Last updated: 1/12/2000
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Taking an Online Course (or at least this one)

An online class is generally meant to be the equivalent of a regular or "In Real Life" (IRL) or "Face to Face" (F2F) class, only using different communication methods. For example, when I want to have the equivalent of a lecture, I will create a web page with that content and post it on the course web site. I will also use this for the equivalent of handouts, such as the syllabus and assignment schedule. You will turn in homework as computer files attached to email messages, and get back your graded assignments by that same method. And for class discussion, we will use web-based computer conferencing.

Without regular class meetings to keep you moving ahead, your own self-motivation and self-discipline are more important. Experience shows that it is easier to put aside an online class when work or family life is calling for more effort from you. Soon, however, you can be afraid of all that email waiting to be read, those computer conferencing messages that have piled up. So don’t let yourself put that class aside - ever! It is very important to do something each week. Just as, for an F2F class, even if you hadn’t done the homework, you would come to class anyway and maybe quietly try to absorb the reading. For an online class, that is especially true for that first, second and third week where you are getting used to the new methods and setting up your habits for the semester.

Right at the start, it is important to make sure

• that you can access the course web site
• that your email is working and can handle attachments
• that you are registered in the course computer conference. Registering in the computer conference is a three-step process
  • First you must use a web browser (Nescape or Internet Explorer) to go to the course URL, web address or web site (http://www.cll.wayne.edu/isp/drbowen/crtvyw00), follow the link to the conference and log in, making up a User Name (say, your first initial and full last name, so dbowen for me, or anything else, really) and a Password for yourself, and then complete the form for new user information
  • The second step is to notify me by email that you have done the initial log-in, and then I will add you to the course computer conference. log URL (or web address)
  • The third step is to log in again, and check that you can see the course computer conference, read and respond to messages, and make your own postings.

So beyond those initial steps, what should you do on a regular (say, weekly or twice-per-week) basis?

• Clearly you should check your email regularly, if you do not already do so. Since I cannot count on seeing you in class, I rely on telephone, email, the course web site and/or the computer conference to let you know of any problems. You should make sure that I always have your current email address and telephone numbers. At the start, there is an online course information form, after filling that out initially, keep me up to date via email.
• In a regular class, the initial handouts are usually supplemented throughout the term. Similarly with an online course, so check the course web site regularly. Another reason for doing this is that web pages containing lecture-type material will be added throughout the semester. You are expected to read all of the material on the course web site, in addition to the assigned readings in the textbooks. I put the material there either to describe assignments and due dates, or to supplement or describe material in the textbooks.
• I will announce all updates to the course web site on the course computer conference. So, obviously you should check the computer conference regularly, because that will tell you where on the course web site to look for changes. I will also be posting questions about the readings, and you are expected to contribute to answering all of these questions. And then there is the more general discussion that will be going on with the other students. You are expected to have read all of the material on the course computer conference also, and to use it in the assignments where it is appropriate. Many of the assignments will be essays based on the readings, and the computer conference is a good place to check out ideas for essays.
• The final thing that I will look for, once a week, is a report from you on your progress in the course. There will be a course report form on the course web site. We all have crises that come and go, and some weeks you may have to do less on the course. However, there is no acceptable excuse for missing a weekly course report! Just because a course is on line does not mean that you are out there on your own, alone. An online course is not meant to be self-study. Just as I would do F2F, I will be there with you, trying to judge whether or not you are "getting it", trying to judge whether you might need some mid-course correction, or some encouragement, or some challenge. Without seeing you regularly, the course reports are my way of monitoring how you are doing. So they are not primarily for you, they are for me, and I want everything that is mine! The course reports will be part of your grade. I will not grade the content, and I hope that you will feel safe in being honest, but I will grade the number and regularity of course reports.

In any course, the central document that outlines the basic topics, schedule, assignments and standards -- the "contract" -- is the syllabus. Here, the syllabus is supplemented by a more detailed assignment schedule. After the course starts on January 12, I will only change these if there are serious problems that make them impossible to follow (once, I scheduled an exam during Spring Break). Other documents are more subject to change and revision. Bear in mind that I am still learning a lot, both about Creativity and about online courses. Therefore, beware of relying on copies of the course documents that you print out, especially at the beginning of the semester, and certainly if you printed them out before January 12. Why do you think most of the course documents have the date they were last revised? I will announce all revisions and additions on the course computer conference.