Getting Started

Note that this course module begins January 22 and ends May 12. It is not housed on Blackboard.

Greetings!  You've just received an email with your first assignment: a brief introduction about yourselves. It is due next Wednesday, January 30, 6 pm EST.  

In the meantime...welcome to Curriculum 316.03.

Step One: Download and review the course syllabus—including all policies, practices and requirements [click here]. It is too easy to simply gloss over a syllabus. In an online course, it is essential that you are aware of both the technical and academic requirements. 

Step Two: Purchase the required course text. There is not a lot of reading in this course module; however, it is from a very specific ideological stance of technology. Data show that those who complete the assigned readings score much higher on the interactivities and final project than those who do not.  You should be able to find the book in the MSU bookstore.

Step Three: Create your own Blog for this course [view tutorial]. This should be done through Blogger. To do this, you'll need to establish a Google Account using a non-MSU email address. (You do NOT need a gmail address to set up a Google Account. You can use one of your non-MSU email addresses). Make sure to set the "Settings">"Permissions" so that "Everybody" can read your blog. Don't forget to write down or bookmark your blog address. It will be http://[yourcustomname].blogspot.com.

Step Four: Everyone needs a professional-looking profile photo and basic information about themselves on their Blogger profile. [click here for advice]. 

Step Five: Email your blog address to me at maggio2@gmail.com (or my MSU email).  I do use my personal email more often and prefer to link to your blog via my home address.  Once I receive your blog address, I will link our course site to your personal blog. This is essential in enabling others to read and respond to your blog posts, as well as engaging in online participation, which is a significant part of your course grade. Make sure your name appears on the Groups page (Groups will be posted by Feb. 6).

Step Six: Register your Engrade account. This is where your scores will be posted. You will receive a separate email generated through Engrade with log-in instructions on how to do this. If you have an existing Engrade account from a previous class, then click here to add this course to your account.  If you have not received a message by this Friday, January 25, check your spam folder.

Step Six: Nervous about completing this online module? I recommend reading excerpts from Leslie Bowman's book, Online Learning. She gives the nuts-and-bolts of doing an online course and also sets forth protocol for online communication. 

You must have the items above completed by February 6 in order to stay on track for the semester. Keep in mind that no late assignments will be accepted in this course. This is non-negotiable. Start early and anticipate technological snafus.

Please let me know your questions and concerns. 

Thanks! Looking forward to a great semester.