Week of January 26-30

I post to my blog numerous times each week, the first of which will likely be on Sunday mornings. The Sunday morning blog post will contain everything that is due for that week, and will also contain some reminders. Since today marks the first day of our week, here is the 'official' post for this week. Please read all blog posts so far and make sure you follow any instructions I have posted here. At the start of the semester there are usually repetitive questions students have and my blog is a good place to get some answers.

Here is what's due for this week as listed on the Schedule Page on Blackboard:

1). Log onto Blackboard and start with the "Getting Started" page. Follow instructions on that page to get started in the course.

2). Due Date #1 - email instructor by Wednesday, Jan. 27th at 11:59pm from the email address you would like all class emails to go. Please include your full name, a contact phone number (preferably a cell #), and your intent to participate for the duration of the semester.

3). Due Date #2 - email instructor by Saturday, Jan. 30th at 11:59pm with the following (as noted on the "Getting Started Page" on Blackboard):
*Name
*Alias Name you have chosen for the semester
*Include a link to your blogspot webpage
*Phone number if not previously sent

4). Post to your blog an introductory post by Saturday, Jan. 30th at 11:59pm (preferably earlier). In this first post you should introduce yourself to the class. Talk a little about your 'communication experience', and let us know what you hope to get out of this course. Also talk a bit about your experience with online classes, and perhaps let us know what some of your interests are so we can get to know you better.

5). Review all pages on Blackboard. I have yet to post the "Participation Page" or course projects, but expect them to be uploaded shortly.

6). Review the Syllabus including the Late Work policy. I am strict about deadlines, so get to know the deadlines in this course well.

7). Review the Schedule Page and Participation Page (when it is uploaded).

8). Read Chapter 1 in the Epstein text - Critical Thinking.

9). Read Chapter 1 in the Small Group Text - Foundations of Communicating in Small Groups and Teams

10). Read over the Netiquette Homepage (including links) and Learn the Net: Netiquette.

Reminder #1 - I hold office hours on Tuesday's and Thursday's from 9am to 11am on Yahoo Messenger. This means that while I am working I keep Yahoo Messenger open. If you see me available that means I'm available to chat in real time. Go ahead and pop in if you'd like to chat with me. If you do chat, please follow normal pleasantries by using a greeting at the start of the conversation and a closing salutation at the end of the conversation. Many students have gotten into the habit of abruptly logging on and off without a word that the conversation is over.

Reminder #2 - This Thursday is a furlough day. That means that I will not hold office hours on that day. You will hear quite a bit about furlough days this semester, not only from me, but from other instructors on campus. If there is any confusion about furlough days, please email me.

Reminder #3 - Typical weeks run from Sunday morning at 12:01am to Saturday night at 11:59pm. Again, I'm a stickler about deadlines so get to know them well!

I will likely post again later or tomorrow. Until then.......

The Blogging Prof signing off!