Prof. Keel's FAQs, Advice, and Help
  1. For Sociology 1010: How do I register my access code for the eBook and "Connect?"
  2. For Sociology 2180: How do I register my access code for the eBook and "Connect?"
  3. Why is the syllabus so long? So complex?
  4. I don't understand the attendance policy and why is "attendance" required in an online class?
  5. What's an appropriate outside resource?
  6. Can I use Wikipedia as a source for my papers and essays?
  7. What am I supposed to post in the SOL forum?
  8. Where can I access help with all the technology?
  9. I've read the syllabus (really read it) and reviewed this FAQ and I still don't understand--what should I do?
  10. How can I do well in this course?
  11. How do I use Zoom?
  12. How do I use Canvas?
  13. How do I fix audio and application sharing problems with Zoom?
  14. I review the Zoom archives, but my attendance score seems low--why?
  15. What is BB-IM?
  16. How do I make my name on a wiki page a link to my personal page?
  17. What's Netiquette?

1. For Sociology 1010: How do I register my access code for the eBook and "Connect?"

The basic, required text is: Connect Plus (eBook) Sociology, 13th edition, Richard Schaefer, McGraw-Hill, 2012. ISBN: 9781259356957. The cost of the eBook is included in your registration for the course. You will be automatically registered with the "Connect" website. With this program, all students will be billed for their text and digital access to Connect Plus Sociology after UMSL's final add/drop date to ensure students who drop the course, are not charged for resources they are not going to end up utilizing for the full semester. Do not buy a textbook or digital access to Connect yourself. Everyone who is registered for this course after the add/drop date will be billed automatically for the text and digital access to Connect.

  1. Go to our class site in Canvas.
  2. Click on "Modules" located in the left-hand navigation menu in our Canvas course site.
  3. Click on "Module 1 Chapters and LearnSmarts"
  4. Look for the link: "Chapter 1. Understanding Sociology" LearnSmart assignment--click it to access McGraw-Hill Connect.
  5. Click "Continue," then click "Register." Enter your email address to verify or create a Connect account. If there is no account registered for the email address, you will be prompted to create an account.
  6. After an account is verified or created, a screen will appear noting that these is no fee or access code required. You will now have full access to the ebook and the Connect LearnSmart tutorials.
  7. Alternatively, you can access the Connect LearnSmart tutorials via the "McGraw-Hill Education" link in the "Tools" area of our MyGateway site. click on "Go to MyConnect Section."
  8. Connect Tech Support can be reached at: 800-331-5094.

2. For Sociology/CCJ 2180:

  1. The cost of your eBook (Connect Plus [eBook]; Goode, Erich. 2015. Drugs in American Society Plus. ISBN: 1259935000/ 9781259935008 McGraw-Hill/9th edition) and the McGraw-Hill Connect access code will be automatically added to your tuition and fees for this class on August 26, 2016.  You will be automatically registered with the "Connect" website. With this program, all students will be billed for their text and digital access to Connect Plus Sociology ($72.99) on August 26. See the "AutoAccess FAQ"document for further information. Do not buy a textbook or digital access to Connect yourself.
  2. To access the eBook and the Connect LearnSmart tutorials:
    1. Go to our class site in Canvas.
    2. Click on "Modules" located in the left-hand navigation menu in our Canvas course site.
    3. Click on "Module 1 Chapters and LearnSmarts"
    4. Look for the link: "Chapter 4. The Sociologist Looks at Drug Use" LearnSmart assignment--click it to access Mcgraw-Hill Connect.
    5. Click "Continue," then click "Register." Enter your email address to verify or create a Connect account. If there is no account registered for the email address, you will be prompted to create an account.
    6. After an account is verified or created, a screen will appear noting that there is no fee or access code required. You will now have full access to the ebook and the Connect LearnSmart tutorials.
    7. Alternatively, you can access the Connect LearnSmart tutorials via the "McGraw-Hill Education" link in the "Tools" area of our MyGateway site. click on "Go to MyConnect Section."
    8. Connect Tech Support can be reached at: 800-331-5094.
    9. Optional: a loose-leaf paper copy of the text is available for purchase at the UMSL bookstore (ISBN: 2810000208829) for an additional $23.45. You will still be charged for the "autoAccess" digital textbook and "Connect" website if you decide to purchase the paper copy. You will also be expected to complete the online tutorials (LearnSmart activities) via "Connect."

3. Why is the syllabus so long? So complex?

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/courses.html. Here is some of the important information contained in the syllabus:

4. I don't understand the attendance policy and why is "attendance" required in an online class?

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 Zoom, or simply review the recorded and archived class sessions within prior to the next class and then post additional comments (one for each class session along with the regular SOL comment(s) required for the class) in the weekly online SOL forums to document your archive viewing and earn "attendance" points. You have many options here, and a variety of ways to stay current with the class and earn attendance/participation points.

6. What's an appropriate outside resource?

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

7. Can I use Wikipedia as a source for my papers and essays?

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.

8. Please insure you review the online/in-class participation requirement found in the syllabus: Soc. 1010, Soc. 2180, Soc. 3210, or Soc. 2280.  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). If you can't attend a live class session, the Zoom archives of that session should be reviewed prior to the next class session (or at least within 7 days) And you will need to post a comment in the weekly discussion forum (in addition to your regular SOL) to document your viewing of the archive (archive viewing documentation posts must follow the guidelines for SOL, see the course syllabus for details).

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 150 word minimum posts in 1000 and 2000-level classes and 175 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.

9. Where can I access help with all the technology?

Try the Technology Support Center:

10. I've read the syllabus (really read it) and reviewed this FAQ and I still don't understand--what should I do?

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.

11. How can I do well in this course?

Here's a basic outline of one possible study approach to assist you in your work for this class. 

  1. Read the assigned material (textbook and reader).
  2. Review the lecture notes.
  3. Supplement above with information/focus from class presentations and discussions (attend live class sessions or use Zoom recordings as needed).
  4. Contribute to the class discussion each week--either online or during the live class sessions.
  5. Review the test study tips and study guide (available in Canvas).
  6. If you have questions or problems, bring them up in class or on the discussion forums AS SOON AS THEY ARISE.
  7. Complete your work on the critical thinking project in a timely manner.
  8. Review readings and lectures as necessary.
  9. Take your first attempt at a test as early as possible based on its availability and your review.
  10. Review your work on the test, if satisfied, move on to the next topic (after an appropriate period of celebration).
  11. If necessary, based on your review of the test (not the specifics of the questions, but the foci of concern) return to the appropriate topical areas for review and further study. 
  12. Present any general questions or problems in class or via the class discussion forums.
  13. Use online lecture notes for one last review, and take your second attempt at the test.
  14. Collaborate with other students--stay in contact with Prof. Keel and the TAs, complete your work on the critical thinking project in a timely manner. Cooperate.
  15. If this isn't working for you, you need to come in to see one of our TAs or me for additional review of your study habits.

12. How do I fix audio and application sharing problems with Zoom?

There are so many variables that can affect Zoom’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 your computer and software 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 is generally good—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 Zoom 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 and restart the program.

See: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/categories/200101697-Getting-Started and https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us for full documentation.

Campus Technical support: 516-6034 can also help with some problems.

13. I review the Zoom archives, but my attendance score seems low--why?

Well first, simply reviewing the archives does not earn you attendance credit. You are expected to review the archives and are responsible for all content, however, to earn "attendance credit" for reviewing the archives, you need to post attendance messages in the relevant weekly discussion threads for the class (or for Soc 1010 the current module's discussion forum)--in addition to any other postings expected for the class participation requirement. You have one week to review the archive and post your attendance message (for 8:00 AM classes, the threads will close at 8:00 AM the following week. For 12:30 classes, the threads close at 12:00 noon the following week).

14. What is BB-IM?

BB-IM is Blackboard Instant Messenger. It is an 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 BB-IM from the main MyGateway page. I also send out an invitation to students at the beginning of the semester.

15. How do I make my name on a wiki page a link to my personal page?

You can make your name (or any word or phrase) a link to another page in your wiki (so, this is how to make your name on the wiki's home page a link to your personal page):

  1. You can link from one page in the wiki to any other page by adding a “Link to an Existing Wiki Page.”
  2. For instance, to make your name on the roster a link to your personal page, go to the wiki’s roster page (Home page) and click "Edit."
  3. Highlight your name (i.e. select it with your mouse cursor), click on the "link" icon on the menu bar (it looks like a little chain).
  4. Then select the radio button next to "Wiki Page." (it’s the third option, see this image)
  5. Scroll through the list of pages to find the page to which you wish to link (i.e. your personal page) and select it.
  6. Click "Submit."
  7. And, finally, click "Save."
  8. You can follow these steps to create links from one page or another.  You’ll need to type in the word or phrase you want to be the clickable link first, and then follow the steps outlined. Here's a short video:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre 2017 tech resources

To submit a ticket, initiate a live chat, or speak to a representative on the phone, contact Technical Support.
http://support.blackboardcollaborate.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=8336&task=knowledge&questionID=1

North America, Toll Free: 1 (877) 382-2293

How do I work in a wiki? See, Prof. Keel's Video tutorials on "Working in a Wiki, "making links," and "inserting images." Be sure to review the changes made to the wikis since I last updated these tutorials.

URL: http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/FAQ.html
Owner: Robert O. Keel: rok@umsl.edu
Last Updated: Monday, June 26, 2017 1:31 PM

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