SDV 101-40 - Fall 2008

If you have enrolled in SDV 101-40 for Fall 2008, then you need to complete the following steps.

1. Read this entire page.
2. Send an e-mail to the instructor introducing yourself. Her e-mail address is drasnick@vhcc.edu. Please put "SDV 101 Introduction" in the Subject line of your e-mail. Include information about how you are qualified to enroll in this distance section (your computer background, past online experience, etc.).
3. Attend the mandatory class meeting on Tuesday, August 26th at 8:00 am in room LRC-723.

Preliminary Information about the Course

You will receive a detailed Distance Learning Guide at the class meeting. Some of the information is repeated below. More details will be given at the meeting.

This section of SDV 101: Orientation to College/Strategies in Distance Learning is a hybrid course. This means that there will be a combination of online (mostly) and face-to-face activities. Students enrolling in this section should be comfortable using a computer, have reliable access to the Internet, and be good at following written directions. Students that are self-motivated do well in distance courses. If these qualities don't describe you, you should consider enrolling in a traditional section of SDV 101.

This course is intended to introduce you to the skills which are necessary to achieve your academic goals. Since this is a distance learning section, you will also learn about the tools and strategies to help you succeed in a distance environment. Some of the topics addressed include the advising process, online navigation, locating resources on campus, goal setting, test taking strategies, time management, study skills, career planning, personal wellness, and personal development.

We will use Blackboard and e-mail to communicate in this course. Blackboard is an e-learning tool that you access through the Internet. The instructor will post all your assignments, due dates, and other information on the Blackboard site. You will be given account information and a demonstration of Blackboard's features at the August 26th meeting.

Although most of the course will be conducted online, you will be required to attend several on-campus events. On most of these, you will be given a choice of dates and times so that you can select ones that fit your schedule.

If you stop participating in the activities for the class, you may be withdrawn from the course. The Admissions/Financial Aid office asks all instructors to withdraw students that are "not attending". In a distance learning class, this means students that are not submitting their work, showing up for required activities, and have failed to contact the instructor about their non-participation. Please be aware of this policy!

If you have any questions, my contact information is available using the appropriate button on the left. I'm looking forward to working with you during Fall semester!

Debbie W. Rasnick