Class information: online classes

How the class works

To help you learn, I'll work hard to prepare the best webcast lectures and class materials that I can. In an online class, it's important to establish a relationship with the instructor and fellow students. I encourage you to:

• E-mail me privately at the CATE Message Center. When I reply, the email response can only be accessed at CATE -- it will not forward to your private email account.
• E-mail public messages using the CATE Message Center. This distributes an email to every student in the class. These messages are to be about class content only and I encourage you to share information with your colleagues.
• Send me an email to me directly at creese@santarosa.edu. If the subject line does not include your name/section information in the subject line it may get filtered into my junk mail and I'll never see it. Never, ever, send a direct email to me with an attachment as the SRJC faculty email system has limited filespace. CATE has a system for uploading files.
• Participate in the live webcast office hour.

I try to work with all types of learning styles and use:

• Webcast computer demonstrations that coordinate with the course lecture notes found in the required book
• Hands-on lab exercises to be completed each week by the student
• Reading assignments in reference books
• Links to websites with current information
• Weekly e-mails with information on forthcoming lectures and labs

Student behavior

Students are required to follow both the SRJC student conduct code and the CS department conduct codes.

Turning in homework

• Your homework is to be submitted as a PDF file through CATE. Never submit a native InDesign document unless specified.
• The CATE student management system is used to view recorded scores for the class.
• Submit your homework by the due date. Late labs will receive a reduction of points as described in the class syllabus.
• For many of the lab assignments, I pick out some of my favorites and post a PDF for everyone to view and admire. Students with design skills will find their work is featured often -- but there are no extra points given! The more you look at well-designed documents, the more you absorb design techniques, even though this is a "nuts and bolts" class in InDesign.

Taking tests

There will be tests, quizzes, and a final. The best way to study is to go over the lecture notes, labs, and reading assignments. A quiz is a short T/F multiple choice exam and taken at the CATE student management website -- it usually covers 1-2 weeks of lecture. A test is a more detailed comprehensive exam that covers a larger period of study and is also available online at CATE. The final exam must be taken in person at the end of the semester. The questions on the final exam are cumulative and cover the entire class. The final exam uses a Scantron form, a "bubble in" sheet used with a #2 pencil. Scantrons are available at the bookstore. If you need to erase a response on the Scantron, make sure to erase thoroughly.

Test dates will be announced at least 1 week in advance and are listed on the class schedule.

After the due date, I release CATE test questions and answers to the class for review.