Introduction to Psychology Online Courses

 with Dr. Kari Tucker

 

Using Blackboard and Other Important Information

 

Introduction

 

Hello!  And, welcome to this online course!  If you are a student in more than one of my online courses, the weekly format is similar.  But, the syllabus for each class is different.  Please review your class syllabus very well. You will be held responsible for knowing the expectations, and for the due dates and times for each component of your grade. A link to the syllabus is located at the bottom of this page, and in “Course Documents” in the Blackboard system.  

 

Taking courses in an online format is an excellent way to learn about Psychology! However, it is VERY important that you stay self-regulated.  Students who are self-regulated tend to do better in courses in general, and especially online courses.  So, please stay on top of your work—it might be helpful to keep your schedule portion of the syllabus on your desk, and then check off each task as you complete and submit them. 

 

Each week (or half a week for summer classes; see the schedule portion of the syllabus) you will have 3 things due:  1).  A weekly assignment; 2). A chapter quiz (see your syllabus); and 3). Three separate postings or submissions to a blackboard topic.  Please remember, the links to these things will be removed at the due date and time—if you are currently submitting passed that due date AND time, you will be locked out of the system. So, give yourself enough time to complete your quiz, completely upload an assignment or semester paper, and respond to your discussion board topics.  I want to see each of my students successful, and your planning ahead and completing AND SUBMITTING on time will definitely help you!

 

Lastly, don’t forget—you have a semester paper to complete.  This paper is designed for you to delve more deeply into topics in this course so that you can think more critically about a specific area of study.  I provide a DETAILED handout so that each student has the opportunity to do VERY well on this paper—this handout is provided in the syllabus.  And, don’t forget to pay attention to the due date and time that is listed in the schedule portion of the syllabus!

 

General Introduction to the Blackboard System:  

 

Please note that when you click the links below, it might take a bit of time for the program to load—be patient, and you will learn about navigating the Blackboard system. J

 

 

bd10264_   Logging on to the Blackboard System (for an alternative to the Flash tutorial, click here)

 

bd10264_   Important Links on the Blackboard System (for an alternative to the Flash tutorial, click here)

 

bd10264_   Taking Chapter Quizzes  (for an alternative to the Flash tutorial, click here) 

 

bd10264_   Completing and Uploading Weekly Chapter Assignments (for an alternative to the Flash tutorial, click here)

 

bd10264_   Uploading Your Semester Paper(s) (for an alternative to the Flash tutorial, click here)

 

bd10264_   Responding to Discussion Board Topics (for an alternative to the Flash tutorial, click here)

 

 

Important Reminders for this Psychology ONLINE Course

 

Please remember to give well-thought-out responses in your weekly assignments, semester paper(s), and discussion board postings.  A simple, “yes,” “no,” “me too,” or something similar does not count as a sufficient response.  So, just remember to explain your ideas. 

 

Please save your weekly assignments as a Rich Text Format.  I may or may not have the same program, so as long as you save your document as an “RTF” (Rich Text Format) paper before uploading it, I will not have a problem opening your document.  For instructions on how to save your document as an RTF file, click this link:  How to Save as a Rich Text Format

 

Remember, when uploading your weekly assignments, please upload them and COPY AND PASTE YOUR INFORMATION IN THE MESSAGE WINDOW as well.  This way, you have given me your assignment in two ways—this assures you that I receive your assignment one way or the other.  If I cannot open your file (for some reason) and you have not copied and pasted your responses in the message window, then I cannot give you credit.  Please don’t let this happen!  I do not accept late work, so this will assure you that I receive your assignment. 

 

Remember, if you are in a pinch for time, please  DO NOT email me your assignment or semester paper—I do not accept these by email.  Please plan ahead before uploading these to the Blackboard system.

 

Please remember to look at the schedule portion of the syllabus frequently.  All due dates and times are listed.  The semester paper seems to sneak up on students even though they have plenty of time to prepare.  It might be helpful to check off each item as you complete and upload them so that you stay on top of your work. 

 

When responding to the discussion board topics, it is expected that at least one of your responses is a direct response to the prompt that I post—the other two must be in response to other students.  Again, you must have three different postings or submissions to receive full credit.  Also, please do NOT make postings on the last day only.  It is expected that your first response to my prompt will be posted within 2 days of the appearance of the topic (within 1 day for summer classes).  If you do not do this, then you will receive partial credit only.  Other students enjoy reading other students’ comments, and if you save it to the last minute to post your responses, few if any students will have the chance to read it.

 

I am here to help you! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me.  I am usually quick to respond to students.  If I do not get back to you quickly, then something might have happened to your email (such as my accidently deleting it or it simply failing to get to me) so please email me again. This is our way of communicating and I want to make sure you have your questions answered!