Lesson 1: Instructor’s Notes #1

The purpose of the "Instructor's Notes" is to guide class progress to enhance your learning experiences.  We will share the upcoming Instructor's Notes weekly via the channels of course Twitter, BBLearn discussion board etc.  For the first time, we share it via BBLearn email.

 

New interface of ETC645 Google Site

We have migrated ETC645 Google Sites to a new interface since Classic Sites would no longer work after September 1, 2021. The content of the ETC645 site remains the same with the new interface that the navigation menu is on the top of the site. If you observe any glitch, please do let me know so I can correct it promptly. If you have any Classic Google Sites, don't forget to convert them into the new ones by the deadline.

 

Checklist for Lesson 1: Orientation Week

Have you completed all our required orientation tasks? Don't forget! They are due 08/29/21, Sunday Midnight.

1. Post your self-introduction on the discussion board area. Don't forget to read the classmates' bios. We have a very diversified learning community with many talents.
2. Sign up a team
3. Complete the Digital Interaction Survey
4. Assignment 1: PLE Setup. Submit it via Google Docs.
   1. Be thorough. This is one of the highest course numbers within all ETC courses. The expectations are much higher. Clear statements, and arguments with logical justifications and elaborations are expected.
   2. Avoid last-minute work.
   3. If you use Netvibes, you encounter some error message during the setup. Do your best. Other PLE platforms, Symbaloo or Chrome, are workable as well. The ideal is about learning the pedagogy of PLE and open/close concept.
5. Start preparing your group tasks.
6. Complete Lesson 2 readings
   1. We have fairly heavy readings and discussion engagements in Lesson 2.

 

A few questions been asked by our classmates:

You may find these questions and responses relevant to you.

Q: Can I share the assignment with you before the due date, and continue working on it?

A: Yes.  It is a great way to share assignments with me via Google Docs early. You can continue working on it and finish it before the due date.

Q: What time of the date the required instructions are due?

A: Midnight of the due date, unless specified.

Q: Can we email you at chih.tu@nau.edu?

A: Yes, please feel free to email me at my NAU email.  I check my NAU email account more often.

Q: It looks like we can visit ETC645 course instructions at https://sites.google.com/site/etc645/ without visiting BBLearn.

A: Yes. Most of the instructions can be accessed on ETC645 Google Sites. Overall, lesson discussions, emails, and grade books are located on BBLearn.  The rest of instructions are on Google Sites to implement the pedagogy of Open Educational Resources (OERs) and Open Network Learning Environment (ONLE) designs.

Q: I noticed our assignments are more than paper writing.  Any advice for me?

ETC645 and ETC655 assignments are very different from other ETC courses.  Because both courses have the highest course numbers, it means we cover more advanced topics that require higher analytical thinking, knowledge and skills.  Therefore, last minute work may not result in ideal grades, effective and positive learning experiences.  Review required assignment activity requirements early.  Plan ample time ahead to prepare them. Elaborate and dwell on the details of your assignments.