Lots of learning awaits!

Aloha--

By now you should have received my welcome letter and a copy of the syllabus. Please read both thoroughly. When you access the site next Monday, January 14, please click first on the "Welcome - read me first" icon. After that, open up Unit 1 and start by watching the Unit 1 video. Complete the unit by 9 am Monday, January 21.

As I say in my opening video to Unit 1, do not be dismayed by the number of icons in the unit. They have been designed as "learning objects" - small building blocks that combine for the overall educational goal of each unit. Each one will take you between 2 to 20 minutes. As we have no text for this course, these learning objects form the basis for your core knowledge, and the discussion boards form the class discussion and exchange of ideas.

--Prof. J

Getting ready for online

Aloha--

Sometimes students think that an online course is an easier version of the traditional face-to-face course. It is not; it's just offered in a different format. In general, a successful distance learner is someone who:

• wants or needs a flexible school schedule.
• knows how to study independently.
• is goal oriented and self directed.
• has college level reading and writing skills.
• establishes a regular viewing/log on schedule.
• sets aside a specific time on a routine basis for studying.
• contacts the professor promptly with questions about any aspect of the course.

I will do my best to provide a comprehensive and interesting course, but I cannot turn on the computer for you and make you sit down and access the course. That part is up to you. If you think that scheduling a regular time to visit our class website and do the assignments may be a problem for you, I suggest you make friends with one or more classmates in our "Class Cafe" discussion board to encourage each other to get online at the same time. You can even chat live in one of our class chat rooms.

Here's wishing you this best this semester!

--Prof. J