Introduction:
Welcome to ECE 234, Children’s Literature online. This is an 18 week class, beginning August 13 and ending December 14.
In this class you will develop an appreciation for the value of children’s literature in the growth and development of children ages three through eight years. You’ll learn to select quality books from a variety of genres; delve into cultural sensitivity; and discover numerous ways to make literature come alive in the classroom!
This class is completely online and may be challenging at times. It requires self-direction and motivation, patience, and a sense of humor. To assist students in managing the challenges, there are built in opportunities to network with fellow students. Building community with your classmates and staying “connected,” has proven to help with motivation and increase the probability of success in this, and any online class.
Instructor Contact Expectations:
Instructor: Anne Wolf
awolf@cuesta.edu
530-863-7150 (cell - leave message or text and indicate you're in ECE 234)
The best and fastest way to contact me is email. I will generally respond to your emails within 24 hours during weekdays only. During busy times of the semester, the response time may increase to 48 hours. On weekends, I will do my best to get back to you ASAP but I cannot guarantee an expeditious response.
Course Environment:
This online course will be using a Web-based Learning Management System (LMS) called Canvas as the method to disseminate information. Canvas provides the framework for the course including PowerPoint presentations, student data files, the tools to receive and send course materials, and a grade book. Using the communication tools, you can communicate using e-mail, and you can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion forums and groups.
Class opens / Accessing Canvas:
Prior to the Monday that classes start, you will receive an email to your my.Cuesta.edu address providing you with a reminder that class will be starting, and log in procedures for Canvas. You can access Canvas by logging into MyCuesta, then clicking on the Resources Tab, then clicking on Canvas in the Online Learning Channel, or by typing https://cuesta.instructure.com/ into your browser address bar. Do not bookmark / favorite the Canvas site after you login, or you will get an error message next time you try to log in. You must access the Canvas log in directly.
If you are not familiar with logging into Canvas, please refer to the Canvas Quick Reference Guide. Links to an external site. Once logged into Canvas you will be directed on where to get started. Be sure to read all the directions on the course home page.
If you are having difficulty logging into Canvas and have exhausted self-help resources for doing so, please email me, or technical support at support@my.cuesta.edu.
Online Learning:
If you have never taken an online class or this is your first experience with Canvas, please be patient with yourself. Online classes are not inherently easier, although they may be much more convenient for many students. You should expect to spend at least as much time, if not more on this course as you would on a course that meets face to face. Since there is no lecture component, much of this time will be self-directed and there will be a substantial amount of reading, viewing, studying, and writing required.
Recommended Skills & Time Commitment:
This class is completely online; all coursework is submitted online. There are no face-to-face meetings. It is not a “correspondence course,” requiring little interaction. It does in fact require considerable time online, reading material, interacting with fellow students, and writing. You will need to log in several times/week so a reliable computer with easy access is mandatory. Please be prepared to spend 8 - 12 hours per week on coursework for this class.
To be successful in this class you will need:
- Solid computer skills (word processing, Cuesta email account, file management, use of different browsers, uploading files/photos)
- Digital camera or cell phone with built in camera
- Ability to be self-directed and motivated
- Ability to seek technical assistance in a timely manner
- Read, write, and think critically
- Time management skills
IS an ONLINE CLASS FOR YOU?
- Go to the Online Readiness ResourcesLinks to an external site. and take the "self assessment." Review all the resources that were designed to help you understand the basis for an online class and the skills necessary for success. (If the tutorials do NOT describe you, then taking this class online is NOT for you and I strongly suggest that you drop the online class and enroll in a traditional classroom section.)
Regular Effective Contact Policy:
Regular and effective instructor contact will be met through weekly instructor initiated threaded discussion forums; weekly announcements to students; timely and effective feedback on student assignments; email, messaging to individuals; and virtual office hours. Phone contact is available in emergency cases. You may contact me at 530-863-7150. This is my full-time work cell number.
Course Description:
Promotes an appreciation for the value of children’s literature in the growth and development of the preschool child through grade three. Emphasizes the selection of suitable materials, storytelling and dramatizing techniques. This course meets the California Department of Social Services requirements for childcare licensing for programs and curriculum and school-age care.
Text Book and Materials:
The Joy of Children’s Literature by Denise Jonson, 2nd Ed.
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, illustrations by Timothy Basil Ering (be sure you have the correct version with this illustrator)
Esperanza Rising, by Pam Munoz Ryan
Technical Support:
Cuesta students are encouraged to direct all technical support inquiries to support@my.cuesta.edu. If you are having issues with Canvas, you should contact the Canvas Support Hotline at (877) 921-7680, or click on the help button on the Canvas Navigation to report a problem.
If you are having difficulty viewing the course or logging in, it may be because you are not using the correct url: https://cuesta.instructure.com/ or you are using your phone or using an unsupported browser.
Your learning environment is best accessed from a desktop or laptop computer, using Firefox or Chrome. This may solve your problem! Please review the browser requirements and minimum computer specifications at: http://www.cuesta.edu/student/aboutacad/distance/faqs_technical.htmlLinks to an external site.Links to an external site.
Accommodations: This course is designed using an accessible Learning Management System, and course materials have been created with ADA compliance in mind. If you have a disability and might need accommodations in this class such as extended time on exams or other resources. Please contact the instructor as soon as possible so that you can receive appropriate accommodations in a timely manner. You should also contact DSPS (Disabled Student Programs & Services) at 805-546-3148 or http://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/dsps/index.htmlLinks to an external site.
Academic Honesty Policy: Plagiarism seems to be more and more of a problem. Copying another student’s work from previous or current semesters is not allowed. Copying and pasting work from the internet is not allowed. You will be dropped from class and your dean notified if you’re caught plagiarizing,
Cuesta’s academic honesty and student conduct policy applies to all students. In addition to my course policy, please note 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. Please review the Cuesta College Student Code of conduct at:
http://www.cuesta.edu/student/documents/admissions_records/code_of_conduct.pdfLinks to an external site.
Add / Drop Policy: Students must log into class and participate within the first day or two, or be dropped. Throughout the semester, it is imperative that students participate in class activities weekly, or risk being dropped. In addition to my policy, please review the Cuesta policy for drops
Waitlist Policy: I am often able to add many of the students on my waitlist. Email me for an add code. Otherwise I will follow Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructions: http://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/admrreg/arpolicies/Waitlist.htmlLinks to an external site.
icons at the top right corner of the subsection.