as an on-campus class. So, please do your
best to stay on top of your coursework and treat everyone with respect and civility
in your communication and participation.
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One final warning... For students new to online instruction, there is a prevailing myth that online courses require less work than on-campus courses. If you think that you can put off your coursework until
the end you're WRONG. Last Chance... If you want in a regular lab class, say so! E-mail me at: astroprof@cox.net |
Your Orientation...
Access via a computer with an internet connection from anywhere.
1. Open a browser (4.0 or later) AOL will work, but the AOL browser will not
work!
2. Your course web address:
http://www.astroprof.com/
3. Choose the yellow star labeled 'WebLab'
On this new page, you will find some very basic - but direct and VERY useful
web pages to do weekly.
Notice that the items which change weekly will be dated on the right column. There are soeveral item to be done now or ASAP this week.
Explore everything. Did I mention to explore EACH ONE?
There is a 100 point question there now.
These will look the same but the lesson links change weekly.
Do NOT bookmark
this page. Always begin with the yellow star.
Those pages usually change on Sundays at midnight.
There will be some labs which must be completed in order to pass the course - those will be noted as we go along.
Remember to come back here and actually do the work soon!
4. Get into Pipeline - Click here for the link to Checkpoint #1
There is a required assignment to do there now. Checkpoint #1
The Directions can also be found under 'Reference Section' labeled 'Pipeline Orientation & Help' in the bottom table.
5. Get into E-mail - Click here for the link to Checkpoint # 2
Be sure to make all the changes needed for this course. Some are only suggested.
There is a required assignment to do there now. Checkpoint #2
The Directions can also be found under 'Reference Section' labeled 'Pipeline E-mail Account Orientation, Changes & Help' in the bottom table.
6. Get to the Discussions - Click here for the link to Checkpoint # 3
There is a required assignment to do there now. Checkpoint #3
The Directions can also be found under 'Reference Section' labeled 'Discussion Orientation & Help' in the bottom table.
7. Go to the form needed for Checkpoint #4 - Click here for the link to Checkpoint # 4
7. Put away all the pages you have opened and Logout of Pipeline- ALWAYS!!!!!
You will NOT get back in if you do not logout!!
8. You MUST purchase the AstroLab Kit for this class from the downstairs area of the SBCC Bookstore
- no substitutes available.
Click here for the required materials for this class.
If you are in the Astronomy Online Lecture class (101W) you do not have to buy
the small AstroLecture Kit (that material is already in the required AstroLab Kit).
There is a weekly form to complete.
The link sits at the top of the table containing your assignments at your WebLab Homepage.
The first one will be Sunday, Sept. 4 at midnight.
For technical Pipeline Help
Online College Student Support
(805) 965-0581, extension 2949 - Call until you get someone to answer (Do NOT leave a message)
Toll-free line: (877) 232-3919
Both are 8 AM to 5 PM week days
On Campus? Go to the Cyber Center in the Cafeteria Building (Campus Center)
E-mail: online@sbcc.net
You will ALWAYS get a reply to ANYTHING you e-mail me!
For e-mailed materials, the reply will usually be a copy of your work/letter/note
with a note AT THE BOTTOM that I 'got it' or 'thank you'.
For forms you fill out online and hit 'SUBMIT', there will be a 'Thank you'
page come up. That means it was sent.
What to do if there is no response within a 24 hr period - resend the material.
Send me an e-mail telling me what you did.
Will that excuse late work? Rarely.
Those of you who are NOT enrolled officially or who have just enrolled will
not be able to get into the Pipeline area for 24 hours after enrollment.
Fred