BSAS in Allied Health Distance Learning Courses

 


Course Procedures / Expectations

 

  Some courses in this degree program are offered in a traditional fashion, but most are offered to students using distance learning technology.  The two main types of distance learning utilized are:

 

o       Synchronous – Students and Instructor simultaneously meet at designated times and on specific dates.  This meeting can occur online or through two-way interactive video conferencing. Consult course syllabi for details and schedules related to each particular course.  Note: Courses offered in a synchronous fashion may also utilize asynchronous activities and assignments.
  View An Interactive Video Conferencing Room (Requires QuickTime Player) – available free at: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/products/qt/.

 

o       Asynchronous – Students utilize Web-based technologies (Typically accessed on-line through WebCT – a course management system).  Students and Instructor engage in learning activities and assignments according to the schedule established for the course.  The course activities and assignments do not require participants to meet on the same date and at the same time.  This arrangement allows learners to complete assignments and course activities at times most convenient to them.  Consult course syllabi for details and schedules related to each particular course.  Note: Online learning is usually asynchronous learning, but it may have some synchronous activities.

 

Expectations

 

In on-line (Web-based) classes and classes using course Web sites, students should check their course Web site regularly (daily) for new information, handouts, and course communications.

 

Before proceeding with an online course, the learner should determine if online learning is a good option.  Some factors to consider are:

 

·        On Line learning can be very convenient, allowing you to decrease travel time associated with class and within limits complete assignments at a convenient time and place.

·        On-line learning is more independent learning. 

§         Are you self-disciplined and able to seek out information needed for your learning? 

§         Can you manage your time effectively and keep your performance on schedule?

·        Basic computer skills (file management, word processing, attaching files and sending e-mail for example) are necessary for on-line learners.

§         Do you have or can you gain the computer skills necessary to participate in an online course?

§         To learn about the course management system and practice navigating and using WebCT, please add the free course: WebCT_Can_Be_Fun_SandersV3.  Here you can access email, send attachments, practice quizzes, etc.

§         Help is available from the YSU Tech Desk (Phone: 330.941.1595, or helpdesk@cc.ysu.edu),

§         Help is also available from the Instructional Technology Center (330.941.3244) and from your instructor.

§         You can utilize the help function within WebCT which provides excellent assistance as well.

 

·        On-line learning requires regular and frequent (as often as daily and perhaps multiple times/day) access to a computer system and to the Internet.  Access can be gained through most colleges, universities or public libraries if you do not have access at home. Be sure access is convenient.  For most students computer and Internet access from home is a must.

 

Requirements

 

To be successful in on-line courses you will need:

 

Access to hardware:

 

On-line learning requires access to a computer that is capable of playing multimedia and connecting to the Internet.  [You can gain Internet access through many college and university computer labs and public libraries if you do not have access at home].  Many courses will require frequent online access (as often as daily and perhaps multiple times/day).  So be sure access is convenient to you.  Computer and Internet access at home is a must for most students.  Your computer needs to have a sound card and be capable of playing audio and video files.  Although you may be able to access this course with a system not meeting the minimum recommended configuration, it is recommended that your computer system meet at least the minimum recommended configuration below.

 

Minimum Recommended Configuration          

Preferred Configuration         

*High-End Configuration

Pentium III 850 MHz

256 MB RAM

40 GB Hard Drive

CD-RW ROM

3Com 10/100 Ethernet

and/or 56K modem

 

Pentium IV 2.0 GHz

512+ MB RAM

60+ GB Hard Drive

CD-RW/DVD ROM

  3Com 10/100 Ethernet

and/or 56K modem

Pentium IV 3.0 GHz

1GB RAM

120 GB Hard Drive

CD-RW/DVD-RW

3Com 10/100 Ethernet

and/or 56K modem

800MHz PowerPC G3
256+MB RAM

DVD-R /CD-RW
40+GB Hard Drive
10/100 Ethernet

and/or 56K modem

 

1 GHz PowerPC G4
512+MB RAM

DVD-R /CD-RW
80+GB Hard Drive
10/100 Ethernet

and/or 56K modem

 

  Dual 2 GHz PowerPC G5
  1 GB RAM

  DVD-RW/CD-RW
  120+GB Ultra ATA drive 
  10/100 Ethernet

   and/or 56K modem


   

Source: YSU Help Desk… If you would like assistance in configuring your computer, please contact the YSU Tech Desk at 330-941-1595 or e-mail helpdesk@cc.ysu.edu.

 

 

 

Access to software:

 

Registered YSU Students can take advantage of the Microsoft Agreement.  This agreement allows YSU students and Faculty to obtain Microsoft Products at special pricing.  To see the agreement and details go to: http://www.ysubookstore.com/   and click on the link for Student Software Agreement.

 

·        Word processing software is required.   The following programs will work for these courses:

§         Microsoft Word (Word ’97 or newer)

§         Microsoft® Works 7.0 and Works Suite 2004

§         Word Perfect (Version 7 or higher)

·        Presentation software is required for many courses.

§         Microsoft Power Point (PowerPoint ’97 or newer)

§         Corel Word Perfect Office 11 includes Perfect Presentations

§         Apple Keynote for MAC Users

·        Plug-ins are required to view handouts and video files:

§         Adobe Acrobat Reader – This plug-in is required to view many documents and course handouts.  It is available free of charge at: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

§         Real One Player - Available free at: http://www.real.com and follow the links for downloading the free real one player.

§         QuickTime Player – This plug-in allows playing of QuickTime movie files and some QuickTime VR files.  It is available free of charge at: http://www.quicktime.com.

§         Macromedia Flash Player -- This plug-in allows playing of Flash movie files.  It is available free of charge at: http://www.macromedia.com.

 

Computer skills:

·        Computer skills to access information and course resources are necessary.  You will need to be able to perform basic technical tasks including: save, open and manage files, basic word processing, navigate the Internet, send email, submit course assignments, use online discussion tools, access library resources on-line, and check your grades.  Creation of PowerPoint or similar slide presentations is desirable.

 

·        Much of the course material will be in written format and you will need to type responses and submit assignments using our course Web site

 

IMPORTANT:  Proper planning, prioritization and dedication will enhance your opportunity for success in online and interactive video courses.

 

WebCT NOTES

 

Set your Web browser to function with WebCT – See Browser information at http://www.webct.com/exchange/viewpage?name=exchange_browser_tuneup.

 

Initial instructions for accessing WebCT and adding a course follow:

 

To login to your WebCT course(s) you will need to access WebCT and then add the course(s) you are taking to your myWebCT list.  Instructions for logging into WebCT are as follows:

 

Go to: http://webcourses.ysu.edu

 

Click on the, Go To WebCT button

 

Enter your login ID.  Hint:  Your WebCT ID is usually your first initial middle initial and last name.  This is also the same as the first part of your CUE Mail ID.  For example if your YSU CUE Mail address is flflintstone@student.ysu.edu, then your WebCT ID is flflintstone. 

 

Enter your password.  Hint: Your WebCT password is the same as your CUE Mail Password.  If you need assistance with determining your WebCT ID or Password, contact the YSU Tech Desk at: helpdesk@cc.ysu.edu or 330.941.1595.

 

After entering your ID and Password, click the Log in button.

 

Note: You may also access WebCT through your “My YSU” account.  To do this skip the above steps by logging in to your “My YSU” Portal account and then clicking on the WebCT Campus Edition link which is located under E-Services (See upper right screen area).

 

You will see the myWebCT screen

Click the add course button.

 

Select the course you wish to add from the list.

On the next screen click the register button – Do Not fill In the User ID and Password on this screen.  Just click the Register Button located near the bottom of the form.

You will receive a message that the course has been added to your myWebCT with options to go to the course or to myWebCT.

 

You can add other courses to your myWebCT as needed. 

 

On subsequent visits to myWebCT you will see all the courses you added and need only click on the course hyperlink to access your course.

 

Note: When you are finished with your course always remember to log out.  You can do this by clicking the Log Out button form the course menu or the myWebCT screen.

 

Being familiar with the course management system and the tools it provides is important to your success in online courses. You can think of the course management system as your online classroom. We use WebCT as the course management system for our online courses. To learn about the course management system and practice navigating and using WebCT, please add the free course: WebCT_Can_Be_Fun_SandersV3.  Here you can access email, send attachments, practice quizzes, etc.

 

Enjoy the semester.

 

Sal Sanders, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Director of Distance Learning

Bitonte College of Health & Human Services

Youngstown State University

330.941.7157