Course Syllabus

Course Syllabus

College Skills 334: How to Take an Online Class
Summer 2023 section # 8421
June 12, 2023 - July 1, 2023

Instructor: Ellen Shick          eshick@santarosa.edu

Office Hours: Response to student e-mail/message board within 24-hours M-F.

Class Times: 
Class is 100% online. There are no regularly scheduled meeting times and all work is self-paced. Students will be responsible for completing assignments by the due dates.

Course Description:
Introduces the basic knowledge and skills needed to take an online class. Course includes computer operations and terminology, online class components, email applications, time management, and ways to communicate online with students and instructors.
For students who would like to take courses through the Internet but are not confident with all the processes.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
Describe, access, and use web-based applications, materials, navigation procedures, and tools involved in online and hybrid college classes.

Objectives:
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • Connect to the Internet and access various avenues leading to online materials.
  • Identify hardware and software necessary for managing online course work.
  • Navigate between different areas of the learning management system (LMS).
  • Open and use email applications appropriate for class.
  • Word process documents and create folders for assignments.
  • Upload and download documents from the Internet.
  • Use online schedules, gradebooks, and other tools to track deadlines, manage assignments, and determine grades.
  • Utilize discussion forums to participate in online class discussions.

To help students successfully complete a college online class, CSKLS 334 will provide:

  • an understanding of online requirements through interactive exercises and quizzes 
  • practice with the skills required to participate in online classes using the courseware package at SRJC.

Assignments:

  • Writing assignments in embedded exercises
  • Written responses to weekly instructor-provided prompts via discussions page
  • Written responses to student entries via discussions page
  • Interactive online activities such as search engine requests, chat settings, etc.
  • Reading from 10-15 content areas
  • Quizzes (one per content area) requiring navigation through online course components
  • Writing and uploading document(s) summarizing concepts and skills learned in the class

Hardware and Software

Before taking this .5 unit class, students should have:

  • a computer or reliable daily access to one
  • an email account
  • basic knowledge of concepts and skills required to use the Internet

As a starting point, this class assumes you can provide the above. If not, it is recommended that you take the appropriate introductory computer class(es).

Students should have access to a reliable computer equipped with a sturdy word processor, and, of course, the Internet, internet browser, and software as needed to view web-pages (Adobe Reader, Quick-Time, and Flash).

Textbook
No textbook is assigned for this course. Online activities will be provided electronically. Students will access all materials via learning management software (CANVAS). Printing of handouts is optional, but work must be submitted to your instructor electronically via CANVAS.

Grading:
The assignments for this class fall into two general categories and comprise these percentages (approximately) of your grade. Please see CANVAS grade book for exact point distribution.

Content Area Quizzes   80%

Discussion and Assignments 20%

Course Administration, Technology, Grading and Deadlines:
Each academic week begins on Monday at 12:01 am and closes on the following Monday at 11:59 pm. All work for the preceding week must be submitted prior to each Monday 11:59 pm deadline or be considered late. Late work is accepted, but graded with the following week's submissions.

Feedback is provided to students in the form of scores quizzes and exercises and general participation in discussion boards. Please be clear that while the instructor may not participate in every discussion, all postings are being read.  This instructor believes that the discussion board is a place for students to freely discuss material and learn the critical skill of effective communication, analysis, and critique. If instructor presence is required to moderate, it will be there!

Drop Policy:
It is the responsibility of each student to notify admissions and withdraw if they desire to be removed from the class.  Failure to do this may result in an F or NC grade. 

Important Dates

  • Last Day to Drop and be eligible for enrollment/course fee refund: Tuesday, June 13, 2023..
  • Last Day to Drop without a 'W' symbol: Thursday, June 13, 2023.
  • Last Day to Drop with a 'W' symbol: Monday, June 26, 2023.

Special Accommodations:

If you need disability related accommodations for this class, such as a note taker, test taking services, special furniture, use of service animal, etc., please provide the Authorization for Academic Accommodations (AAA letter) from the Disability Resources Department (DRD) to me as soon as possible. To learn about disability related accommodations, please contact DRD, which is located in Bertolini Hall on the Santa Rosa campus, and Petaluma Village on the Petaluma Campus. Please click here for up-to date information on Disability Resources Department.