Ed 214 home Syllabus Schedule How Online Works Resources-Links Campus Support

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I.  Introduction and Orientation Quiz:

This is the week to orient you to this online course and get set up.  First, I want you to introduce yourself on the Discussion Board (Db).  Click on "Discussion Board" on the course menu to the left.  Click on the "Wk 1 Introduction/Orientation" and read my introduction and then create your introduction.  Be sure to respond to at least one other student. 

Next, I want you to navigate through the course and then take the orientation quiz located under "Assignments" and under "Week 1" folder.  Press every button on the course menu to see where it takes you.  Read the Syllabus, Schedule, and How Online Works before taking the orientation quiz.  You can take the quiz multiple times for your best score.  This quiz will include questions about the syllabus and how this online class works.  While you work through this orientation, jot down any questions you have and post them to our course Discussion Board (Db).  There is a link on "Questions and Answers" on the Discussion Board (Db) if you need help from your peers.  I'm counting on all of you to help your classmates with any questions and answers we have about this course.  Make sure you can answer these questions:

1. How much time should I schedule for this class?
2. What software do I need (including version numbers)?
3. What textbooks do I need?
4. How will I be graded?
5. How often will I need to check Blackboard (Bb)?
6. Where do I find assignment instructions and due dates?

II.  Ordering your Blackboard (Bb) or Course Container

What is Blackboard (Bb)?
Blackboard is a managed and password-protected learning environment which is accessed via the Web. It is a comprehensive and integrated package which includes the following features:

• course development and management tools
• content management tools 
• communication and collaboration tools 
• assessment tools
• personal information tools

GCCCD is using Blackboard (Bb) course containers to teach online.  However, you do not need to use Blackboard to teach online.  The choice of a Course Management System (CMS) is your choice.  Using a CMS such as Blackboard can greatly simplify your work process.  All GCCCD courses now have section containers for every course offered on campus whether the instructor uses the container or not.  If you are new to Blackboard, you will want to order a developmental container that can later be moved to a section container for a course you are teaching or will be teaching.  If you already have a Blackboard container, you can use that container for this course.  If you use another CMS and want to continue doing so, this is fine.  You will just need to give me access to view your work in your container.  If you are not a GCCCD employee, you will need to email me and tell me what container you are needing or let me know that you need a courtesy container.  This week, I want you to order your Blackboard (Bb) container or a container of your choosing to use for this class.  I am not expecting you to create your whole online course during our class, but to experiment with the features with sample content for the assignments due for this class. Then you will be in a better position to consider how you want to structure your online course after you have completed Ed 214.  If you are a GCCCD employee, I recommend you enroll in "Teaching with Blackboard" concurrently while in this class.  It is free and self-paced. 

Enroll in Teaching with Blackboard. (I recommend you do this whatever your skill level is with Bb as you can review and use sections of this course as needed OR you can complete the entire course for a certificate and possible FLEX credit).

How to Order your a Blackboard container? 

• The one most important place you need to familiarize yourself with is this website:  www.cuyamaca.edu/tlc. 

• Click on Faculty Resources to get started with Blackboard and to order your Blackboard Container.

• Directions to order your Blackboard Container

• If you are new to Blackboard, you will want to make sure you import the Blackboard Template.  If you are already teaching with Blackboard, you may want to import many of the valuable features this template offers (Help Desk, Online Resources and more).  If you are currently teaching at GCCCD, you have a Blackboard container assigned to for every course.  You can import this template into your section container for your course.  Directions on Importing the Blackboard Template (Developmental Container).
   

• Email me if you are not an employee of GCCCD so I can create a container for you or email me if  you would like to use a container of your choosing (a different college, etc.).  Don't worry if this takes a week as you won't need to work on your containers until week four.

• Also, make sure you book mark the Resources-Links page which will help you with course development and online teaching resources (manuals, tutorials, and more)

III.  Personality, Learning Styles, and Multiple Intelligences

• Understanding your personality, learning style, and multiple intelligence strengths will help you become a better teacher and online teacher.  It will also help you understand your students learning styles.  This is important in online learning and teaching because you will be able to engage a wide-range of students and you will have a better understanding of who you and whether or not online teaching is for you.
• Online career and Personality Assessment Resources:
  Discover who you are, your interests and values.  Cuyamaca College offers two assessments;
  1.  Do What You Are (DWYA) (personality assessment -WE WILL DO THIS ONE located in Week 1 folder)
  2.  CHOICES (understanding your interests, values and career search)
  These are offered in the career center at Cuyamaca College.  In addition, here are some important guidelines and FREE ONLINE ASSESSMENTS:
  
  Guidelines on Taking Career and Personality Assessments - Any personality questionnaire is a rough indicator of your type. Use these assessments, along with other data you are collecting to discover who you are and to formulate an accurate picture. **Seek advice from a counselor**
  Jung's Typology - 72 questions based on the Meyer's Brigg to learn about your personality type
  Personality Type Cans - very entertaining and lots on information on types designed by high school and college students
  The Personality Page - learn more about your type based on the Meyer's Briggs
  Personality Page II - continue learning about your personality type
  Keirsey Temperament Sorter II
  Learning Style Quiz  (paper copy in PDF)
  Multiple Intelligence Assessment
  Multiple Intelligence Assessment (paper copy in PDF)
  Multiple Intelligence Assessment Results (paper copy in PDF)

Directions for taking the DWYA assessment is located in the folder for this Week 1.