Welcome to FCS 021.

 

 To help you get off to a great start, I want to welcome you to our online "virtual" classroom.  As I've shared with you in the pre-class email, I believe the beauty of online classes is that you can take our class with you and complete your work anytime, anywhere; as long as you get it done by the due dates and times.  I will be explaining just how this works in more detail below.  However, at the very start, I want to be sure you are aware of certain course policies and procedures.

 

This is a 16-week semester and each week we will study a different chapter in our textbook, Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies.  Several assignments require Diet Analysis+ software.  You will learn more about the textbook and software that is required under Course Assignments, described below.

 

We will be using the Moodle course management software.   Here is the link to log into class: http://moodle.lamission.edu/

Please use the following information to Login:

Username = your student ID (881234567)
PIN = your SIS PIN which is normally mmdd of your birth (eg. 0605

 

If you have trouble or don't understand how to log into our class, you can get help at the Moodle Help Desk (http://missiononline.pbworks.com/w/page/31258493/help-desk).  If you are new to Moodle, this form of learning will also be a new experience for you. Previous students advise that "you should click on all the links on the class page as often as you need until you are comfortable with the format."

 

In the meantime, if you need a little help getting oriented, there are many resources (including videos) available to view at the Moodle Help Desk (http://missiononline.pbworks.com/w/page/31258493/help-desk).  You can always go back and click on this link to get more help if you need it.  If you need to improve your computer skills, you can also get help at the Learning Resource Center (http://lamission.edu/learningcenter/) on campus.

 

Who should I contact if I cannot login to my moodle class ?
Call the Help Desk at 818-415-2015. That actually is my cell phone. I am the Help Desk for Moodle classes at Mission.  You can also email the Help Desk at onlinemission@gmail.com (that email comes directly to me).

 

 Communicating with Me:

 

Certain time/date deadlines are expected to be met as the course progresses, so you must have access to a reliable computer and reliable internet connection.  The course "classroom" can be found online at  http://moodle.lamission.edu . 

 
Office Hours:  You can contact me by email or phone, Monday-Friday; 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Email:  sueshawla@gmail.com        Phone: (818)640-3717

 

 

 I will make every effort to provide you with timely and meaningful feedback. I will check my email and the discussion board daily (Monday-Friday), and once on the weekend.  I am not available on Sundays.   I will read assignments and post grades within two weeks of the due date.  Weekly quizzes will be graded online and you will receive immediate feedback of your  grade.  You may see the questions again only after the quiz closes at the end of the week by clicking on the quiz again.

 

Since assignments and quizzes in this class are done online (without "face-to-face" REAL time), it is extremely important that you ask questions any time something is not clear to you.

 

If you have a general question regarding class structure, readings, assignments, etc., please post it at the top of the page under Q & A Forum. Someone else may also have the same question as you do.  Everyone in class will be able to see your question and I will respond to your question when I am "in" class.  However, since my time "in" class varies from day to day, someone else may be able to provide an answer to you before I can.

 

You can always send me or other classmates a message "in" class by clicking on Participants.  Click  on the name of the person(s) you want to send a message to.  After you write your message, click on "Send Message" at the bottom of the page.  When the person(s) send you back a message, an envelope will show up next to their name, indicating a message is waiting for you.  You will also receive a duplicate email in your email inbox.

You can also send emails directly to me at SueShawLA@gmail.com.  I will respond to your email within 24 hours (often sooner) Monday-Friday.  If you send me an email on the weekend, I will respond to your email within 48 hours (or sooner).  Although I try to "check in" during the weekends, I am often not available instantly.  On Saturday and Sunday, you may get a faster response to your question by sending a message to your classmates.

 

Finally, you may call me on my cell phone during Monday-Friday between 9:00 am-4:00 pm at 818-640-3717.  If I don't pick up the call, please leave me a message regarding your need and  include your class section number and your return phone number.  I will get back to you as soon as I am available.

 

Class Time Requirement:

CA Ed Code, Title 5 §55002 - the Carnegie Unit Rule
Guideline for Section 55002.5
In this section, the basic unit of college credit is defined to avoid reference to specific term lengths (previously described in terms of hours/week over a 15-week term). A minimum of 48 hours on the semester system (or 33 hours on the quarter system) of lecture, study, lab work is required for one unit of credit regardless of term length. The section establishes the minimum expected time on task (lecture, study, and or lab work) that is necessary to award one unit of credit. In practice, the number of hours varies among institutions, but is generally within the range of 48-54 hours per unit for colleges on the semester system. For each hour of lecture, it is assumed that students will be required to spend an additional two hours of study outside of class. The number of units awarded for laboratory courses is generally based entirely on the number of hours of laboratory work, presuming that students complete most required work in class.

To determine the estimated number of hours a student will spend on the course per week, divide the total hours by the number of weeks in your term.  For example, a 3 unit online class requiring 144 hours of work will, taught in a 15-week semester term, require roughly 10 hours of student work per week (144/16).

 

 

Check In/Drop Policy:  

Your Spring 2012 online class begins on February 6, 2012, the same day as Monday face-to-face classes on LAMC's campus.  Only students who are officially enrolled in the class will have access to the online class.  It is your responsibility to complete the registration process at the LAMC Admissions Office.  Once the semester begins, you need to login to your moodle class and begin participating in the course.

 

I understand that you may want to get a sense of our class before it opens on the first day of the semester.  Some of the tutorials will help you do that if you have never taken an online Moodle class before. 

 

You may also be deciding which classes are best for your schedule and availability.  However, due to the reduction of class offerings at the college, my classes are always full at the beginning of the semester and many additional students are wanting to enroll.  If you decide the class isn't right for you, please drop the class as soon as possible to clear a spot for another student.

 

Again, here is the link to log into class: http://moodle.lamission.edu/  Please use the following information to Login: Username = your student ID (881234567)  PIN = your SIS PIN which is normally mmdd of your birth (eg. 0605

 

You are expected to log into class during the first week of the semester.  You are also required to edit your profile and introduce yourself on the Welcome Discussion Forum during the first week of class.  All other work assigned for the first week of class must be completed and submitted by 11:30 pm,  Sunday, February 12th.

 

By 11:30 pm on February 12th, you must complete the following activities (in your moodle classroom).

 

1.  Download and print class syllabus.

2. Navigate around our Moodle classpage and be sure to click on all the links on the page until you are comfortable finding all the lectures, activities, assignments,quizzes, etc.

3. Click on Forum Discussion link and tell us about you and your expectations for this class.

3. Read the Orientation and Critical Thinking Lecture.

4.  Watch the "How Do you Know if the Website you're Using is Credible" video.

5. After reading the Orientation and Critical Thinking Lecture and watching the "How Do you Know if the Website you're Using is Credible" video, complete the Credible Websites Assignment.

7. Post your response in the Credible Websites discussion forum no later thanThursday, February 9th at 11:30 pm, two replies to classmate posts are due no later than Sunday, February 12th) at 11:30pm.

8. Take the Orientation Quiz in Moodle by Sunday, February 12th at 11:30 pm. This 10 question (multiple choice, T/F, matching) quiz  contains material from the  lecture. You should read the lecture before taking the quiz. You are welcome to make multiple attempts at this quiz. This quiz is designed to give you experience in quiz taking.

 

If you do not log into our FCS 021 Moodle classroom during the first week of class (February 6 - 12, 2012) or complete the first week's assignments (no later than Sunday, February 12th at 11:30 pm), you will be dropped from the class.

 

It is the students sole responsibility to officially withdraw from the class. You do this at your Student Information System.

         Deadline to drop without a “W”: Sunday, March 4, 2012

         Deadline to drop with a “W”: Sunday, May 6, 2012

 

 

Class Work and Late Work:

This course is divided into 16 units, usually one unit per chapter.  Each unit will include a lecture, textbook or website readings, 1-2  assignments (that may include a discussion topic) and a quiz.  There will be two major research projects due during the semester.  You are expected to participate in the class discussions.

 

You must complete all assignments by the due dates (and times) to receive credit.  Due dates are listed below. 

Late assignments will receive a 0 grade.

 

There will be chapter quizzes, which will cover information from the readings, lectures, discussions, and student research.      Quizzes may only be taken during OPEN DATES and may NOT be taken late.    NO MAKE-UP QUIZZES WILL BE GIVEN.

 

Late Work  Policy

Read Very Carefully

Students will NOT be able to submit assignments or access quizzes AFTER the due/closing date. Requests to submit late assignments or quizzes must be made PRIOR to the due date and will be discretionary. Generally permission to submit late work is only granted in extreme family or personal circumstances, and not because the student failed to submit the work in a timely fashion.

 

Late postings to discussion forums will NOT be graded, reviewed or given credit. The time to post is 11:30 pm on the given due date.  Any postings to discussion forums after 11:30 pm, or as scheduled, will earn NO CREDIT or POINTS.

All pre-approved late assignments will only be accepted during the LAST week of class. If you send or submit an assignment or quiz via email or otherwise before the last week of class, you will receive NO consideration, nor receive credit. (**special thanks to BM for developing above policy)

 

Grading:
 
A = 90% or above
B = 80-89
C = 70-79
D = Below 70
F - Below 60
 
A grade of C or greater is required to pass the class
 
Incomplete: It is the students sole responsibility to "drop" the class. Please make sure that you are aware of the Important Dates.  If you require a grade of "incomplete," you must receive prior approval from me as soon as possible and discuss the terms of its removal.
 
Academic Honesty:  Academic honesty is highly valued at Los Angeles Mission College, just as it is at all colleges and universities. A student must always submit work that represents his or her original words or ideas. If any words or ideas are used that do not represent the student's original words or ideas, the student must cite all relevant sources. The student should also make it clear to what extent such sources was used. Words or ideas that require citations include, but are not limited to, all hard copy or electronic publications, whether copyrighted or not, and all verbal or visual communications when the content of such communications clearly originates from an identifiable source. All submissions to any public meeting or private mailbox fall within the scope of words and ideas that require citations if used by someone other than the original author. 
 
Plagiarism - If you are unclear about how to use text citations properly, check out the following Web Sites.

 

http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml

 

http://www.csub.edu/ssric-trd/howto/plagiarism.htm 

 

http://www.hamilton.edu/style/avoiding-plagiarism 

 

Odd things happen in cyberspace: emails get lost, servers disconnect temporarily and sometimes  logins are impossible. 

• Don’t wait until the last minute to turn in assignments 
• Allow time to meet deadlines
• Reply and check for replies to messages promptly
• It is your responsibility to communicate and get your work in to me on time
• I check internet links frequently; however, it is possible that they may change or errors at the site might occur.  Please report any problem you experience with links

 

Special Needs:

If you have special educational needs, you may contact the Disabled Student Program and Servies (http://lamission.edu/dsps/) for assistance.

 

Where do I seek support if I need special accommodations?
Reasonable Accommodations:  If you are a student with a disability and require online class accommodations, please send your online instructor an email to discuss arrangements.  The sooner we are aware that you are eligible for accommodations, the quicker we will be able to provide them.  If you have not done so already, you may also wish to contact the DSP&S Office in Instructional Building 1018 (phone 818/364-7732 TTD 818/364-7861). There website and resources are located at http://www.lamission.edu/dsps/

For students requiring accommodations, the DSP&S Office at Mission College provides special assistance in areas like: registering for courses, specialized tutoring, note-taking, mobility assistance, special instruction, testing assistance, special equipment, special materials, instructor communications, community referrals and job placement. 

 

Tips to Be a Successful Online Student:

 

 An internet course is student-centered and is very different from a traditional teacher-centered classroom.  Some students comment that it is even harder!   Although you will receive explicit instructions about assignments, you will need to assume much of the responsibility for your own learning.  Please keep a copy of all assignments and work submitted.  If you do not receive feedback from me within two weeks of submitting an assignment, please send me an email inquiry to verify that I have received the material.

1. Read all of the information on the moodle class page and the online program Wiki pages to find answers before contacting me to ask questions that are already answered on those pages.
 
2. Keep your email ID listed in the Student Information System current. That is one way I have to contact you.
 
3. Check your junk email folder a few days prior to the start of a new class and for at least one week thereafter. Emails I may send to you might go into your junk mail folder.
 
4. Take responsibility for contacting me when you don’t understand what is required of you.
 
5. Don’t assume your first email or phone call has been received by me. If you don’t get a response, contact me again and politely ask for assistance. Give at least 24-48 hours for your me to respond. I will probably be receiving hundreds of emails and calls each week. I am trying to help everyone, but sometimes that task is impossible.

How do I know if I am ready to take an online class?

Take this short, informative quiz to find out. You may be surprised with the results.
https://www.waol.org/prospective_students/isonlineforme.aspx

 

Carefully read How to be a Successful Online Student

Course Assignments: 

 

Reading Assignments:  There is a reading assignment each week, generally from the course textbook.  There will also be reading assignments on the internet.

Textbook:           Nutrition Concepts & Controversies  12th ed. (REVISED) AND Diet Analysis+ Software (BUNDLED TOGETHER)

                          Frances Sizer, Ellie Whitney

ISBN:                  Bundle: Text + 2010 Dietary Guidelines + Diet Analysis Plus 2-Semester Printed Access Card

                           ISBN-13: 9781133217534

When you purchase the bundle, be sure it contains the latest version of the Nutrition Concepts & Controversies, that includes the Dietary Guidelines 2010.  These will be available the week before classes start at the bookstore or may be ordered directly from the publisher by contacting the publisher at http://www.cengagebrain.com/shop/isbn/9781111977757

 

Quizzes:   Each week has a quiz which consists of 10 question (multiple choice, T/F, matching).  Once you begin the quiz, you must finish and submit it in less then 30 minutes; at 30 minutes, the quiz will shut off and you will receive a 0 score.  The quizzes may be taken a maximum of 3 times and you will receive your highest score.   The quizzes will close on the last day (Sunday) of each week at 11:30 pm.You should read the each of these before taking the quiz. You are welcome to make up to three attempts at this quiz during the week and your grade will be based on your highest score.  Once you take the quiz you will receive an immediate score for your quiz.  Note: sharing answers you have received with other students who have not taken the quiz is "Cheating" - see our policies on plagiarism.  You may NOT take a quiz past the last day of the week and NO LATE QUIZZES will be allowed.

 

Written Assignments:   Generally these will be related to your textbook or class subject. Sometime you will be asked to generate a word document and upload it to the site. Normally you can just post your text in a box for each assignment. You will be able to see the date and time you submitted your assignments by clicking on "assignments" on the left side of your moodle page. It is recommended that you go to your assignments, and copy the directions and any related links and then "log off."  Word process your answers to each question, , assignment, etc. and then "log in" again and "copy and paste" from your word processor on your computer over to the moodle posting "box" (which appears under each assignment in Moodle) or the corresponding discussion forum. Please carefully read about "save changes" in the Moodle classroom, and do not use it as your word processor.

 

Software:            Diet Analysis+ Software

                           www.cengage.com/login

 

ISBN:                 ISBN-13:978-0-538-49508-0

 

You must have access to this software program to complete many assignments in class.  If you already have a textbook, you may purchase and instant access code for the software separately from Cengage Publishing at http://www.cengagebrain.com/shop/isbn/9780538495097

 

Research Paper:  You will research one assigned vitamin or mineral and submit a written report (not to exceed 3 pages).

 

Final Diet Analysis Assignment: This will be an individual written report that requires data entry and printed reports from Diet Analysis+ software.

 

There will be deadlines during the week (Monday - Sunday) so this class will not work for you if you are only available on weekends.The beauty of an online class is any time, anywhere, but within the deadlines. 

 

I want you all to do well and learn as much as possible about good nutrition, making healthy choices, and living a healthy lifestyle. To be successful in this online learning medium, you are really the one responsible for your own learning. You will need to follow directions carefully and be able to work independently. I am happy to help you whenever I can. Please feel free to always contact me with your questions. And, ask for help from your classmates both in the discussions and through messages. We can all benefit from each others’ experiences even at a distance!

 

Whew! Lots of information but, I promise, it gets easier the more you get used to our class format.  I am here to help you on your quest for new knowledge!   I am passionate about healthy eating and am looking forward to introducing you to the science behind the food you eat!

 

Again, welcome,

Prof Shaw

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