GNST 4910 - Introduction to Online Learning

Instructor: Minta Winsor
Instructor Website http://online.chabotcollege.edu/mwinsor/
Email Instructor mwinsor@chabotcollege.edu
Instructor phone: 510-723-6620

Course Description

Prepare yourself for your first online class! You can determine if online learning is right for you in our Introduction to Online Learning course (GNST-4910).

This 3-week course will teach you the basics you need to know to maneuver around Blackboard with confidence. Among many other things, you will learn time management skills, how to get help in online classes, and strategies for success as an online student, including time management, study skills, and netiquette. This class is recommended if you're curious about online classes, if you're considering an online class in the future, or if you've signed up for your first online class and want to be sure you have mastered the Blackboard system and have a good plan to succeed in your first online class! Try it, and see if you like it! Offered online so you can experience online learning 3 times this fall to fit your busy schedule.

Check the college catalog for CSU/UC transferability and to see if this course meets AA/AS degree requirements.

Click here to see all upcoming Intro to Online Learning courses for Fall 09

Optional On-Campus Orientations

There are no required on-campus meetings for this class. You can attend an OPTIONAL, on-campus Orientation to Online Learning that provides Blackboard log in instructions and help, an overview of the Blackboard course management system, and tips on netiquette, time management, and study skills for the online student. 

Click here to see all upcoming On Campus Online Learning Orientations

Learn more about these orientations, which are NOT course-specific.

How This Class Operates

This is not a self-paced class; there are due dates throughout the semester that you are expected to meet, just like in a traditional, face-to-face class.

This is an online course with no on-campus meetings. This is a half-unit course that is only three weeks in length, so coursework must be completed by weekly due dates. Students can be expected to spend 2-3 hours per week on the course which will include logging into Blackboard several times per week. For general information on online courses and instructions how to login, go to http://www.chabotcollege.edu/online. To begin this online course (in Fall 09) go to http://clpccd.blackboard and login. For questions, you can find instructor contact information at http://online.chabotcollege.edu/mwinsor/.

Textbook Information

There is no textbook required for this course.

How Students are Graded

Grading information will be available to registered students within the syllabus.

Succeeding in an Online Course

Students who succeed in online courses tend to be independent, self-motivated learners with good computer skills. If you are a procrastinator who relies heavily on the instructor for motivation, or can't use a computer too well, you should probably consider enrolling in a face-to-face course instead. 

Don't enroll in this class if you believe the myth that learning online requires less effort than learning face-to-face. This course covers the same content and has similar activities as the face-to-face version of the course; only the method of delivery changes.

Blackboard

This course will use the Blackboard course management system as its virtual classroom. To learn how to log in to Blackboard, go to the How to Begin an Online Course page. Once you enroll, you will not be able to log in until the first day of class.  Students are expected to become familiar with the use and operation of Blackboard functions and are encouraged to attend an orientation session provided by the Distance Education program at Chabot College. In addition, the professor provides a general unit on "How to Navigate in Blackboard" for students to understand how to use the major features the professor employs.

Register for this course