First Year Seminar - Learning Framework Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Instructor Information

Office Location

Office Hours

 

Zoom, Google Meet, Go to Meeting, and Skype Sessions by Appointment (Email me for an appointment)
My Skype address is:  jason.a.norman

Communicating With Your Professor

Anytime I have course announcements they’ll be posted under the Announcements section on the home page of the course with a concurrent email sent to the class.  Make sure to check your announcements/email at least every other day to ensure you don’t miss out on requests from me or other necessary information.  Your emails from me will go directly to your AC Gmail account. {For information on how to access your AC Gmail account go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb857-WJX9w and watch the instructional video on accessing your email.}

I strongly encourage you to contact me immediately with questions or problems, as communication with your professor is a vital component of effective learning in an online environment.   

To contact me via email, utilize the email system within the course site on AC Connect and follow the steps listed below:

Step 1| Click on the Email link under the COURSE MENU on the left sidebar of the course site.

Step 2| Scroll down and select the “Single/Select Users” option.

Step 3| Under the “Available to Select” box on the left scroll down to my name, “Norman, Jason” and click on it.

Step 4| Once you’ve selected the instructor’s name, click on the small arrow right key just to the right of the “Available to Select” box. You should then see my name appear in the “Selected” box on the right.

Step 5| Click on the larger message box and type your email.

Step 6| When you email me (or any of your professors), practice professional communication standards and use a greeting, body, and closing.

Step 7| Once your email is written as you would like it, click on the “Submit” box in either the upper or lower right corners.

I check my email daily. However, there may be instances when it will take some time for me to respond to your email. Generally speaking, you can expect an email response within 24 hours from the time you send your email.

If you need immediate assistance, I encourage you to call or text me at (806) 570-0210.  If you send a text, please include your name and which class you’re enrolled in. If you call and don’t receive an answer, please leave a message and I’ll call you back. You must leave a message if you want me to call you back.

In the event you are unable to contact me directly, there are some additional resources for assistance:

Option 1: You may contact the Academic Outreach & Support Services Office located in the same building, or via phone at (806) 371-5941.   

 

Option 2: You may contact the CTL Student & Faculty Help Center at (806) 371-5992. It’s available to students who are currently enrolled in academic or continuing education courses on a walk-in and/or appointment basis. Assistance is provided for: Logging-in to AC Connect, Password resets; How to use AC Online; Microsoft Office help/ Microsoft Office alternatives; General computer/software questions. They are located on the Washington Street Campus, Library, 2nd floor, Suite 205 and their hours are:

Monday – Thursday, 7:30 am – 5pm (WARE 205)

Monday – Thursday, 7:30 am – 5pm (Library Research Desk on the 4th Floor of WARE)

Friday, 7:30 am – Noon (WARE 205)

 

Option 3: You may access AC Connect Student Resources at: https://www.actx.edu/ctl/pagesmith/11.

 

 

Expected Courtesies - Course Communications

Students should make themselves knowledgeable regarding appropriate ‘netiquette’ practices. There are several internet resources explaining the facets of netiquette. One good source is located at:http://learning.colostate.edu/guides/guide.cfm?guideid=4.

Students will communicate with their professor in a professional and courteous manner at all times. Discourteous, rude and/or aggressive emails, text messages or phone conversations will absolutely not be tolerated.

When you have questions regarding the course, you should contact me FIRST. Students or other Amarillo College staff or faculty are not responsible for making determinations regarding my course policies.

In the event you have a complaint or issue regarding this course you should contact me first. If the situation cannot be resolved to your satisfaction, you may contact Dr. Beth Rodriguez for psychology courses.

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:

  • consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
  • consult with the financial aid office if receiving financial aid
  • consult with the Veterans Benefit Coordinator if receiving veteran benefits
  • consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters
    • NOTE:  The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.10.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

EDUC-1100-023 First Year Seminar - Learning Framework

Prerequisites

Course Description

A study of the: research and theory in the psychology of learning, cognition and motivation; factors that impact learning; and application of learning strategies. Theoretical models of strategic learning, cognition and motivation serve as the conceptual basis for the introduction of college-level student academic strategies. Students use assessment instruments (e.g., learning inventories) to help them identify their own strengths and weaknesses as strategic learners. Students are ultimately expected to integrate and apply the learning skills discussed across their own academic programs and become effective and efficient learners. Students developing these skills should be able to continually draw from the theoretical models they have learned.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(1 sem hr; 1 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Lessons and supplemental materials are accessible for printing via the Blackboard course. You are encouraged to print lessons and create your own "textbook" by placing copies of lessons in a 3-ring binder.

Supplies

• Thumb drive

• Internet access

Student Performance

1. Increase self-awareness.

2. Take charge of your life.

3. Identify and interact within your communities.

4. Demonstrate effective study skills.

5. Demonstrate creative and critical thinking skills

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

  • Students are expected to behave in the online classroom in a manner that is supportive of the learning environment. Behaviors that are not supportive include, but are not limited to, offensive or disrespectful behavior/language in e-mails or discussion boards, inappropriate postings which are not relevant to the topic, etc. 
  • E-mails sent to your instructor must be addressed and signed. E-mails, like all academic work, should be proofread, should not include slang or abbreviations, and should not resemble text messages. 
  • Consider the topic you are discussing and your audience. If you need to communicate privately with an individual, use the course e-mail. Content posted to the discussion board is public; be cautious of sharing private information in the public forum.
  • Any student caught plagiarizing or cheating will receive a failing grade.  According to the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct, plagiarism is the appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another's work and the acknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one's own written work. Submit only your original work for course credit.

Grading Criteria

 

   
15% Self- Reflections
15% Daily Work/Homework (discussion postings, dropbox uploads)
25% Career Research Worksheet + Educational Plan
25% Quizzes
20%    e-Portfolio
 
The digital e-Portfolio will originate in this class and will be used by you throughout your time at AC to generate a digital presence representative of your collegiate and professional work. Upon graduation, you will transfer the e-Portfolio  to your gmail account for continued development.
 
Final letter grades will be assigned as follows:
A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C = 70-79
D = 60-69
F = below 60

Grades are not given; you earn grades based upon your performance. Please note the requirements for earning the grade you desire and act accordingly throughout the semester. If you complete the coursework in a timely fashion with quality submissions, you should successfully complete this course. You are encouraged to read and apply, as necessary, all feedback from the instructor in order to improve the quality of future assignment submissions. Assignments and exams are due on the dates stated in the course calendar.

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement in all college courses. It is your responsibility to attend each class and/or lab meeting. You are also expected to log in to the online course and complete all assignments according to the class calendar. (See Student Attendance policy above.)

If an extenuating circumstance prevents you from submitting an assignment on time, it is your responsibility to let the instructor know immediately. The decision to amend a due date or accept a late assignment will be left up to the instructor and will only be considered in extreme cases.

Discussion forums will not be available for postings after the date/time deadline. Please read the Course Calendar (below) carefully and be aware of when things are due. A user-friendly, color-coded course calendar is available through the Blackboard course in the "Start Here" folder.

While the online portion of the class is available 24/7, you must pay attention to due dates...typically Thursday and Saturday evenings at 11:55 p.m. Due dates for assignments are detailed on the Course Calendar. Print out the color-coded calendar available in the Blackboard course. Check off assignments as you complete them.

Attendance

In order to be successful in an online course, you must login or "attend" the online course at least twice times a week. For this course, It is advised that you login to the online class according to the following schedule:
  • Monday to read the lecture and submit assignments
  • Thursday to respond to classmates and submit ALL assignments

You should note this class in your weekly Badger Planner / calendar as a required "attendance" at least twice each week. Set aside the time from the beginning....You will find many reasons to put it off; and procrastination will result in poor grades.

You may even choose to login more frequently than the above schedule!

Calendar

Course Calendar

   

 

 

2017SP • EDUC 1100 First-Year Seminar • 8-week online course

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

Online

Lessons

Assignments

Deadline

(11:55 p.m.)

X

 

Week 1 (March 20-25)

 

 

MEET YOUR PROFESSOR – Non-mandatory meeting for course orientation, WSC-WARE 207, 4:30-6 p.m.

Please let me know if you need to schedule an online Bb Collaborate session at a different time.

March 22

 

 

START HERE

 

You’re in College Now

 

Technology Tips

 

Achieving Your Dream

 

Defining Yourself

 

Managing your Time and Energy

Discussion: “About Me” Post initial response by Thurs, March 23.

March 23

 

 

 

Mark important dates in Badger Planner, phone or online calendar.

 

 

 

Email contact information to Instructor.

March 23

 

 

Contact family and friends to sign Commitment Pledge

 

 

 

Initial and sign the Course Contract and upload through assignment box in Blackboard.

March 23

 

 

Complete the "Achieve your Dream - No-Excuses" Commitment Pledge and upload a PDF copy to 1.) the assignment box and 2.) your e-Portfolio (next week).

March 23

 

 

QUIZ 1: Multiple Choice (Quiz closes Sat., March 25). Content covers all online lessons in Week 1 folder.

March 25

 

 

Discussion: “About Me” Reply to two classmates by Sat, March 25.

March 25

 

 

Week 2 (March 27-April 1)

 

 

Make an appointment with your Advisor now to be held no later than Week 5; Work on your unique Educational Plan using the Worksheet in the Blackboard course. This must be completed before meeting with your Advisor.

 

 

 

Learning to Learn

 

Maximize your Learning

 

Your Hidden Agenda

 

Choosing a college Major and Career

Complete the VARK Questionnaire - Learning Styles. Save results as a PDF to flash drive upload into e-Portfolio.

March 27

 

 

Complete MyPlan Career Inventory:

1.) Personality Survey, and 2.) Interests Survey. Save results as PDFs to flash drive to upload into e-Portfolio.

March 27

 

 

Discussion: “My Personal Learning Style & Strategies.” Read specific discussion prompt in online class. (Post initial response by Thurs., March 27.)

March 27

 

 

Create e-Portfolio using AC template: 1) set up personal site; 2) add photo; 3) add summary statement; 4) share with & invite instructor; 5) upload PDF copy of Commitment Pledge; 6) upload PDF of VARK results; 7) upload PDF of MyPlan results from 2 surveys.

March 27

 

QUIZ 2: Matching (Quiz closes Sat., April 1). Content covers all online lessons in Week 2 folder. 

April 1

 

 

Discussion: “My Personal Learning Style & Strategies.” Read specific discussion prompt in online class. (Reply to two classmates by Sat., April 1)

April 1

 

 

Week 3 (April 3-8)

 

 

If you have not already done so, make an appointment with your Advisor now to be held no later than Week 5; Work on your unique Educational Plan using the Worksheet in the Blackboard course. This must be completed before meeting with your Advisor.

 

 

 

Conflict

 

Career Exploration: MyPlan

Watch Career Center Blackboard Collaborate Video in Blackboard Course

April 4

 

 

Discussion: “Do you have a support system?.” Read specific discussion prompt in online class. (Post initial response by Thurs., April 6).

April 6

 

 

RESEARCH: Begin researching career. Download Career Research Worksheet and bring to class.

 

 

Self-Reflection: College and Me. Reflect on your first three weeks of this class and what you have learned. Discuss a minimum of three changes or observations you have made in your life. Describe how these changes have impacted your life. (3-4 paragraph narrative.) Upload a PDF copy to 1.) the assignment box and 2.) your e-Portfolio.

April 6

 

 

Library Blackboard Collaborate Session, 5:30-6:30 p.m.; instructions can be found in the online Blackboard shell.

April 6

 

 

Discussion: “Do you have a support system?.” Read specific discussion prompt in online class. (Reply to two classmates by Sat., April 8).

 

April 8

 

 

Week 4 (April 10-15)

 

 

 

 

Career Exploration: Research

 

Create Your Educational Pathway

 

 

 

Continue completing Career Research Worksheet which you began last week.

 

 

 

e-Portfolio Check 1: (1) photo; (2) summary statement; (3) signed Commitment Pledge; (4) VARK Questionnaire Results; (5) MyPlan Results from Personality and Interests surveys; (6) College & Me narrative.

April 13

 

 

 

Complete Texas Reality Check Survey

April 13

 

 

 

Registration for Summer/Fall 2017 begins this week. It will be very difficult for you to get an appointment for the Educational Plan with your advisor if you have not done so before now.

 

 

 

Upload completed Career Research Worksheet to 1.) assignment box and 2.) your e-Portfolio.

April 15

 

 

Week 5 (April 17-22)

 

 Stress and Wellness

 

Tests and Test Anxiety

 

Managing Your Money, Part I

 

Managing Your Money, Part II

Continue work on e-Portfolio

 

 

 

Complete the Multiple Intelligences Inventory. Save results as a PDF to flash drive upload into e-Portfolio.

April 20

 

 

Discussion: “My Goals.”  Read specific discussion prompt in online class. (Post initial response by Thurs., April 20.)

April 20

 

 

 

Discussion: “My Goals.”  Read specific discussion prompt in online class. (Reply to two classmates by Sat., April 22.)

April 22

 

 

QUIZ 3: Multiple Choice, True-False, Multiple Answer, Matching format. Content covers Money Management I and II. (Quiz closes Sat., April 22).

April 22

 

Week 6 (April 24-29)

 

Critical Thinking

 

Creativity

 

Emotional Intelligence

 

Working in the 21st Century

Complete Educational Plan and upload to the 1.) assignment box and 2.) your e-Portfolio.

April 27

 

 

Self-Reflection: My World and My Future.  Reflect on your relationships with friends, family, professors, and co-workers. How have they changed over the past 7 weeks? What have you deliberately done to improve or end those relationships and why? How have those changes impacted your short- and long-term goals? How will you achieve your identified educational and career goals. (3-4 paragraph narrative.) Upload a PDF copy to 1.) the assignment box and 2.) your e-Portfolio.

April 27

 

 

e-Portfolio Check 2:  1) photo; (2) summary statement; (3) signed Commitment Pledge; (4) VARK Questionnaire Results; (5) MyPlan Results; (6) College & Me narrative; (7) Educational Plan; (8) Career Research Worksheet; (9) My World & My Future; (10) Multiple Intelligences Inventory

(11 items)

April 29

 

 

 

 

                   

 

Week 7 (May 1-6)

 

Last Day to Withdraw

May 2

 

Self-Reflection: My World and My Future.  Reflect on your relationships with friends, family, professors, and co-workers. How have they changed over the past 7 weeks? What have you deliberately done to improve or end those relationships and why? How have those changes impacted your short- and long-term goals? How will you achieve your identified educational and career goals. (3-4 paragraph narrative.) Upload a PDF copy to 1.) the assignment box and 2.) your e-Portfolio.

May 4

 

e-Portfolio Check 2:  1) photo; (2) summary statement; (3) signed Commitment Pledge; (4) VARK Questionnaire Results; (5) MyPlan Results; (6) College & Me narrative; (7) Educational Plan; (8) Career Research Worksheet; (9) My World & My Future; (10) Multiple Intelligences Inventory

(11 items)

May 4

  

Week 8 (May 8-11)

 

Private Meetings with Instructor, as needed

 

 

 

Course Grade is Determined by:

 

15%  Self-Reflection

20%  e-Portfolio

15%  Daily Work/ Homework (discussion postings, drop boxes)

25%  Quizzes

25%  Career Research Worksheet + Educational Plan

 

Items from EDUC 1100 should be placed in the e-Portfolio as identified below:

About Me

Education

Artifacts

Community

Skills

Photo

Educational Plan

 

 

Personal Development

Summary Statement

Commitment Pledge

 

 

    VARK Results

 

 

 

 

    Multiple Intelligences

    Inventory

 

 

 

 

    College & Me

 

 

 

 

    My World & My Future

 

 

 

 

Professional Development

 

 

 

 

    MyPlan – Interests

 

 

 

 

    MyPlan – Personality

 

 

 

 

    Career Research

    Worksheet

 

Additional Information

Your participation in class and online helps you learn more and makes the class more interesting. You need to schedule time during each week to complete your coursework as if you were attending an in-person class twice weekly.

Honesty, integrity, and respect will guide this course. You are expected to treat all participants with respect at all times.  In discussing controversial issues, it is important that students feel comfortable expressing their opinion, yet it is imperative that students refrain from using derogatory or offensive language.

Feel free to ask questions --  I’m here to help you.

Syllabus Created on:

02/08/17 1:49 PM

Last Edited on:

02/22/17 1:41 PM