Melissa
Altman-Traub, Instructor
FAQ’s
(Frequently Asked Questions)
How is an Online Course Different from an On-campus Course?
Although this course does not
meet regularly like a traditional, on-campus college class, you will need to
participate on a regular basis. It is recommended that you log on to Web Study
at least twice a week to check for news, mail, or other updates. Although this
course is “flexibly-paced,” it is not “self-paced.” You will be expected to
respond to discussion forums and turn in assignments according to stated due
dates.
Can I Do Everything Online?
You can do almost everything
online, however, please make note that you will need to turn in a copy of your
nutrition analysis for the main course project on campus. This date is posted
in the course timeline.
How Should I Log on to the Course?
Go to CCP’s Distance Education
home page. The URL (Web site address) for Distance Education at CCP is: www.ccp.edu/de. I recommend that you check
this site periodically for updates about distance education at CCP.
On this page, find the link for “How to Login to Web
Study.” Use these instructions. Note that the distance
education home page also has a Web Study User Login box. You may also use this
box to log on to Web Study. However, I strongly recommend that you log on
directly using the following addresses: http://www.ccp.whyy.org/
or http://www.webstudy.com/. If you are
an AOL user, please follow the instructions on Web Study’s login page regarding
AOL.
What Should I Do If I Can’t Log
On to the Course?
First, contact your instructor by “regular” e-mail (ccptraub@aol.com).
If the instructor determines that the problem is not within the course, the
next step is to get help from the Director of Distance Education at CCP. The
operators of Web Study will be notified if needed.
If you can’t log on, there is still plenty of work you can
do off-line (readings, Nutrition Interactive). So, if you are having difficulty
with Web Study, notify your instructor, but keep working.
How Should I Contact My Instructor?
Use the mail function in Web
Study to contact the instructor. Log on to Web Study. Click on the envelope
icon in the upper left of the screen. Then, click the Compose tab. Select a
recipient (Instructor: Altman-Traub, Melissa) by clicking on the name. Give a
meaningful title to your message in the Subject box. Then, compose your message
in the text box. When you are done, scroll down and click “Post It.”
Note: You can check if your mail was sent by clicking on
your Sent Mail folder at the top of the screen.
If you cannot log on to Web Study, send “regular” e-mail
to: ccptraub@aol.com. If you think your message would be better
communicated by speaking, you may use voice mail: 215-751-8542.
What Types of Materials Will I Need for this Course?
You will need to have regular
access to a personal computer with a word-processing program (preferably
Microsoft Word) and Internet access. If you share a computer with others at
home or another setting or share a phone line, make sure you work out an
agreement now regarding scheduled access times. You will need to purchase the
required textbook and well as two CD-ROM programs (see syllabus). These will be
sold “bundled” together at CCP’s main campus bookstore. You will need access to
a printer, although it is fine with me if you choose to print the diet analysis
reports in black and white to save the more expensive colored ink.
What Types of Assignments are Required
for this Course?
Similar to an on-campus class,
you are required to take exams, complete projects and short written
assignments, and participate in class discussion. But, because this class is
conducted online, there are some differences.
Exams:
This class will have a total of two exams, given online,
and therefore are “open-book” exams. More information about the exams
(including the dates) will be provided in the course timeline. You are expected
to do your own work, and the instructor reserves the right to have a student
repeat a similar exam in person.
Diet Analysis Project:
This project is a major assignment in this course, much
like a term paper. The objective of the project is for you to analyze your own
diet, and to develop personal dietary goals. This assignment requires the use
of Diet Analysis Plus software. The instructions for this (and all) assignments
will be posted in the timeline.
Other Assignments:
There are four “homework” assignments in this course. These
assignments are connected to the course content and (like all assignments) will
be posted in the timeline.
Assignments will be in the form of a word-processing file
(Microsoft Word). In order to complete each assignment, you will need to
download the file and save it to your own word-processing program, in a folder
that you have set up for this course. Then, you will complete the assignment
using your word-processing program. After proofreading and spell-checking your
completed assignment, you will need to upload your file in order to submit it.
Note: If you are not familiar with uploading,
downloading, copying, pasting, and saving files, or if you do not possess basic
word-processing skills (keyboarding, editing, file management) then this class
may not be right for you. The instructor may recommend that you take an
on-campus version of this class.
Discussion Forum:
Web Study includes a way for
students to respond to a question posted by the instructor, and also to respond
to other students. A total of six discussion questions will be posted during
the course. This is an important way for you to participate in the course and
enjoy similar interaction to an in-person course. Find the link to the
discussion forum in the timeline. The forums are divided by last name for a
more manageable size.
Where Do I Find the Assignments for this Course?
From the
course notebook page, click on the tab called “Timeline.” In the
timeline you will find all of the information you need to complete this course.
All instructions for textbook reading assignments, relevant Web sites, written
assignments, practice quizzes and other information required for the course
will be posted in the timeline, or linked to the timeline. The timeline is set
up in a week-by-week format to help you pace the workload. You may work ahead
of the timeline. Be careful not to fall behind on assignments and forum
postings as late penalties will be applied.
Should I Use the Other Tabs on the Course Notebook?
The only other Tab you will need
to use is “News,” which you should check each time you log on. You should also
check your mail folder each time you log on. You may also want to keep track of
your grades using the “Grades” tab.
How is Attendance Tracked in This Course?
While
there are no in-person meetings, attendance is tracked from the weekly items
(project, assignments, forum postings, and exams) which are due.
How is the Mail in Web Study Used in this Course?
You will use the mail function to
receive messages from the instructor. It is recommended that you check your Web
Study mail no less than twice a week. From anywhere in Web
Study, click on the envelope icon. This will link you to your mail
folders. The instructor will send “class announcements” by mail, as well as
individual messages. Sometimes, you may receive an attachment to a mail
message. If you do not know how to download and save a file from an e-mail
attachment, now is the time to learn.
In addition, you will use the mail function to send
messages to the instructor to ask a question (e.g., to clarify the directions
on an assignment) or to express your concerns. Always use the “Subject” box to
let the instructor know what your message is about. This is particularly
helpful when old messages need to be retrieved from archived mail.
Where Should I Purchase the Materials I Need for this
Course?
Go to CCP’s main campus bookstore
to purchase the textbook and other materials that are required for this course.
We have ordered the books bundled with two CD ROMs. The “package” price is lower than if you
purchased each item separately online. When you go to the bookstore, be sure to
look for the Distance
Education section. The phone number for the store is 215-751-8151. I
suggest you call to check the hours of operation before you go.
Why Do I Need to Purchase Two CD-ROM programs?
The CD-ROM programs serve
different purposes in this course. Diet Analysis Plus is used to perform
dietary analysis. You will need this program to complete a major project and
two other short assignments. This program is also available for student use on
CCP’s main campus in Room B2-33 and at the
Nutrition Interactive is a supplement to your textbook. It
contains much of the same information, but with computer graphics, audio, and
interactive quizzes and “games.” Some students have found this program to be
very helpful, whereas others find it less useful. The textbook contains all of
the information you will need for this course. Nutrition Interactive is another
way to learn some of the same information.
How Can I Succeed in this Course?
Here are some “Tips for Success:”
* Be sure that you have met the prerequisites for this
course (see syllabus document). If you have not, contact the instructor
immediately.
* Take the Self-assessment for Distance Education (see
Timeline- Week 1). If you do not have a home computer and printer, do not know
how to use a word-processing program (including cut, paste, copy), do not know
how to load software from a CD-ROM, do not know how to send an e-mail message
with an attachment, or do not know how to use a search engine on the Internet, then
online education may not be right for you.
* Log on to Web Study and the course at least twice a week.
Always check for “News” and mail from the instructor.
* Plan your schedule now for at least 9 – 12 hours a week
to devote to this course. It is very different to take an online course when
you are responsible for learning the material, instead of attending a class and
having the benefit of the instructor telling you about the material. You will
need to be self-directed and cannot procrastinate.
* Access the course materials using the “TIMELINE” tab in
Web Study. The timeline is an expanded syllabus and will contain links to the
assignments, Web sites, practice quizzes, discussion forum and more.
* If you are having difficulty using Web Study, contact the
instructor immediately. Use e-mail or voice mail for communication if you
cannot log on to Web Study. Take advantage of the instructor’s online office
hours.
* Take advantage of Web Study Training and the Help
function in Web Study.
* Work steadily---DO NOT FALL BEHIND. Successful students follow the timeline and submit assignments before or on the stated due dates.