Welcome to BIO 1110 - Environmental Science - Distance Learning Section

(Formerly BIO 111)

Instructor: Jim Swan

CNM Office: L111 on the Main Campus

CNM Phone: 505-224-3516, Mailbox 1899

email address: jimmy@unm.edu

The goal of this course is to provide an understanding of how the biosphere works and of man's place within it.

    This section of BIO 1110, Environmental Science, is offered entirely over the internet. Anyone with a personal computer, an internet connection, and Microsoft Word* or Wordperfect software can take this class. It is suggested that you not plan to rely on a computer at work, or even the on-campus computer labs. Your computer must have a sound card and speakers or headphones to use the audio files, and you will also need a personal , individual email account (one is available free to CNM students). You must be computer literate and familiar with browsing and navigating multiple pages, downloading and uploading files, emailing, etc. You must also be a good student who is self-motivated and who has enough time to devote to the readings and other activities required for this course. (See “Is BIO 111 Distance Learning Right For You” at http://envirosci.net/111/distance.htm)

TESTS: To take most tests you will need to come to the CNM Main Campus Testing Center during a pre-arranged time where the test can be proctored. I will also allow DL students to take tests with my on-campus class if they wish to do so (except summer). A message will be sent out about a week before the first test regarding policies and test-taking requirements. Students must be aware of testing center hours and policies and to take each test within the available time window. There will be no extension of test availability for any reason. Failure to take a unit test shall justify involuntary withdrawal from the course.

WebCT: In addition to the instructor’s course web pages, the course utilizes WebCT (Web Course Tools), a software program which provides additional tools which are not ordinarily available to most instructors. All materials are available online through WebCT (http://elearning.cnm.edu and are also linked to the course home page which is: http://envirosci.net/111/envirosci.htm

    In most other respects you will be doing essentially the same thing as students taking the class on campus. Course work utilizes the following activities:

•     Use the Content Units (the turning page icon) to get to the resources for each unit. Within those you will find the Powerpoint presentation in PDF format, the study guide, other content pages (in lieu of text), an outline, a link to a quiz for self-testing (and a few extra points), and links to assignments.
• For each lesson watch video or audio modules which go along with Powerpoint (PPT) presentations illustrating the material. These presentations are the same as those presented to the on-campus students. (There is no PPT for Unit 4 on Hydrology). You must have Adobe acrobat reader and Real Media player to use the Powerpoint and audio files.
• Read the relevant content pages. These pages are linked to the Content Units on WebCT, and also to the Course Syllabus.
• Video clips are available from the WebCT page in Real Media format. These help to augment and explain the course work. A high speed internet connection is strongly advised.
• Keep up with Assignments by checking the Assignments section on WebCT. Assignments are also available from the course syllabus, and are listed on the calendar.
• Submit assignments via WebCT by their due date. There will usually be a short grace period after the due date during which assignments may be submitted for partial (half) credit.
• Take tests by coming to the CNM main campus testing center during the availability period.

How to get started

First log on to the CNM Elearning page, then check out the Orientation to Using the New CE6.  Obtain a WebCT ID and select a password. Be sure you write these down somewhere in case you forget them! You will be asked to confirm the ID and password. When you do so your WebCT page will appear with no courses. Then add BIO 1110 - 51 Environmental Science Swan DL according to the directions given. [NOTE: The course will not be available for self-registration until 8 AM on the first day of class.]

Once you have added to the course click on the link to it and do the following:

Look at the resources available and the organization on the WebCT page. Click on the Assignments logo to get your first assignment, Introduction to Course Materials.  This assignment will introduce you to WebCT  and get you started in the course materials. As part of this assignment, when you have familiarized yourself with the WebCT organization take the Introduction quiz. You find this under Quizzes and Self-Tests. You also need to fill out the Student Profile which includes a place to give your Username (NOT your password). Taking this quiz and submitting your student profile will earn you five points (~1%) toward your grade in the class! Also, the student profile is the manner by which I will know your email address. NOTE: The deadline for completing this assignment to receive the extra points is May 25, 2007

That's all there is to it!

    You can then begin to read the content modules, look at the Powerpoint (PPT) presentations, etc. Although the syllabus prescribes the days when items will be covered in the on-campus class, most items will be available before that date. Deadlines for tests and assignments notwithstanding, you will be able to go at your own pace.

A note about submitting assignments: Assignments must be submitted via WebCT, or as a hard copy. To submit electronically they must be in either Microsoft Word format with either .doc or .rtf extensions. NO OTHER FORMAT WILL BE ACCEPTED. (Be sure that you have MS Word, not Works.  If you have MS Word 2007, you must  save documents as MS Word 97/2000). File names of assignments must be your first and last name plus some identifier for the assignment. For example, if I submitted the assignment for the scientific method it might be titled jim_swan_scimethod.doc .

Regarding email: If you use an anonymous computer, or send from an account belonging to a spouse or a friend, BE SURE to change the preferences so that your name is identified as the sender, not your spouse or friend. Failure to do so may result in your submission not being recognized or accepted. Also a reminder to those with email filters. You must put my email address (jimmy@unm.edu) on the “safe” list in order to be sure you receive all notices and other communications. Even so, sometimes filters remove these messages. Be sure to check your junk mail folder regularly. Do not wait until the last minute to submit assignments. Computer problems and internet problems may delay or prevent submission, but they will not be an acceptable excuse for not meeting deadlines.

Deadlines are important. You can see when each assignment is due on the Course Syllabus, WebCT calendar and Schedule of Completion. The test dates shown are the dates tests will be given to my on-campus class. There will be a 5 day window (not including weekends and holidays) during which DL students can take tests at a proctored location. I will also offer an alternate on-campus time in the late afternoon or evening for DL students. This information will be communicated via email before each test.

Be sure to contact me as soon as possible after the semester begins, either by submitting your Student Profile, or by emailing me at jimmy@unm.edu Failure to contact me within the first two weeks of class, or failure to submit any two required assignments or a unit test by their deadlines will result in your withdrawal from BIO 111 for non-participation.

     I hope this course is enjoyable and interesting to you and that you have a rewarding experience with Distance Learning at TVI. Contact me if you have any questions at jimmy@unm.edu .

Jim Swan