Biology 120 Helpful Information Page

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	Biology 120 Biology of Aging
HELPFUL INFORMATION
Instructor Technical Assistance Frequently Asked Questions College Site Maps

Instructor

The instructor is available during scheduled office hours by e-mail, phone/voicemail, and by scheduled appointment for personal visits. The instructor will also monitor the class Discussion Forum. The Distance Learning Office staff should be able to answer general question regarding Coastline and the Distance Learning Program. Office hours are Wednesdays, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm.

Dorrie Talmage, MSED, DC
Office Hours: Tuesdays 12:30 - 2:00 pm
(714) 241-6114, Ext 3 (work phone)
(714) 241-6287 (Fax)

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Technical Assistance

We suggest you check out the "Self-Help" module, which can be accessed from the Distance Learning Department home page, to review skills needed to take a Distance Learning or online class. If you still need technical help, try our technical help call-back desk at (714) 241-6304 Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30 p.m or try the web help bulletin board at http://dl.coastline.edu/technicalhelp.html.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I'm new to distance learning; what will be expected of me?: A. In this Web-based course, academic expectations are similar to a classroom course. Do the reading in the assigned text, take quizzes and exams, participate in class discussions, watch videos, do some outside research, consult with your instructor if you need help. The difference is that many of these activities can be performed at a distance from the comfort of your own home and computer. For example you may participate in electronic discussion forums (like class discussions- but not in real time), do research (on the Internet), talk to your instructor (e-mail or phone), take quizzes (on-line) and submit assignments (electronically). Detailed guidance is provided on the course Website to assist you and clarify expectations for the course.
Q. What equipment/software will I need?: A. This varies depending on the particular class. For Web courses you will need at very minimum a 133 Mhz multimedia computer with a 56K modem and a hook-up to the World-Wide-Web. If possible, a Pentium speed 133 mhz or faster machine with a 56K modem and a direct Internet account is preferable. You will also need an e-mail address with the ability to send and receive messages. It is important to be able to use either the latest version of Netscape or Internet Explorer as your Internet browser. While America Online will provide some Internet access, direct Internet accounts are preferable such as those available from Earthlink, GTE, Pacific Bell, and others. Some course content is available by streaming video. For this you will need a "plug-in" (a small software program) called Real Video Player. This player for viewing and listening to streaming audio/video files may be downloaded and installed on your computer for free. Note: if you are in the local area and do not have access to a computer or your computer does not meet the minimum requirements, arrangements can be made for use of a computer at the Coastline Garden Grove Information Commons. Please notify your instructor as soon as possible.
Q. What if the Viewing Lessons won't work on my computer?: A. Not all courses have viewing lessons. If your course has viewing lessons, there are links to the media on the Schedule page. If you are in the local area, viewing centers are available at a variety of sites (see links to maps below). They are also available on cable television on KOCE.
Q. Will I have to come to campus?: A. Under normal circumstances and with equipment that meets the minimum standards outlined above, all coursework can be conducted over the Internet via the World Wide Web. Those living in the area will be required to come to campus to take your final exam. Those who qualify as being "out of area" may take the exams under the supervision of an approved proctor. See the Proctor Agreement for more information.
Q. What if I have to miss a class?: A. Well, with web classes you don't have to worry! You may work ahead, or catch up a little as you need to. While a general weekly timeline is provided to help you pace your time, your schedule is really your own. Just be careful not to miss submission deadlines for assignments and exams or fall behind in your reading. All students keeping pace and doing conscientious work should do well in the class.
Q. How should I get started after I am enrolled in the class?: A. Read over the entire course Web site, focusing on the Home, Syllabus, and Schedule pages. The Distance Learning Department Web site has additional advice on how to proceed through your class. Look for the links "Introduction" or "How to get started".
Q. What is a WebBoard?: A. The WebBoard provides an electronic substitute for a classroom. The course is divided into topics called Conferences on the left. Please post general questions, comments, and observations to the appropriate conference section of the course (more instructions can be found at WebBoard). Feel free to respond to postings as if you were in a classroom. Students learn as much from each other as from textbooks and lectures.
Q. How do I use the drop boxes to turn in my assignments?: A. If your course uses drop boxes, the drop boxes work like e-mail. After you click the drop box link, a window will open asking for your name, e-mail address, and allow you to browse your system for your file. If you name your files Questions for Reflection, Research Paper, etc., they will be easier to find. You need to clearly and completely fill out all the information requested. To send in your assignment, click Browse, and find the assignment on your computer, e.g., a Word document that you want to submit. Click on Upload (which does the same thing as attaching a file to an e-mail). You should then receive a confirmation that the upload was successful.
Q. I just took my quiz online, how come the score does not show on the scoring system?: A. All scores are entered into the scoring systme by hand, so there is some delay between submission and being able to view your score. For papers and other assignments the instructor first has to grade them and then they are inputted into the scoring system in batches. If your paper missed a batch, there is an additional delay. Please be patient.
Q. What do I do if I cannot attend the exam on the day it is scheduled?: A. Local students should plan on attending the scheduled exam, proctored by your instructor. However, if you absolutely cannot attend on the date and time it is scheduled, you need to call the Testing Office at (714) 241-6216 and schedule an alternate exam date. Only a few alternate dates are available and the spots fill up fast, so call for your appointment ASAP. Any exam taken more than eight business days after the scheduled exam is offered will be penalized as late. Students taking a late final exam should notify the instructor so an Incomplete grade can be arranged, as all grades must be submitted by the last week of classes.
Q. What if I need an early grade report?: A. Those requesting an early grade must do so early in the semester and plan on completing all assignments and exams by Week 13 of a 16-week course and by Week 6 of an eight-week course. You will need to schedule an alternate exam date or an early exam date with your proctor. Please see Schedule page for specific dates.

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College Site Maps

If you are taking your exams and reviews in person, the site maps found at http://dl.coastline.edu/maps/ will be useful.

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HELPFUL INFORMATION

Instructor

Technical Assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

College Site Maps