1. I've tried to make the syllabus as straightforward as possible. It details all course requirements, explains how the course is conducted, and what you need to do to be successful. You don't have to memorize it, but you need to know what it contains and how you can use it. The syllabus is a web document and key parts are easily accessible via hyperlinks throughout the syllabus. You can access specific course web pages (syllabus, schedule and other information) via this hyperlink: http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/mycourses.html. Here is some of the important information contained in the syllabus:
2.I try and present information in the class sessions that will help you understand the material. The live class is also a place where I can keep you updated and on track. I've tried to make attending class sessions as flexible as possible. You can attend live and in-person, live and online via Wimba, or simply review the recorded and archived class sessions within seven (7) days of a a class to receive attendance credit. You can also download MP3 or MP4 recordings of classes to stay current with the class and then post additional comments in the weekly online SOL forums to earn "attendance" points. You have many options here, and a variety of ways to stay current with the class and earn attendance/participation points.
3. Before using information found on external web sites, please review the guidelines found at: http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/research/webcrit.html to insure the information is reliable. Better yet, try looking for research and information from the libraries database system (http://www.umsl.edu/services/library/databases/databases.html), it's a wealth of academic research at your fingertips. Peer-reviewed sociological journals are your best choices
4. Wikipedia isn't a bad place to start when you are looking for information on a topic, but it is a big mistake to stop there or use it as the basis of an essay.
5. Please insure you review the online/in-class participation requirement found in the syllabus: Soc. 1010, Soc. 2180, Soc. 3210. Participation is expected. Participation points can be earned by making contributions in class or to the online discussion forums (first forum in the class Discussion Board)
The online discussion board grading policy is one that values consistency, in-depth researched messages, and application of course material. Consistency will play a significant role in your grade. Your participation grade will be posted through MyGateway so you will always know where you stand. Do not forget to take this requirement seriously. Prof. Keel, and the class TA, will post questions of substantive concern for class discussion, but students are encouraged to initiate their own discussion topics. Students are expected to investigate relevant Internet resources (many of these can be found in the Course Documents and the External Links areas of the class MyGateway site), and participate in the ongoing, online, class discussion; and attend class on a regular basis.
In-depth (we are looking for 50 word minimum posts in 1000 and 2000-level classes and 75 word minimum in 3000-level courses), researched messages are postings that reflect social scientific concern. Your research can include books, journals, newspapers, and reliable online sources. When you post a message you must provide a citation documenting the source of your information. Simple, quick statements that don't convey a sense of your understanding will not earn you SOL credit.
6. Try the Technology Support Center:
7. Talk to the TAs, but basically--you should just do the work yourself. Don't wait on others. We are basically expecting the equivalent of 2-3 pages (about 500-750 words) from each student on each part of the project--you should be able to cover most of assignment--both individual and group portions. Working with others allows for more depth and discussion, but you can on your own.
8. Call or email the TAs and Prof. Keel--you can also stop by during our office hours. All contact information is available via the syllabus and the class MyGateway site.
9. Here's a basic outline of one possible study approach to assist you in your work for this class.
12. There are so many variables that effect Wimba’s performance when playing back the archives and participating in the live class. Internet clutter, your connection speed, the performance of your computer, etc. Make sure you run the “Wizard” to insure your computer is up-to-date. It’s also important to insure you aren’t running other programs and have a good, stable internet connection (use a wired connection if possible--wireless can be iffy).
The audio quality can be hit or miss—it helps if you use headphones or ear buds, and insure you have all the audio settings on your computer properly adjusted and the volume turned up. I can also screw-up. I try to keep the microphone close to my mouth so it picks up the what I have to say, but that means hearing other students is iffy—I try to either repeat or incorporate what the students have to say into my follow-ups. When they sit way across the room, there’s just not much I can do—sometimes I can’t even hear them ;-) That’s why I encourage students to sit close to the aisle where I am located.
Always insure you have the Wimba window maximized on your screen--otherwise the web page sharing may not display well. If you lose the web page sharing or audio--wait a bit. If it doesn't come back, it might be best to log out (click "Exit") and restart the program.
If you use the “Appshare markers" to navigate around in an archive, you may also get the audio and web page sharing out of synch—it usually clears up after a while—but pausing and restarting can sometimes help. If you continue to have problems, please contact Wimba Technical Support by phone (toll-free): 866.350.4978 or email: technicalsupport@wimba.com. Campus Technical support: 516-6034 can also help with some problems.
13. Well first, you need to make sure you are getting you archive review done within 7 days of a class. For a class that meets at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, you need to have the archived reviewed by 9:30 AM on the following Tuesday. You also need to complete a full, 75 minute review. Too long or too short will not earn you credit. Be sure to click the "Exit" link to close down the archive. If you have to pause a playback, note that the timer keeps on running--extended pauses will show too long a playback and you may not receive credit. If it happens once or twice, just let the TAs know. If it happens more frequently, you are going to need to find a way to focus on the archives and complete a normal review. You can stop (always stop then click "Exit") and restart archives to complete a playback. You can use the “Appshare markers" to navigate around in an archive, however you may get the audio and web page sharing out of synch—it usually clears up after a while—but pausing and restarting can sometimes help. You can also open another browser window, navigate to the page we are discussing, and follow along on your own.
14. BB-IM is Blackboard Instant Messenger. It is a easy to use text chat tool that also allows voice and webcam interaction and collaborative work (application sharing, white board, etc.). It's connected to MyGateway so all you courses show up and it is easy to contact other students, TAs and instructors. The TAs and I will have it running when we are at our desks and available--especially during our office hours. It's a great tool for getting help and working with other students. You can download B-IM from the main MyGateway page. I also send out an invitations to students at the beginning of the semester.
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Robert O. Keel.
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