Introduction to Online Learning

Syllabus

Coachs Information
Name: Shannon Foster Email: fostersds1@gmail.com (preferred) Skype: fostersds1 Twitter: www.twitter.com/fostersds1 Phone: (406) 423-5487 (for emergency only) No phone calls will be answered after 8:30 pm. Office Hours: By virtual appointment or during the scheduled in class period.

Course Format
This course is a nine-week, blended middle and high school course based on one quarter. The course is divided into three sections. Section 1 encompasses modules 1 and 2, section 2 encompasses module 3, and section 3 encompasses modules 4 and 5. During each section, students need access to personal devices (tablet or laptop, no phones) both in and out of class. Section one, Modules 1 and 2, Week one through three: Most homework assignments done online. Section two, Module 3, Weeks four through six: 50% in class activities 50% out of class activities 100% homework done online Section three, Modules 4 and 5, Weeks seven through nine: 100% of class activities done online 100% homework done online

Communications
Online courses offer tremendous flexibility and access to materials for students and instructors, but learning to communicate efficiently and effectively with the course instructor and peers takes practice. Although online course materials are available 24/7, the instructor is not. Unlike traditional classes, the instructor is not available for immediate feedback and students may have to wait for a response from both the instructor and peers during the course of the activities. Time management and planning is an essential part of the online learning experience.

Introduction to Online Learning

Syllabus

Instructor communications:
If you have questions, please contact me during the regularly scheduled classroom period or by email. Should a virtual appointment be necessary, I will respond within 24 hours Monday through Friday and we can schedule a meeting time and place (virtually). I will address any communications received after 4:00 pm Friday or over the weekend by Monday at 9:00 pm. If there is no response, please submit the email request again. There is a possibility it was misdirected and I did not receive it. I do have a life outside of teaching. Please include your first and last name in all communications so I know to whom I am talking. Complete sentences, punctuation, and spelling are required when communicating. I will not respond to messages sent in text talk.

Student Communications:
Students need to accomplish many activities using online applications. Should these activities require peer interaction, it is up you to arrange for sufficient and acceptable times to meet and complete the required activities with peers.

Course Description
Introduction to Online Learning is a nine-week course developed to help middle and high students prepare to enter an online learning environment, specifically the Montana Digital Academy (MTDA). In this course, students will interact in a blended educational environment. They are expected to use personal devices (tablets, laptops, or pcs, not cellular phones) to access lectures, assignments, and resources. They will also use personal devices (including cell phones and digital cameras) to create and submit assignments, communicate with peers and the instructor, take quizzes and tests, and socialize in a restricted environment.

Course Goals and Outcomes

Goals
Students will be prepared to enter the online learning environment with the needed skills to organize course materials, manage learning time, communicate effectively in a variety of methods, and create and submit satisfactory course assignments. Students will be aware of expectations found in an online learning environment and adjust study habits accordingly.

Outcomes
Students will organize their work environment, online and offline, in order to efficiently and effectively navigate course materials in accordance with course requirements. Students will keep a time management log and schedule/calendar for accountability in meeting course expectations. Students will communicate and create assignments and presentations using a 2

Introduction to Online Learning

Syllabus variety of online applications and tools that demonstrate their ability to thrive in an online learning environment. Students will create a learning log to display assignments, reflections, and assessments. Students will develop netiquette and digital citizenship guidelines to apply appropriate behaviors in the online learning environment. Students will submit written reflections regarding their learning in an online learning process.

Materials and prerequisites

Students must have access to: a personal computer, laptop, or tablet with built in or externally connected (USB) camera a digital camera or cell phone with photo capabilities reliable Internet access personal ear buds or headphones with microphone a 3-ring binder with separator tabs, school supplies, and loose leaf paper a flash drive Prerequisite: Students must be familiar with a computer keyboard. Students must have (and use) a school email account for all course communications. Students must sign, submit to the school office, and adhere to all guidelines and responsibilities stated in the Districts Acceptable Use Policy.

Assignments and Grading

The following components are part of each weeks graded assignments: Dugouts (Discussions) Corner Caf (socializing) Practice (assignments) Scrimmages (quizzes) Games 1 & 2 (tests) Championship project Team participation activities 16 pts. Each x 5 pts. Each x 9 9 9 9 2 = = = = = = 5 = = 144 pts. 45 pts. 90 pts. 135 pts. 100 pts. 100 pts. 50 pts. 664 pts.

10 pts. Each x 15 pts. Each x 50 pts. Each x 100 pts. 10 pts. Each x

Total Points possible (not including extra credit)

Introduction to Online Learning

Syllabus There are four extra credit activities. Students can earn up to 30 extra credit points. The points will be added to the total point.

Course Schedule
Students must report to their classroom daily at the assigned time during weeks 1 through 4. Students must report to or check-in to their classroom daily at the assigned time during weeks five through six. Students may be released to work in designated areas during their class period if course activities require it. Students must check-in daily to their classroom before being released to work independently during weeks seven through nine. All assignments must be completed weekly by Sunday, 9:00 pm in order to receive full credit for the assignment. Students may turn in late assignments up to one week late, but will automatically receive only 50% of their earned grade. Assignments turned in after the one-week grace period will receive an automatic 0%. In order for students to receive any extra credit, all assignments must be turned in before the end of its assigned module. Even if a 0% grade is earned on an assignment, if it is turned in before the end of its module, students can receive the extra credit for that module.