Welcome to DIST 101- Introduction to Online
Instructor: Laura Schwoerer
Email: laura_schwoerer@cuesta.edu
COURSE NUMBER/TITLE/UNITS
DIST 101- 71726/ Introduction to Online Courses / 0.5 Unit / 3-week course
Start Date: 8/15/2022
End Date: 9/2/2022
CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION
Introduces students to the different types of technologies utilized in an online education course. Students will determine if online learning is right for them and learn academic and technological skills for success in online education and technology mediated courses.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK
There is no required textbook for this class.
ONLINE INSTRUCTION
DIST 101 is a half-unit, 3-week course, that will introduce you to some of the basic technologies used in online courses. There are no face-to-face meetings, and it is up to you to develop a plan, stay organized and practice time-management skills to succeed in the online environment.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
This course will leave you with a better sense of whether online learning is right for you and give you the competencies you need to be technologically successful in other online courses.
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
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- Determine how to apply effective online learning strategies for one's preferred learning style(s).
- Demonstrate academic and technological skills for success in online education or technology-mediated courses.
- Explain various technologies and their functions and uses in online education or technology-mediated courses.
COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS
You will need a computer with reliable Internet access and webcam that is available to you at least three times a week. It is up to each student to make their own arrangements to have these tools available before beginning the class. Both the Cuesta SLO and North County campus libraries have computers that are available on a walk-in basis for students.
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- Current Web Browser: Safari, Firefox, or Chrome (Mac or Windows)
- Computer Specs: Power Macintosh or Windows (Pentium) computer with at least a 200 Mhz processor speed and a minimum of 64 MB of system RAM (memory).
- Basic computer experience.
The learning environment is best accessed from a desktop or laptop computer, using Firefox or Chrome. Please review the browser requirements and minimum computer specifications. (https://www.cuesta.edu/academics/distance/faqs_technical.html)
COMMUNICATION WITH INSTRUCTOR
Contact Information
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Laura Schwoerer 
Email- laura_schwoerer@cuesta.edu
Zoom- Please email me to arrange a virtual meeting.
Zoom link in Canvas "Office Hours-Zoom"
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The best way to reach me is by email. I will respond within 24 hours during weekdays. Expect delayed responses on the weekends.
Regular and effective contact between students and the instructor will be done through Canvas via announcements to students, timely and effective feedback on assignments, and via e-mail and/or phone.
CANVAS- Cuesta’s Course Management System
Class Opens
Prior to the class start 8/15/2022, you will receive an email to your my.Cuesta.edu address providing you with a reminder that class will be starting. The email will include Canvas instructions and login information, Canvas Quick Reference for StudentsLinks to an external site.
(https://www.cuesta.edu/academics/documents/distance-docs/Canvas_Quick_Reference_Students.pdf)
Class Content and Syllabus
The online class content and syllabus will be available to enrolled students on the first day of class via the Canvas dashboard. (https://cuesta.instructure.com/)
Access Canvas
Canvas is accessed from the Cuesta Home PageLinks to an external site. (https://www.cuesta.edu/) (click on the Canvas link in the navigation menu at the top of the page), or from the Resources tab in myCuestaLinks to an external site.. (https://my.cuesta.edu/Links to an external site.)
This Canvas tutorialLinks to an external site. will ensure you are ready to go. (https://www.cuesta.edu/academics/distance/survey.html)
Canvas User Name and Password
Your Canvas username and password are the same as your my.Cuesta login ID, firstname_lastname (all lower case). For example, a student named Joan Smith would be joan_smith. If you access Canvas through MyCuesta, you should not have to log in again.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Cuesta students are encouraged to direct all technical support inquiries to support@my.cuesta.edu. Be sure to describe the problem in detail, include your name and course number. You can expect a reply within 24-48 hours.
Canvas: If you are having technical issues with Canvas, contact the Canvas Support Hotline at (877) 921-7680, or click on the help button on the Canvas Navigation to report a problem.
Tip: If you are having difficulty viewing the course or logging in, be sure you are using the correct url: https://cuesta.instructure.com/ and a supported browser.
Mobile App: While Canvas has a mobile app, the mobile app is not as fully functional as the Canvas online course available on a laptop or desktop browser. You must have access to an internet-connected laptop or desktop computer browser to complete this course successfully.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Disabled Student Programs and Services
Students who need accommodation due to a disability (i.e. physical, mental, or learning disability) must register with Cuesta’s Disabled Student Programs and Services. Links to an external site. (DSPS) (https://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/dsps/index.html) or 805-546-3148
as soon as possible to ensure that you receive the accommodations in a timely manner.
DSPS will work with the students to determine the disability, document it, and determine the services and accommodations necessary for student success. DSPS will then contact the faculty member to determine the types of consideration necessary.
I will be happy to discuss and work with you on your need for accommodations.
Tutorial Services
Contact the Student Success Center. Links to an external site. for help. (https://www.cuesta.edu/student/resources/ssc/index.html)
Library Services
Visit the library home page. Links to an external site. (https://www.cuesta.edu/library/) for reference assistance, success workshops, circulation, Course Reserves, Chromebooks, and more.
COLLEGE & COURSE POLICIES
Academic Honesty Policy
All students attending San Luis Obispo County Community College District at any district site and when representing Cuesta College in any off-campus activity, assume an obligation to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner compatible with the Student Code of Conduct. Links to an external site. Please review the Student Code of Conduct. (https://www.cuesta.edu/about/documents/vpss-docs/StudentConducttrifold-brochure_2017.pdf Links to an external site.)
Add / Drop Policy
Please review the Cuesta policies
Waitlist Policy
Please review Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructions. Links to an external site.. (https://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/admrreg/arpolicies/Waitlist.htmlLinks to an external site. Links to an external site.
Student Technology Agreement
Please review Cuesta’s Student Technology Agreement. Links to an external site. https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/cuesta/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=A2V4LD661AE3Links to an external site.
TIPS ON ONLINE EDUCATION
Online Education, FAQs Links to an external site.
http://www.cuesta.edu/student/aboutacad/distance/faqs.html
"Is An Online Course Right for Me?" Links to an external site.
https://www.cuesta.edu/academics/distance/forwhom.html
"Netiquette- 8 Tips for Online Discussions"Links to an external site.
https://www.cuesta.edu/academics/documents/distance-docs/Netiquette_Policy_Infographic.pdf
Please contact me if you have any questions or need additional support.
I am looking forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Laura Schwoerer
icons at the top right corner of the subsection.