COT 0850 - COT Orientation Course

COT 0850
Preparing for the Online COT Experience
6 Clock Hours

Course Information


Course Description:	This course is designed to prepare you for learning online so that you are successful in completing your technical certificates and preparing you for employment in the technical workforce. Students will acquire knowledge and skills in using WebCT (the official authoring tool for managing your classes for your RODP-COT classes), enhancing your learning style online, managing your time online, safety and security online, research, and netiquette. In addition, you will study the best practices for success in college and learning on line by using technology smartly, succeeding in workplace situations skillfully, using interpersonal communications respectfully, and developing self-management practices expertly.
Course Objectives:	Upon completion of this course, the student will have the skills to be able to: 1. Use WebCT to navigate and organize their class activities, assignments, and quizzes 2. Understand time management, commitments, and goals 3. Identify "learning and thinking styles" in self and others 4. Build comprehension and listening practices online 5. Take effective notes using WebCT 6. Expand memory, study and online test-taking skills 7. Use Internet resources to reinforce learning (surfing / researching) 8. Prepare for assignments in courses 9. Solve problems with critical thinking and ethics 10. Address safety and security issues using the Internet 11. Mediate for self and others using Netiquette 12. Mindful of the safety and security of the Internet and Technology 13. How to prepare and arrange for a "protector test "
Prerequisites and Co-requisites:	This course is required for first time COT Online Students pursing one of the technical certificates offered by the Tennessee Technology Centers.
Course Topics:	Students will draw on the best thinking regarding the following (which will be organized into six modules of one clock hour): Explaining online learning & Assessing online readiness An online course in a nutshell: Using online course materials and processes Technology requirements for an online course How online courses work Tips for online success (How to stay on track without a structured classroom & Getting help when it is needed) How to communicate with the instructor and fellow students Frequently asked questions Maximizing online resources for career development (IE. American Job Bank) Assessing your learning style Identifying your problem solving style and personality Using Internet resources Setting goals and projecting progress Note taking and test taking skills Memory enhancement Prioritizing time and tasks Managing stress Incorporating values, ethics and civility into actions Resolving conflicts effectively online Gaining netiquette Team work: Using critical and creative thinking for decision making Effective communication and listening skills including giving constructive feedback
Specific Course Requirements:	Access to a computer connected to the Internet and a desire to learn!
Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements
Required Textbooks:	No textbook is required for this class. Students will use the resources from the Internet for information and materials.
Hardware Requirements:	Go to www.rodp.org/faqs/equipment.htm for this information
Software Requirements:	Go to www.rodp.org/faqs/equipment.htm for this information
Assessment and Grading
Testing Procedures:	All work for this course will be done online. Online work for this course includes lessons, quizzes, discussion board questions, emails and emails with attachments
Grading Procedure:
Grading Scale:	A = 90-100 points earned B = 80-89 points earned C = 70-79 points earned D = 60-69 points earned F = less than 60 points earned (We hope that this will not happen! However, you are to meet with the instructor to discuss your performance.) The grading scale emphasizes assignments, projects, and student participation in the learning community as well as timed quizzes and one exit examination.
Assignments and Participation
Assignments and Projects:	Students will be required to beta-test websites, complete various online surveys and assessments, outline search skills using the Internet, access the virtual library, find online student support, develop an online self-profile and time management schedule.
Class Participation:	Class Participation: Students must participate in all interactive aspects of the course design. Students must communicate with other students on the discussion board, students are expected to communicate with the instructor as a learning resource, students must check the course bulletin board and calendar frequently for announcements, and students must actively participate in threaded discussion events.
Course Ground Rules
	Participation is required every day of the week for this one week (six hours) course. Students are expected to communicate with the instructor, other students, learn how to navigate in WebCT, keep abreast of course announcements, and use the assigned college or university e-mail address as opposed a personal e-mail address. Participants are expected to address technical problems locally. All students will observe course netiquette at all times--- no exceptions. Zero tolerance will be enforced regarding offensive language and behavior.
Guidelines for Communications
Email:	Participants will follow these standards without exception in all communications: Always include a subject line. Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of "emoticons" (IE. :) is the smiley face) might be helpful in some cases. Use standard fonts in 12 point size. Do not send large attachments unless assigned by the instructor. Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication. Respect the privacy of other class members.
Discussion Groups:	Follow these standards: Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant. Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic. Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other's ideas. If you cannot think of a way to diplomatically say what you want to communicate, do not say anything at all. Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks. Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks. Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
Web Resources:	Do you need some help online? Try these sites: http://www.pbs.org/uti/begin.html There is also support for you at www.rodp.org/help.htm
Library
	The Tennessee Board of Regents Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in the Regents Degree Program. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading must be included in all courses.
Students With Disabilities
	Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.
Syllabus Changes
	The instructor reserves the right to make changes in the syllabus if necessary due to time constraints or other unforeseen events. If this is necessary, members of the class will be notified as soon as possible BY E-MAIL and posted on the BULLETIN BOARD.
[Back to Regents Online Degrees Home]

This site maintained by Webmaster
e-mail Questions regarding the website content to RODP Administration
Copyright © 2001Tennessee Board of Regents
This page last update May 12, 2002

Course Description:

This course is designed to prepare you for learning online so that you are successful in completing your technical certificates and preparing you for employment in the technical workforce.

Students will acquire knowledge and skills in using WebCT (the official authoring tool for managing your classes for your RODP-COT classes), enhancing your learning style online, managing your time online, safety and security online, research, and netiquette. In addition, you will study the best practices for success in college and learning on line by using technology smartly, succeeding in workplace situations skillfully, using interpersonal communications respectfully, and developing self-management practices expertly.

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student will have the skills to be able to:

1. Use WebCT to navigate and organize their class activities, assignments, and quizzes

2. Understand time management, commitments, and goals

3. Identify "learning and thinking styles" in self and others

4. Build comprehension and listening practices online

5. Take effective notes using WebCT

6. Expand memory, study and online test-taking skills

7. Use Internet resources to reinforce learning (surfing / researching)

8. Prepare for assignments in courses

9. Solve problems with critical thinking and ethics

10. Discuss diversity and civility using the insight of a team worker and leader

11. Mediate for self and others using Netiquette

12. Mindful of the safety and security of the Internet and Technology

Prerequisites and Co-requisites:

This course is for first time COT Online Students pursing one of the technical certificates offered by the Tennessee Technology Centers.

Course Topics:

Students will draw on the best thinking about how to:

Explaining online learning & Assessing online readiness
An online course in a nutshell: Using online course materials and processes
Technology requirements for an online course
How online courses work
Tips for online success (How to stay on track without a structured classroom & Getting help when it is needed)
How to communicate with the instructor and fellow students
Frequently asked questions
Maximizing online resources for career development (IE. American Job Bank)
Assessing your learning style
Identifying your problem solving style and personality
Using Internet resources
Setting goals and projecting progress
Note taking and test taking skills
Memory enhancement
Prioritizing time and tasks
Managing stress
Incorporating values, ethics and civility into actions
Resolving conflicts effectively
Gaining netiquette
Team work: Using critical and creative thinking for decision making
Effective communication and listening skills including giving constructive feedback
Working with diversity

Specific Course Requirements:

Access to a computer connected to the Internet and a desire to learn!

Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements

Required Textbooks:

No textbook is required for this class. Students will use the resources of the Internet for information and materials.

Hardware Requirements:

Go to www.rodp.org/faqs/equipment.htm for this information

Software Requirements:

Go to www.rodp.org/faqs/equipment.htm for this information

Assessment and Grading

Testing Procedures:

All work for this course will be done online. Online work for this course includes lessons, quizzes, discussion board questions, emails and emails with attachments

Grading Procedure:

Grading Scale:

A = 900-1000 points earned

B = 800-899 points earned

C = 700-799 points earned

D = 600-699 points earned

F = less than 600 points earned (We hope that won't happen!)

The grading scale emphasizes assignments, projects, and student participation in the learning community as well as timed quizzes and periodic examinations.

Assignments and Participation

Assignments and Projects:

Students will be required to beta-test websites, complete various online surveys and assessments, and complete a profession online portfolio that will include assignments and information collected from the Internet.

Class Participation:

Class Participation:
Students must participate in all interactive aspects of the course design. Students must communicate with other students on the discussion board, students are expected to communicate with the instructor as a
learning resource, students must check the course bulletin board and calendar frequently for announcements, and students must actively participate in threaded discussion events.

Course Ground Rules

Participation is required at least two times a week. Participants are expected to communicate with other students, learn how to navigate in WebCT, keep abreast of course announcements, and use the assigned college or university e-mail address as opposed a personal e-mail address. Participants are expected to address technical problems locally. All people will observe course netiquette at all times--- no exceptions. Zero tolerance exists for failing to use netiquette.
Guidelines for Communications

Guidelines for Communications

Email:

Participants will follow these standards without exception in all communications:

Always include a subject line.

Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of "emoticons" (IE. :) is the smiley face) might be helpful in some cases.

Use standard fonts in 12 point size.

Do not send large attachments without permission.

Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.

Respect the privacy of other class members.

Discussion Groups:

Follow these standards:

Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant.

Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.

Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other's ideas. If you cannot think of a way to diplomatically say what you want to communicate, do not say anything at all.

Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.

Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.

Be positive and constructive in group discussions.

Web Resources:

Do you need some help online? Try these sites:
http://www.pbs.org/uti/begin.html
There is also support for you at www.rodp.org/help.htm

Library

The Tennessee Board of Regents Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in the Regents Degree Program. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading must be included in all courses.

Students With Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the right to make changes in the syllabus if necessary due to time constraints or other unforeseen events. If this is necessary, members of the class will be notified as soon as possible BY E-MAIL and posted on the BULLETIN BOARD.

[Back to Regents Online Degrees Home]

This site maintained by Webmaster
e-mail Questions regarding the website content to RODP Administration
Copyright © 2001Tennessee Board of Regents
This page last update May 12, 2002