Read Me First!

Welcome!

I'm glad you decided to take this online course. We're going to have a great semester!  In an effort to ensure your success, this book contains many important details and resources to help you get started.  

• Read each page within this book (by clicking on the directional arrows in the upper right of this text, or selecting the chapters in the left margin). 
• The Student Support section provides guidance on where to find assistance in technology, library access, and college support services for students.  
• Tips for successful course completion will provide general guidelines for communicating with your instructor and submitting written assignments.

• This course is organized in modules each of which contains an assignment summary, resources (such as lecture notes weblinks, textbook references, etc.), and your weekly assignments.

• Locate your Syllabus found in the Course Overview - Start Here section.  The syllabus contains important details regarding class polices, grading, and expectations to further ensure your success in this course.

• Read the "Weekly Announcements".  I will post to this part of the course weekly regarding assignments, grades, and general class reminders.  
• Login to and read your JSCC email multiple times per week.

• Email me with any questions you have.  If you follow the instructions and let me know when you need help, you can have a very successful online learning experience.

Student Support

Support for Academic Goals

JSCC provides a variety of services to help students achieve their academic goals. 

• Student Success Center - Located in the Library in the Boyette building, the Student Success Center (SSC) provides access to computers, test administration, access to individual learning modules for remedial and supplementary instruction, and support from staff in these areas. Each semester a Writing Center is staffed to assist students with all types of writing assignments; the hours are different each semester so students should contact the center for more information.  The Student Success Center hours are: M-Th 8:00am - 5:00pm, F 8:00am - 12:00pm (Fall and Spring Semesters). The SSC operates on a limited schedule during the summer. For more information call 910-275-6404.
   
• Student Support Services - Located in the Strickland building, the Student Support Services program provides tutoring, academic/financial/transfer/personal counseling, study skills assistance, support groups, academic workshops, cultural events, and career exploration to eligible students. For more information about eligibility requirements visit Student Support Services or call 910-275-6382.
   
• Library - Located in the Boyette building, the JSCC library provides resources and services to support and enrich the College curriculum. Services provided by the library include reference assistance, photocopying, interlibrary loan, and internet access. There are also a variety of online resources available to students; to obtain passwords, etc. email jscclibrary@jamessprunt.edu. For more information visit  JSCC Library or call the reference desk at 910-275-6330.
  
  
• Financial Aid - Located in the Strickland building, the Financial Aid department offers financial aid to eligible students to assist with educational expenses. For more information on this service visit Financial Aid or call 910-275-6379.
   
• Student Services - Located in the Strickland building, the Student Services department provides a variety of services that provide assistance to students to obtain their educational goals. These services include: career center, counseling, admissions/registrar, and testing. For more information on these services visit Student Services or call 910-275-6360.  Counselors may be reached by calling 910-275-6368 or 910-275-6367.
   
• Distance Learning - Located in the Boyette Building, library, students may contact the Distance Learning department for additional assistance with Moodle.  For help call 910-275-6261, 910-275-6260, or 910-275-6262.  Email hlanier@jamessprunt.edu,  dedwards@jamessprunt.edu or kbrown@jamessprunt.edu.

Finding Your Assignments

Your online course is divided into Modules. To successfully complete this course you will need to navigate through the content of each module reviewing the resources and assignments posted.

1. ALWAYS LOOK DOWN THE CENTER OF YOUR PAGE!  You will find shortcuts on either side of your course page, but these shortcuts may not include all of the reading and assignments required to complete your module so always be sure to view the items under each Module heading.
    
2. Review the content for each Module. Each module includes an assignment summary, lecture notes, and possibly study guides and other handouts.
    
3. Weekly assignments will be listed under the module headings (Example, Module 1, Module 2, etc.).  Tasks for each module may include textbook readings, other resources, online activities, writing projects, online collaboration with your instructor and/or fellow students, tests, quizzes, etc. In order to meet the objectives of each module, you will need to complete the tasks in the assignment sections in a thorough manner.
   
   
4. Track your due dates carefully.  While online courses allow you some flexibility of when you complete your work, due dates will be posted for each module and should be followed.  Late assignment submissions are not allowed.

Enrollment Quiz- REQUIRED ASSIGNMENT

To remain enrolled in this course you must complete the Enrollment Quiz by the deadline.  All other content is hidden until this quiz is completed so make sure to do this as soon as possible to remain in the course and continue your course work. If you fail to submit the quiz by the posted deadline you will dropped and will not be able to re-enroll until the following semester.

Course Syllabus

Your course syllabus is your course contract outlining important details, course policies, and expectations for this course so read this document carefully.  If you have any questions contact me immediately.  Please print a copy of the syllabus and keep it to refer to throughout the semester.

Within the course syllabus you will find the following information:

• Course description
• Course objectives
• Course overview
• Course materials (textbook, supplementary materials, hardware and software requirements)
• Instructor Contact Information
  
• Course requirements and grading policies
• Attendance policy
• Academic Integrity Policy

Important Items Before You Continue!

Important Changes You Need to Make in Moodle

• Make sure your pop-up blockers are turned off for the Moodle site. 
  
• Moodle Profile - Please use the following recommended settings in your profile, note some will have to be CHANGED from the default settings.   
  
• Click on your name in the upper right corner of the screen then click on Preferences.  We recommend you check the following settings:
• Forum preferences, make sure this is set to "don't automatically subscribe me to forums" and Save Changes.

Moodle Messages - What is it?

Messages allow you to send and receive INSTANT MESSAGES from classmates, instructors or anyone in your Contact list. If someone you Message is online at the time, your message will pop up for them, if not, in about 15 minutes, it is sent to them by e-mail. Use the Message feature when you see someone online in the course with whom you want to communicate - instantly! Each time you login to Moodle you should check your message notification which is located to the left of your name in the upper right corner of your Moodle login.  

The Moodle Course Page

Within your course page, you will notice "blocks" possibly in both the left and right margins of your course  These may contain "shortcuts" which allow you to quickly navigate to a list of open activities (assignments, quizzes, etc.), forums, and resources without navigating to the Topic area of the course. 

NEVER assume these are all your assignments or that they are listed in order of their due date. When you first begin in Moodle navigate through the center content area and progress topic by topic or week by week.  By doing this you will not miss any of the assignments posted by your instructor.  Also remember to keep your weekly announcements checked for changes in due dates or reminders which may be posted.

Submitting Assignments

Follow the instructions provided when submitting all assignments.  If you are unsure how the assignment should be submitted, ASK  (before the deadline).  Failing to follow the instructions may result in you not receiving credit for the assignment.  

Check the Gradebook often to make sure I am getting your work.  All grades will be updated in the Moodle grade book within 7 days of the assignment due date.  To access your grade book click on the main course page, along the top of the course page you will see  GRADES. If you have questions about any grades posted or missing please email with your name, the course, and the specific assignment or grade in question. Don't forget I am teaching multiple sections so if you provide necessary details in your original email I am able to reply to your question much quicker.  (Your email subject may look like this:  SUBJECT:  Heather Lanier, ACA 115 51, Essay1.)

Computer Requirements

Operating System

• PC - Windows 10 Operating System (or better) with the latest updates
• MAC - OS X

Technical Requirements

• High-speed Internet connection (Required for courses that use remote proctoring.)
  
• Camera/Speakers/headphones/microphone
  
• Printer
  
• Cookies must be enabled 
  
• Pop-up blocker is turned off 
  
• Moodle functions well with Google Chrome, MS Edge, and Firefox. Make sure you keep your browsers up to date and that you periodically clear your cache.

Software Recommendations or Possible Requirements

• Adobe Acrobat Reader (http://get.adobe.com/reader/)
  
• MS Office is provided to you through your O365 Email Account. When you log in to your O365 account on the main welcome page, you will see the option to Install on the top right on the page.
  

Additional Software and Hardware requirements are listed in your course syllabus.

Technical Support

Contact Technical Support

The Technical Support Helpdesk is located in the Library, in the Boyette building.  Students may drop in, call, or email for help. When contacting these support services students should be prepared to provide their full name and JSCC student ID.

• Phone: 910-275-6400
• Email: justasktechsupport@jamessprunt.edu

Types of Technology 

JSCC students are exposed to a variety of technology in the classroom and as a part of the admissions and registration process. Some of these services include student email, Self Service, and Moodle.  Below is a brief list of the technology you will likely encounter as a student.  

• Student Email - All curriculum students are provided a JSCC email that is used by the College to send all correspondence. Students should check this email several times per week.  Each student has a unique username and password which should be kept confidential.  
   
• Self Service - Students use Self-Service to review their class schedule and transcripts, register for classes, contact instructors, and check their financial aid status. Each student has a unique username and password which should be kept confidential.  
   
• Moodle - Moodle is a learning management system used by JSCC faculty to post course content. Students may be required to access course materials on Moodle for seated, online, or hybrid courses. Each student has a unique username and password which should be kept confidential.
   
• Course Specific Websites - Instructors may require students to access secure websites to complete course-work, such as online workbooks, quizzes, publisher sites, etc. These websites are often a part of an electronic textbook. Instructors will provide students with specific information and support on how to access this material.  All technical questions regarding these resources should be directed to your instructor. 
    
• FASFA - Students needing assistance in completing the financial aid application should contact the Financial Aid department at 910-275-6379 or visit their office in the Strickland building.