Welcome Letter: Sierra Field Studies 71501: Laurie McConnico

Welcome Letter

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Sierra Field Studies, Bio 209S/ CRN 71501

Instructor: Dr. Laurie McConnico

Contact information

Email Address: Laurie_mcconnico@cuesta.edu

Phone Number: N/A

Office Location/ Hours: Office hours are by appt, please just send an email to schedule a meeting. I have 5 hrs of office hours every week.

Instructor Contact Expectations:

The best and fastest way to contact me is using the canvas inbox. I will generally respond to your messages 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 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 Wednesday class start on 9/23/20, 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 8/17/20 and need assistance please email me or technical support at this email address: 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. This course is completely online using Canvas; all coursework (discussions, assignments, quizzes) is submitted online. THIS ENTIRE COURSE WILL BE TAUGHT ONLINE.

IS an ONLINE CLASS FOR YOU?

First, go to the Online Readiness ResourcesLinks to an external site. to take a "self-assessment”. There are many 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 DAILY instructor initiated threaded discussion forums; DAILY announcements to students; timely and effective feedback on student assignments; email, phone or messaging to individuals; and virtual office hours.

Students should check their campus/canvas email daily to avoid missing key information and announcements.

Students should login DAILY and at specific times on Sept 23-26^th. We will be meeting virtually to explore the Sierra Nevada, but in real time using zoom. There will NOT BE a camping trip due to COVID-19. Please email instructor with concerns.

Course Description

Sierra Field Studies 209S

Studies Sierra ecosystems with emphasis on riparian and meadow habitats, Alpine and coniferous forest ecology and grandeur. Practices field study observations and techniques. Camping, food, and other expenses will be the responsibility of students.

Student Learning Outcomes

Identify, describe and discuss major communities and ecosystems of the Central Sierra Nevada Range, including associated plants, animals, geology and human impacts.
Set up and demonstrate the proper format for a standardized field notebook.

Text Book and Materials

There is no required text.
Supplemental Materials necessary for the class:
- Technology tools outside the LMS:
Web camera will be helpful & microphone on your computer
Computer with a stable internet connection
ConferZoom
Adobe readerLinks to an external site.
Microsoft Office for Free (including word and powerpoint)Links to an external site.

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 specificationsLinks 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: 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 conductLinks to an external site..

Add / Drop Policy: The last day to add or drop this course without a “W” Sep 23^rd, the last day to drop this course with a “W” is Sep 24^th. All students are responsible for dropping themselves if they do not plan to complete the course. Failure to drop yourself may result in being issued a grade at the end of the term. In addition to my policy, please review the Cuesta policy for drops.

Waitlist Policy: Please review Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructionsLinks to an external site..

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[{:section_type=>"rich_text", :content=>"<h2>Sierra Field Studies, Bio 209S/ CRN 71501</h2>\nInstructor: Dr. Laurie McConnico\n<h2>Contact information</h2>\nEmail Address:  Laurie_mcconnico@cuesta.edu\nPhone Number: N/A\nOffice Location/ Hours: Office hours are by appt, please just send an email to schedule a meeting.  I have 5 hrs of office hours every week.\nInstructor Contact Expectations: \nThe best and fastest way to contact me is using the canvas inbox.  I will generally respond to your messages 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. \nCourse Environment:\nThis 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.\nClass opens / Accessing Canvas:\nPrior to the Wednesday class start on 9/23/20, 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 (<a href=\"https://cuesta.instructure.com/\">https://cuesta.instructure.com/</a>) 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.\nIf you are not familiar with logging into canvas, please refer to the <a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.cuesta.edu/academics/documents/distance-docs/Canvas_Quick_Reference_Students.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Canvas Quick Reference Guide.Links to an external site.</a> 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.  \nIf you are having difficulty logging into Canvas after 8/17/20 and need assistance please email me or technical support at this email address: <a href=\"mailto:support@my.cuesta.edu\">support@my.cuesta.edu</a>. \nOnline Learning:  \nIf 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. This course is completely online using Canvas; all coursework (discussions, assignments, quizzes) is submitted online. THIS ENTIRE COURSE WILL BE TAUGHT ONLINE. \nIS an ONLINE CLASS FOR YOU? \n<ul>\n<li>First, go to the <a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.cuesta.edu/academics/distance/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Online Readiness ResourcesLinks to an external site.</a> to take a \"self-assessment”. There are many 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.)</li>\n</ul>\n<h2>Regular Effective Contact policy:</h2>\nRegular and Effective Instructor Contact will be met through DAILY instructor initiated threaded discussion forums; DAILY announcements to students; timely and effective feedback on student assignments; email, phone or messaging to individuals; and virtual office hours.\nStudents should check their campus/canvas email daily to avoid missing key information and announcements.\nStudents should login DAILY and at specific times on Sept 23-26th. We will be meeting virtually to explore the Sierra Nevada, but in real time using zoom. There will NOT BE a camping trip due to COVID-19. Please email instructor with concerns.\n<h2>Course Description</h2>\nSierra Field Studies 209S\nStudies Sierra ecosystems with emphasis on riparian and meadow habitats, Alpine and coniferous forest ecology and grandeur. Practices field study observations and techniques. Camping, food, and other expenses will be the responsibility of students.\n<h2>Student Learning Outcomes</h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Identify, describe and discuss major communities and ecosystems of the Central Sierra Nevada Range, including associated plants, animals, geology and human impacts.</li>\n<li>Set up and demonstrate the proper format for a standardized field notebook.</li>\n</ol>\n<h2>Text Book and Materials</h2>\n<ul>\n<li>There is no required text.</li>\n<li>Supplemental Materials necessary for the class:\n<ul>\n<li>Technology tools outside the LMS:</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>Web camera will be helpful &amp; microphone on your computer </li>\n<li>Computer with a stable internet connection</li>\n<li>ConferZoom</li>\n<li><a class=\"external\" href=\"https://get.adobe.com/reader/\" target=\"_blank\">Adobe readerLinks to an external site.</a></li>\n<li><a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/office\" target=\"_blank\">Microsoft Office for Free (including word and powerpoint)Links to an external site.</a></li>\n</ul>\n<h2>Technical Support</h2>\nCuesta students are encouraged to direct all technical support inquiries to  <a href=\"mailto:support@my.cuesta.edu\">support@my.cuesta.edu</a>. 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.\nIf 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.\n \nYour learning environment is best accessed from a desktop or laptop computer, using Firefox or Chrome.  This may solve your problem!  Please review the <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://www.cuesta.edu/student/aboutacad/distance/faqs_technical.html\" target=\"_blank\">browser requirements and minimum computer specificationsLinks to an external site.</a>.\n                                                                                                                                                                      \n<h2>Accommodations:</h2>\nThis 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 <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/dsps/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">DSPS (Disabled Student Programs &amp; Services)Links to an external site.</a> at 805-546-3148.\n<h2>College &amp; Course Policies:</h2>\nAcademic 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 <a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.cuesta.edu/about/documents/vpss-docs/StudentConducttrifold-brochure_2017.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Cuesta College Student Code of conductLinks to an external site.</a>.\nAdd / Drop Policy: The last day to add or drop this course without a “W” Sep 23rd, the last day to drop this course with a “W” is Sep 24th.  All students are responsible for dropping themselves if they do not plan to complete the course. Failure to drop yourself may result in being issued a grade at the end of the term. In addition to my policy, please review the Cuesta policy for drops.\n<ul>\n<li><a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/admrreg/arpolicies/addcourse.html\" target=\"_blank\">Add PolicyLinks to an external site.</a></li>\n<li><a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/admrreg/arpolicies/dropcourse.html\" target=\"_blank\">Drop PolicyLinks to an external site.</a></li>\n</ul>\n \nWaitlist Policy: Please review <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/admrreg/arpolicies/Waitlist.html\" target=\"_blank\">Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructionsLinks to an external site.</a>.  "}]

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