Phone: ( preferred, but voice or text welcome)

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1 OTL 101: Introduction to Online Teaching and Learning Course Syllabus Semester: Fall 2010 Course Number: OTL 101 Credit Hours: 3 CEUs Class Time and Location: Online Only Instructor: David Lester Location: Memphis, TN Phone: ( preferred, but voice or text welcome) (Note: Contact the OTC Help Desk at helpdesk@otc.edu for technical support or OTC Online at online@otc.edu for any Blackboard support you may require.) lesterd@otc.edu Because of privacy regulations, OTC faculty and staff communication with students must be through OTC . (Mail from other accounts such as Gmail, Hotmail, or work will be returned.) Be sure to check your OTC account regularly for important messages. Response Time: The usual instructor response time is 36 hours for questions posted in Blackboard and sent via . This response time excludes weekends and official college closures. The usual turnaround time for assignment grading and response to comments is 48 to 72 hours. IMPORTANT: Upon entering this online course, you have acknowledged reading, understanding, and agreeing to comply with OTC s Online Course Requirements. Because your success in any OTC online course depends upon your compliance with these requirements, you are encouraged to review the document again and to ask any questions you may have about those requirements before proceeding in your online course. Prerequisite(s): Approval by the College Director of OTC Online. Required Materials:

2 This course does not have a required textbook. All readings will be available online. Computer speakers or headphones (This course includes audio components.) Windows Media Player Adobe Reader Course Rationale: To ensure the consistency and quality of instruction, candidates to teach with OTC Online must earn initial certification through superior or exemplary performance in OTL 101: Introduction to Online Teaching and Learning. Catalog Description Introduction to Online Teaching and Learning is a four-week professional development training class delivered asynchronously online via Blackboard. OTL 101 is an introduction to the Blackboard course management system and an overview of course design and pedagogical considerations for online teaching and learning. The assignments build on one another to create a basic sequence of instruction that will help learners cultivate skills and techniques for online course development. To facilitate the design and organization of course materials, learners will each be given access to an individual practice course in Blackboard. Learners will interact with the course instructor and fellow online instructors in an asynchronous online format while creating online-course content. Course Objectives Analyze the ways teachers and learners interact through technology as the first step toward designing an effective online course. Design an integrated plan for an online course that balances teaching strategies, learner needs, and a variety of online technology. Develop a basic sequence of instruction in Blackboard that applies this course design to specific tools in the course management system. Implement the materials to be used in the sequence of instruction, including adapting content for text, images, audio, video, and other media formats. Evaluate the effectiveness of the instructional designs of several participants through a process of peer- and self-evaluation, with a focus on how the designs achieve a balanced, integrated approach to online teaching and learning. Demonstrate effective teaching and learning strategies appropriate to an online course through active participation in all course discussions and activities. Apply all relevant OTC Online guidelines and expectations for the development and delivery of online courses. All course assignments and exams are closely aligned to, and assess the student's mastery of these core objectives.

3 Course Navigation There are twelve buttons for the course site: Announcements - Includes updates and reminders for the course. This is the first page you see when you log in. Faculty - Describes the instructor's background and includes contact information. Syllabus - Explains the course objectives, grading criteria, online student responsibilities, and final exam information for proctoring. Lessons - Provides notes and assignment information to prepare students for assignments. (Skipping this part is like skipping notes and class.) Discussions - Involves students in responding to questions and replying to classmates. (There are regular discussion assignments for part of your course grade.) Groups - Includes work and discussion area for group collaboration that will take place as the semester continues. Dropbox - Provides a submission area for course assignments. Grades - Offers an area where students can read instructor comments and grades. An green exclamation mark for a Dropbox assignment means the assignment has been submitted and will be reviewed by the instructor. After a Dropbox assignment has a score, click on the score number to read the instructor comments. Resources - Offers online resources and other information for online learning and this course. Tools - Includes and Wimba interactive features. Note: If you have difficulty with Blackboard, please contact OTC Online at online@otc.edu. Computer RequirementsStudents taking online courses at OTC must have access to a computer that meets OTC's minimum software and hardware requirements. If you have any questions about these computer requirements, please helpdesk@otc.edu. Browser InformationBlackboard does not fully support AOL, MSN, and Internet Explorer for taking quizzes or tests. These browsers should not be used with Blackboard. Firefox is recommended. Course ContentThis course contains several learning units, each consisting of some or all of the following components:

4 Readings: In each learning unit, you will read from course materials made available to you in Blackboard. (This course does not require a textbook.) Online Discussions: Each week, you will participate in online discussions with your classmates about topics related to the course content. The directions for each discussion will include specifics about participation requirements. Please proofread your posts for correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization. Do not use all capital letters or all lowercase letters, and do not use instant messaging or text chat abbreviations in your posts. Independent Applications: These assignments will give you the chance to apply what you have read about and discussed with your classmates and to demonstrate development of your skills related to the course content. Each project will vary in terms of scope, level of technical difficulty, as well as instructor requirements. Therefore, a detailed rubric will be provided for each project. Collaborative Applications: Because teamwork is part of the real world, especially in education, you will work in groups to complete some course assignments. (In today's working world, it is not unusual for people to use technology to collaborate from different locations.) We will use features on the Blackboard site to give each team a place to "meet" online in real time, a place to post messages, a quick way to each other, and a place to post and exchange documents. Specific guidelines and requirements for each collaborative project will be provided in the lessons area. Final Exam: This CE course does not include a final exam or other proctored assessment. Directions for completing course assignments are provided in the Lessons area of this Blackboard site. GradingAssignments in this course are divided into several categories, which carry the following weight in your final grade calculations: Category Weight Online Discussions 30% Independent Applications Collaborative Applications 40% 25% Other 5% You will be treated as a professional in the course. Accordingly, the grading is strict but fair. Reading the directions and grading criteria (called rubrics) provided for each assignment is the

5 key to understanding how you will be graded. Following those directions and rubrics is the key to doing well. Note: Your midterm grade will reflect only the work you have submitted up to the deadline for midterm grade reporting. Any work submitted after the midterm deadline will not be included in your midterm grade calculations and may make your midterm grade inaccurate. Grading Scale A = %, B = 80-89%, C = 70-79%, D = 60-69%, F = 0-59% This course follows these grading guidelines: A = 90 to 100% The student has demonstrated exemplary performance in meeting the course objectives. B = 80 to 89% The student has demonstrated superior performance in meeting the course objectives. C = 70 to 79% The student has adequately the objectives established for the course. D = 60 to 69% The student has minimally the objectives established for the course. F = 0 to 59% The student has failed to meet the objectives established for the course. Note: OTC Online requires participants to complete this course with a grade of B or better to be eligible to teach an online course at OTC. Please direct questions regarding this policy to OTC Online. Online Class Procedures Attending ClassTaking an online course is a different style of learning for many people. You may think you will be learning on your own, but you will soon discover many opportunities to work as a team with other students and to communicate with the instructor of your online course. You will find the support you need and have a great learning experience. Because you do not come on campus and sit in a classroom, attendance is determined by your active participation and communication in the course. Make sure that you log in frequently, participate in your course activities and discussions, and check your OTC regularly. Students who succeed in online classes keep a schedule just as they would if they were attending class on campus, and they communicate with one another and their instructor frequently. Attendance is vital to your success. Consistent attendance usually leads to above-

6 average grades. Check OTC and Blackboard at least three times per week. When logging on to Blackboard, check course Announcements. Meeting DeadlinesAssignments are due on the day specified by 11:55 p.m. Central Time, unless otherwise stated in the course. Plan ahead for the unexpected! You are accountable for staying on the semester schedule should technological or other problems arise. You should immediately communicate with the instructor if an emergency may affect your ability to meet course deadlines. An online course gives you the flexibility to do your coursework when it best fits your schedule, as long as you meet deadlines set by your instructor. Do not let this flexibility be your downfall. Set aside time in your schedule to participate online and to complete your assignments. You will have frequent deadlines to keep you on track. Do not fall behind. Playing catch-up causes stress, and stress reduces learning. Many college students juggle school, work, family, and other life responsibilities all at the same time. If a serious life issue prevents you from staying current in your coursework, contact your instructor as soon as possible and explain your circumstances. Do not let school or life responsibilities overwhelm you. The faculty and staff at OTC are aware that students face challenges and are committed to your success. Often, we may be able to help you see a way to deal with your circumstances and still complete your courses. We have a lot of experience. Give us the chance to help you. Accepting Late WorkLate work will be accepted up to one week from the original deadline but may be subject to a grade penalty. Late work submitted more than one week from the original deadline may receive a failing grade. No work will be accepted after the last day of the course. Please plan ahead. Submitting WorkMake sure you submit coursework according to the directions provided in the course. Here are general guidelines for assignment submission: Post discussion threads and replies to the appropriate forum in the Discussions area. Submit assignments in the Dropbox. Assignments will not be accepted through . Use file formats for assignments that are readable in Microsoft Office 2007 (.pdf,.rtf,.doc,.docx,.ppt,.pptx, etc.). Communicating with Your InstructorYou have several ways of communicating with your instructor, including phone, , the Discussions area, and through online consultations by appointment. If you have a question about an assignment or class procedure, please post it in the Q&A forum in the Discussions area. Your instructor will check there first for your questions. Your classmates also may be able to help answer your question. Check the Q&A forum regularly for new postings and replies, and offer your help to your classmates if you can.

7 Questions regarding grades or other individual course matters cannot be answered in the Discussion area due to privacy issues. If you have such a question, please contact your instructor by . College Policies and Procedures CommunicationBecause of privacy regulations, college faculty and staff can communicate with students only through OTC . Therefore, you must use your OTC account in this course. Check your OTC account at least three times per week for important messages. Academic IntegrityAcademic integrity represents one of the most essential elements of the teaching and learning process. All members of the OTC community are expected to fulfill their academic obligations through honest and independent effort. By submitting coursework to your instructor as an OTC student, you pledge that the work is truly your own. Violations of academic integrity which include but are not limited to cheating, collusion, plagiarism, and other forms of academic misconduct damage your personal character and thwart your instructors' ability to promote your learning. As an OTC student, you are responsible for knowing and following the college's policies and procedures regarding academic integrity. These guidelines and more information related to academic integrity are available in the Student Handbook and in College Policy The college recognizes that academic integrity is complex and can be confusing. Therefore, you are obligated to review these information sources carefully and to seek needed clarification from your instructor concerning questions of collaborative work, citation of sources, or other issues related to academic integrity. Proctoring Requirement: This CE course will not have a proctored assessment. Standards of Online Student Conduct Appropriate academic conduct includes doing assigned work, meeting deadlines, participating in online discussions, and completing all the required elements of the course. It also means following these basic rules of netiquette: Using proper capitalization, spelling, and grammar. Signing your name to all messages and discussion postings. Providing descriptive but concise subject lines. Furthermore, appropriate academic conduct means maintaining a safe learning environment based on mutual respect and civility. All participants in OTC online courses are expected to behave professionally by adhering to these standards of conduct in the online environment:

8 Never transmit or promote content known to be illegal. Respect other people's privacy as well as your own. Forgive other people's mistakes. Never use harassing, threatening, embarrassing, or otherwise abusive language or actions. Online communication that fails to meet these standards of conduct will be removed from the course. Repeated misconduct may result in being blocked from online discussions, receiving a grade penalty, or being dismissed from the course. Such misconduct in the online environment may also be reported to the College Director of OTC Online and the Dean of Student Development for appropriate action in accordance with the Student Handbook. If you ever feel as though our online classroom is inappropriate or uncomfortable, please first contact your instructor with your concerns. Copyright NoticeThe materials found in this online course are strictly for the use of students enrolled in this course and for purposes associated with this course; they may not be retained or further disseminated. OTC students, faculty, and staff are expected to comply fully with institutional copyright policy as well as all other copyright laws. More information is available in College Policy Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)Any student should notify the instructor immediately if special assistance or devices are needed to accommodate a disability. The college complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and makes every effort to ensure disabled persons admitted to the college as students or employed by the college are afforded all the rights and privileges provided to them by state and federal law. To request academic accommodations for a disability, contact the Disability Support Services at or disabilityservices@otc.edu. Students are required to provide documentation of disability to Disability Support Services prior to receiving accommodations. Dropping the ClassYou are responsible for understanding the college s procedures for dropping a class. If you stop participating in this class but do not follow proper procedures for dropping the class, you will receive a failing grade. To drop this class, you will need to online@otc.edu. Successful completion of this course with a B or higher is a requirement for teaching with OTC Online. Administrative Withdrawal from an Online CourseIt is the policy of the college that a student will be administratively withdrawn from a course due to lack of attendance in seated classes or nonparticipation in online classes. (Policy 5.36) An instructor will administratively withdraw a student from class if that student meets either of the following criteria in an online course:

9 Does not access (as designated in online grade book) the course for 14 consecutive days without contacting the instructor. Does not submit total assignments equating to 20% of total semester assignments (e.g. assignments, discussions, exam, homework, etc.) Students should be aware that administrative withdrawal for lack of attendance or nonparticipation may reduce the amount of financial aid they receive, delay their graduation or necessitate repayment of aid already received and does not relieve their obligation to pay all tuition and fees due to the college. Grievance ProceduresIf you have a complaint, you should bring your grievance directly to the instructor's attention. If the issue cannot be resolved with the instructor, you should send an documenting your concerns to the following officials: College Director of OTC Online (Witt Salley, online@otc.edu) Students having complaints that cannot be readily resolved through normal channels may bring their complaint to the Dean of Student Development, Information Commons 219-G2, or greggk@otc.edu. Nondiscrimination StatementOzarks Technical Community College prohibits discrimination and harassment and provides equal opportunities in its admissions, educational programs, activities, and employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, disabilities that include HIV and AIDS, and medical conditions. Bona fide occupational qualifications will be allowed in those instances where age, gender, or physical requirements apply to the appropriate and efficient administration of the position. Additional Considerations LearningWhat matters most in any course is what you actually learn. Online learning allows you many different ways to learn, such as course readings, following the hands-on practice in your assignments, communicating with your classmates and your instructor, and discovering other resources across the Internet. If you actively participate in your course, you will get good feedback to help you with your learning. Stay active in your course and focused on your learning to get the most out of it. ChangesOccasionally, circumstances require the instructor to change the syllabus. Should the instructor find a change necessary, you will be notified as soon as possible through or the course Announcements.

10 AgreementIf you disagree with any of the policies or procedures spelled out above or cannot accept the demands of the course (such as the amount of time and work required), you need to drop the course as soon as possible. By staying in the course, you agree to comply with all the policies and procedures described in this syllabus. ReminderYour instructor should be your first point of contact and support for any questions or concerns you have about this online course. If you cannot resolve your questions or concerns through your instructor, you should then contact OTC Online at or Course CalendarYou will find a detailed course calendar in a separate folder in the Syllabus area in Blackboard. This calendar includes a list of all course assignments and the dates they are due. You should use this as a checklist to be sure that you complete all course assignments on time.