Orientation Information

Welcome to the orientation page for the BIO 1492 DL course. This laboratory course introduces technique and critical thinking skills to students preparing to enter the fields of nursing, respiratory therapy, pharmacy or physician’s assistant. Lab exercises cover metrics, scientific method, cell biology and genetics.

The instructions in the remainder of this document will provide guidance for some of the most frequently asked questions regarding distance learning courses.

Before continuing with the registration process, it's always helpful to determine if a distance learning environment is beneficial to you, the student. A series of questions related to distance learning classes can be found here. After answering the questions truthfully, you'll know whether or not a distance learning class is a good fit for you. You should also view the Myths of Online Instruction before continuing.

Blackboard is a software program that provides useful tools for offering a course over the internet, or as a supplement to on-campus instruction. For this course, Blackboard will be the  virtual classroom. As part of the course, Blackboard will allow you to:

1. see all that is available in a conveniently organized form with a course map and unit-to-unit organization
2. get your assignments, take quizzes and exams, submit homework, and help keep you, the student, up-to-date, along with permitting the instructor to monitor student progress
3. have online discussions about subjects relevant to class work, and online office hours when the instructor is available without going to the office. Blackboard can provide more instructor contact with students, and more contact between students, fostering a "learning community" 

Once you have registered for the course, please send an email to your instructor from within Blackboard informing them that you have signed up for the class. Please include the following information in your email.

1. Your Name
2. Blackboard ID
3. Alternate (non-Blackboard) email address (just in case)

1. This is NOT a self-paced course. There are specific deadlines and due dates for all assignments and quizzes. You should expect to login to the course a minimum of 3 times per week, for a minimum of 2.5-3 hrs of work online per week. 
2. While some of the course work will be performed online, the bulk of the course work will be done offline. 
3. There are no books to purchase for the course. The lab manual is delivered entirely online. Lab supply packets will be provided free of charge, and instructions will be provided within the course regarding their pickup.
4. To successfully complete the course, several in person meetings will be required for exam purposes. Specific dates and times will be provided as the semester progresses.
   
5. Since communication with your instructor will be primarily through email, proper etiquette is required. The subject line of the email should briefly describe the email topic. Class requests and issues, or emails dealing with difficulty comprehending the subject matter will be answered with first priority. When composing an email, write in complete sentences using complete english words. Grammar and punctuation are appreciated. Do NOT type in all caps, as this is shouting in the online world.
6. You will need to create a computer backup plan within the first week of registration. Instructions on how to complete the plan will be found in the course syllabus. Computer problems will NOT be legitimate excuses for not performing your work. 
7. Above all, if you have any problems during the semester, don't hesitate to contact your instructor for help.