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Dist 101 - Intro to Online

Instructor:  Sharon Haupt

Contact information

Email Address: sharon_haupt@cuesta.edu

Office Location/ Hours: Thursdays from 6 – 7 pm (office hours will be via Zoom)

Welcome to the online course for online courses! DIST 101 is a half unit, 3-week course that will introduce you to some of the basic technologies that are used in online courses. This course will not cover every possible aspect that you may encounter in other online courses, but it will leave you with a better sense of whether distance education is right for you, and give you the competencies you need to be technologically successful in other online courses.

Instructor Contact Expectations: 

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 course, 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. 

Office Hours: 

By appointment. I will be available on Thursday evenings from 6 - 7 pm if you would like to meet. Please let me know at least 24 hours in advance if you would like to meet during this time to discuss anything related to class. You can join the office hours by selecting the "Office Hours" link in the navigation on the left in Canvas 

Note: This link will take you out of Canvas to a Zoom room. If Thursdays between 6:00 and 7:00 pm is not a good time for you, let me know and we can arrange another time to meet. You can also e-mail me anytime with any questions you have or issue you are experiencing with the class. Tip: In order to participate in the office hours, you must use a computer or smart device that has a built in or connected microphone. 

Course Environment:

This online course will be using a Web-based Learning Management System 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 class start, Oct. 18, 2021, 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, the learning management system (LMS) used to deliver course content. 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 the Canvas address (https://cuesta.instructure.com/) into your browser address bar. Do not bookmark/favorite the canvas site after your 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 direction on the course home page.  

If you are having difficulty logging into Canvas after October 18, and need assistance please email me or technical support at this email address: support@my.cuesta.edu

Online Learning: 

Since this class is conducted completely online, with no face-to-face meetings, it is your responsibility to check the class web site for announcements, keep track of assignment due dates, and ask any questions you have. Keep in mind that the most common reason students do not do well in an online course is because, they do not develop a plan for successful time management and task completion.

When taking a class online, you must be extremely organized, disciplined, and self-motivated in order to complete an online course successfully. It is a good idea to set aside time each week to complete any readings and assignments. It’s too easy to get behind quickly. One of the main reasons that students do not do well in online classes is because, they do not develop the necessary time management skills needed for completing tasks.

Text Book and Materials:
There is no required textbook for this class.

Computer Requirements:

  • 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.

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  (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)Links to an external site. at 805-546-3148 

College & Course Policies:

Academic Honesty Policy: [Identify your course specific academic honesty policy]. 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 (Links to an external site).

Add / Drop Policy: [Identify your course-specific add/drop policy] In addition to my policy, please review the Cuesta policy for drops

Waitlist Policy: [Identify your course-specific waitlist procedures]. In addition to my course specific procedures, please review Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructions (Links to an external site).

TIPS ON DISTANCE EDUCATION

Distance 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.pdfLinks to an external site.

If you have any further questions prior to the first day of class, please feel free to e-mail Sharon Haupt (sharon_haupt@cuesta.edu).  I am looking forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Sharon Haupt
Instructor, DIST 101
sharon_haupt@cuesta.edu
Phone: 805-546-3190

 

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