English Online Orientation

Please read all of the following very carefully:

My name is Jim Richey and I will be leading you on this journey through the land of English online.  I am a fulltime English instructor for Tyler Junior College and your instructor for this class.  I know for some of you this is your first online course and maybe your first course in the Apache Online system.  Here are a few initial tips I have for you that I have learned over the years as both a student in online courses, and a teacher:

1.  Don't procrastinate!  Expect the unexpected.  Murphy's Law is always in place: "If anything can go wrong, it will go wrong.”  I will give you plenty of time to do each assignment.  Please don’t wait until the last minute to submit it to me.  If you have last minute computer problems etc., I will not be able to help you.  Give yourself at least 24 hours (before the final due date) per assignment.  Remember computers crash, cars break down, floppy disks fail, etc.  Plan for these things to happen! Once the due date and time for the assignment has past, I will not accept it late.  You have until the day and time listed on the assignment to submit the work to me through Apache Online. Do not think of the date and time as the due date, think of it as the last possible date and time I will accept it.

2.  Email me exclusively through the Apache Online Course email.  Sometimes you will have questions or comments that will pertain to the entire class and I will be able to share this information with everyone easier through the class email.  I will not check my TJC email as much (which is jric@tjc.edu).  I will be in and out of the office all semester, so the Blackboard email is the way to go. 

3.  For all assignments you upload as attachments, I will only accept documents done in “Microsoft Word.”  None of the computers I use at TJC or home have “Microsoft Works” so I cannot receive attachments in “Works” or certain other programs.  Please remember this!   For anyone who has Office 2007 Microsoft Word that has a .docx file extension please read the following carefully: you need to choose one of the other "save as" options in your program to make sure the extension is .doc.

The first week of class will be more or less an orientation week (getting familiar with Apache Online) but you will have an assignment: 

“Write a brief description of yourself. Tell me about your hobbies, likes/dislikes, interests, family, pets, favorite classes, or anything that you would like to share about yourself. Microsoft Word is the only acceptable format for submitting any assignment. It will be due at the end of the first week of class.  See the "Assignments" link on the left side on your screen for more details. 

All of the information you will need for this course can be found in the left column of your homepage.  All of the assignments for this course are listed under the “Assignments” link.  Each assignment will have the appropriate directions and instructions.   

Questions/HELP!

Accessing Your Course in Apache Online:

1. Logon to Apache Access (http://apacheaccess.tjc.edu)

2. Click on My Online Courses.

3. You should now see any courses you are taking online. Click on the one you want to work on.

http://www2.tjc.edu/de/AccessingApacheOnline.pdf

http://apacheaccess.tjc.edu/cp/home/loginf

http://www2.tjc.edu/de/

PLEASE REMEMBER that I can help you with English but I am not a computer or Apache Online expert.  For any technical pr computer problems or questions about Apache Online please refer all questions to the Help Desk at TJC.  Their hours are Monday through Thursday 8AM-5PM, and Friday 8AM-1PM.  Their phone number is Toll Free: 1 800 687 5680 ext. 2413 Local: 903-510-2413

Tyler Junior College Help Desk email: helpdesk@tjc.edu

“And in the end…”

Here's a word of caution for those of you who are taking your first online learning class. Realize that this class will require you to spend at least the same amount of time as a class that meets three hours a week in a classroom, and some students find that a web-based course takes more time. The chief difference is that the student chooses the time of day or night to "enter" the virtual classroom, but not how often. For this class, plan to spend approximately three hours a week in reading information sent to you by your instructor or in making the usual (not always) two postings per week.  In addition, plan to spend six hours a week completing the reading assignments in your textbook or reading material posted on the web.  Here are some questions to ask yourself before you decide to remain enrolled in this or any other web-based class.

If you are unable to answer "yes" to all of the questions below, online learning is probably (95% probability) not for you.

1.      Am I self-directed, highly motivated, and self-disciplined?

2.      Can I set a personal schedule and complete assignments by the required dates?

3.      Are my writing and communication skills better than average?

4.      Do I try to solve problems and work through difficulties independently?

5.      Can I read and follow detailed instructions on my own?

6.      Am I already comfortable with using the Internet as a means of communication and research?

7.      Do I own or have access to a computer with Internet access and email?

Remember the secret to online course success is discipline and time management.  Procrastination, in this particular setting, can be very destructive.  You must be self-motivated and proactive.  Online courses are not for everyone, but if you follow these rules of advice, you should do well. 

I look forward to working with you this semester!

Jim Richey

English instructor

Tyler Junior College