In an online course you work on assignments at home (or wherever you have access to a computer with an Internet connection). Instead of listening to lectures or participating in class discussions face-to-face, you will view most of the course content online. Discussions with the teacher and class members will occur on the discussion forum and through e-mail.

Blackboard - an online course management system - is used for announcements, discussions, submitting assignments, quizzes, e-mail, and checking grades. You will be responsible for reading the textbook and other assigned readings, as well as completing all class learning activities. You must be an independent learner to succeed in this class. However, help is always available by phone, the Blackboard discussion forum, e-mail, or in person with the instructor (by appointment).

Each week you will have a number of assignments to complete. Please refer to the schedule regularly. Click on the 'Assignments' button in your Blackboard classroom for instructions, resources, and due dates.

That's right! You can set your own 'class' hours.

Access to a computer connected to the Internet.Textbook (see syllabus).You must be an independent learner, able to work without face-to-face contact with the instructor and your fellow students.Ability to use Microsoft Word (word processing program).Some experience with the Internet and Windows (Can you troubleshoot problems? Could you e-mail me a URL - a web address - or a file?)Good reading and writing skillsTime! You will need to schedule 4-5 hours a week (for 8 weeks) to work on this course.

• Throughout the course, you will be using Blackboard to get your work done. Plan to check Blackboard several times a week.
• Occasionally I will try to contact you by email or phone. You will need to e-mail me your contact information as part of the online orientation. Please let me know if your email address or phone number changes.
• Assignments with due dates are posted on the course website under 'schedule.' You may also click on the 'Assignments' button once you have logged into Blackboard.
• You will submit all of your assignments through the upload feature in your Blackboard account. To submit an assignment, click on the 'Assignments' button. Then click on the correct week, and you will find links to all of your assignments. After your complete an assignment, you will see a set of instructions for how to upload your work. You can expect a grade on Blackboard within a week of the due date (this is confidential). Note: you must work through your learning activities, assignments, and quizzes in the order they are presented.
• Quizzes will be offered on Blackboard, and you will have a week to complete them. Once you have logged in to Blackboard, click on the 'Assignments' button. Then click on the correct week. You will find quizzes listed with your other assignments. Most of the time you will get immediate feedback after taking a quiz. Your score should be posted as soon as you submit it.
• Quizzes may be repeated once if you aren't satisfied with your results (the final exam cannot be repeated). Note: you must work through your learning activities, assignments, and quizzes in the order they are presented.
• You will be responsible for a weekly assignment on the discussion forum. To view this assignment, click on the 'Assignments' button. Then click on the correct week.
• Post most questions and comments on the Blackboard discussion forum. If you ask me a question, you should get an response by the next business day. You can always e-mail me or a fellow student if your question is urgent or personal. If you do e-mail me, please put LIR 110 in the subject heading, as I get a lot of spam and will be less likely to delete your message accidentally. You may also make an appointment to meet with me in person. See the instructor website for contact information.

• Keep up with the class. The biggest problem online students face is they gradually fall behind.
• Schedule at least 4-5 hours a week to focus on the class.
• Schedule an appointment to meet with the instructor in person if necessary.
• Log in to the class several times a week.
• Have a back-up plan in case your computer crashes.