Course List

• The main thing to note is the toolbar, which will take you to the various functions of the course we will be using. I have put the tooks I consider most important on the toolbar, but it only allows me to put 4 up there so don't hesitate to click on "More Tools." if you don't find what you need.
• Do NOT use the home or back buttons in your browser, as they may exit you from the class or cause other rendering problems. Look for the class's internal navigation devices such as the menu and the "breadcrumbs" at the top of the screen and use those instead.
• If your are using a public computer, be sure to exit your browser when finishing your session. If you don't, the next person at the computer will be able to enter the class as you, submit assignments, see your grades, etc.

3. Course syllabus

• Click on the syllabus icon. Here you will find the standard syllabus document with course objectives, policies and procedures, and a general calendar.
• Read the syllabus at your leisure, but be aware that you must send me the concurrence voucher either by scan, fax, e-mailed document, or snail mail.
• The syllabus will always remain a click away via the menu. If you feel you will need a hard copy, however, do make one. It is also available on my website under "This Semester's Classes." Just google me and you'll find it.

4. Calendar

• Go to this location to read the day's class lessons, assignments, and announcements. I will do my best to have everything posted no later than the day before it's due, but I normally try to work ahead by three or 4 days.
• Click on the right arrow to view a future month; the left arrow for a past month.  There are also weekly views. Play with the calendar now to get some idea of its functionality.
• Note that you can click on "Help" while you're looking at the calendar and calendar-specific help topics will come up. This is the case will all the different tools and modes of the course.

5. Mail

• Under "More Tools," you will find an icon for "Mail." If you have unread messages, they will be in the inbox. Click on that button to find a message from me.
• Any messages you send can be seen only by you and your correspondent. I cannot see your private e-mail.
• This is the feature to communicate with fellow classmates and the instructor. You may also use this feature at any other time for communication purposes. I will try to check my mail daily.
• To send a message, click on "Create Message." To find student/instructor addresses, click on browse and scroll down. Highlight the desired name and click the box.
• Send me a brief message--now, to show that you are progressing through this assignment.
• This feature can also be used to send documents. Here you can take a document from your computer (on a disk, the desk top or hard drive), upload it to WebCT, attach it to an e-mail, and send it to someone. NOTE: you will be sending me your regular assignments using the "Assignments" function, NOT via the "Mail" function. If you send them to me via the mail function, I cannot grade them and I may misplace them.
• To attach a document to a mail message, click on the "add attachments" button. A standard file browser window will open up, giving you the choice to add files from either your own computer or your "My Files" library.
• If you wish, create another message and navigate to a location in your computer where you have placed a document. Highlight the file, click "open" (who knows why), and send your e-mail.
• To look at an attachment, click on "view attachments" and then choose the file you want. If you want to save it, you will have to do so within the WebCT program. Choose or create a folder and save the file.

6. Links, or in French, "Liens."

• I will be using these from time to time in the course for various reasons, either to enhance our lessons or for out of class for assignments. You can also study them on your own. I will put them in each lesson folder as we move along.

7. Discussions

• This is the feature we will use to hold our class discussions, which are graded. The grade I give you these assignments will be based on the number and quality of your postings (cf. syllabus).

• To read a posting, click on the title to reveal the message.
• After reading the information, click on on the word "reply" to add your comment(s). Your comments will appear under the title of the message to which you responded.
• To create your own new thread of ideas but stay within a topic, which you will have to do each week, try to give your topics appropriate names. If you want to create something totally off the subject, click on "default topic."
• Remember that bulletin board messages are not private, but may be read by everyone.
• Now go to "discussions" on the toolbar and post a message or respond to something on the forum.  To see an example, read your instructor's posting.
• Before our next class, get into this feature, post a message, and read everyone's else's postings. Respond to selected postings (your choice) by adding a bulletin board response and/or by sending the person a private e-mail. Get to know your fellow classmates!

8. Check out the Student Guide for Vista

• This is and excellent resource that will help you become more familiar with how the program works, which is essential to your success in the course. Here is the link: http://www.ngcsu.edu/Adminsrv/Infotech/WebCT/StudentVistaGuide.pdf
• There are other links to this resource within the course.

9.  For your points:
 

• When you have finished this assignment, contact me via the mail or the discussion function to let me know that you have done so.  Make whatever comments or suggestions you might have, or let me know where you are having trouble. Then, write a small document to "upload" to me when you "submit" the assignment via the submission mechanism. The WebCT program lets me know when you do so, at which point I will "grade" your assignment.
• Don't forget that I have created more documents to help you that are available on my NGCSU website and in the orientation section of this course.  There are also the Help files and the Student Guide.