Course Corequisites: NONE
Online Astronomy at Ventura College
Instructor: Dr. C. Terry
This section is offered as an alternative to the usual presentation format. There are no regular class meetings or live orientation but you must plan to attend Ventura College for the final examination and login at home on the online test dates (see later). The course is conducted over the internet using a Blackboard Learning System platform for course information and management. Those of you not already familiar with the Blackboard system should contact the instructor for extra help and guidance.
Online Orientation
The website you are accessing now (http://academic.venturacollege.edu/cterry/ - Astro file) provides you with all the information you need to enroll and commence the course. Additional information and answers to any questions you may have prior to, and immediately after registration can be obtained via email from the instructor (see later).
Computer Requirements
Plug-ins such as Java, Acrobat Reader, Flash Player, Shockwave Player, Quicktime, RealPlayer, and windows Media Player are necessary. See the link http://www.webct.com/tuneup/ and click on the link to 'Plug-ins' at the right of the screen.
You will need to disable pop-up blockers including ones that come with your computer and those that are part of your browser.
You will need to ENABLE JavaScript
Access Code
You MUST purchase an access code to enroll in this course. The code is purchased online and here's how to proceed:
a. Go to www.webct.com/accesscodes
b. Choose 'Vista or CE license (formerly webCT)' Click Go!
c. In the 'Search for keyword' enter the author name: Guidry Click GO!
d. Choose the first selection:
Brief Online Journey Through Astronomy, 2nd Web Tutor Advantage PLUS
Publisher: Thomson Learning Web Tutor Advantage PLUS
Author: Guidry
Price: $37.50
Click 'More Info'
e. Click 'Buy Access Code'
This is the ONLY expense for this course. It gives you access to an on-line textbook - no other book(s) are needed.
(Make sure you get the access code for the BRIEF version - the website serves other on-line astronomy courses - our's is the Brief version)
Once you get your access code, you will be able to login to the course.
Any problems or queries about access codes etc. should be directed to the instructor:
Login Procedure
Once you have your access code and the roster has been uploaded, you can login with the following information:
a. URL: Go to http://vcccd.blackboard.com
b. Username: Your 900# that you use for WebSTAR
c. Password: Same as you use for WebSTAR
d. Click on the course title and this will take you to the course. The first time you try, you will be prompted for your access code. Follow the instructions from there.
Course Details
The WebCT course Homepage is your entry into the course and serves as the main menu. There is no printed textbook for this course. There is an eBook built into the astronomy website.
ebook
Your online textbook can be accessed under Course Content from the course Homepage.
Note: Not everyone is comfortable reading directly off the screen. The ebook contains many animations etc. to help in your understanding (one of it's very positive aspects!) but it cannot be simply downloaded or printed. So please be sure you are OK with this type of resource.
Each chapter has a Chapter Outline, a list of Learning Objectives and End-of-chapter multiple choice questions.
A Calendar for the course can be accessed from the Homepage where a suggested chapter-by-chapter schedule is posted as well as the dates of the online tests.
Self-Assessment - End of Chapter Multiple Choice Tests
Their are the multiple choice tests for each chapter of the ebook. They have the appearance and format of regular tests but after finishing these tests you can get immediate feedback on your answers. These tests are not graded - they are for your own feedback as a measure of how you are progressing with the course material.
Assessment
Your overall course grade will be determined by grades on 7 online multiple choice tests (up to 15 questions per test) and a (short!) final examination. The dates of the tests and final exam will also be listed in the website Calendar. A tentative schedule is shown below - this will be confirmed later. Each test covers a section of the course - full details are shown in the course Study Guide (accessible from Homepage). Each test is time-limited and there are no make-up tests. So be sure you can login at the test days and during the times the test is open. You should plan to attend at Ventura College for the final exam.
Online Test and Final Exam Schedule
Test Dates: September 14, September 28, October 12, October 26, November 9, November 23, December 7.
Final Exam (at VC) December 17 6 - 6:45 pm Sci 118 - ( NOTE: Tentative date, subject to room availability).
Grades
7 tests @ 12.5% = 87.5% Final Exam. = 12.5%
Grade A > 85%
Grade B >75%
Grade C >65%
Grade D >55%
Grade F <55%
Questions?
Instructor questions? cterry@vcccd.net
Other Information
E-mail Addresses
Most of you have your email address on file at VC. In previous semesters, it has been important for the instructor to be able to contact students before their astronomy Blackboard accounts are established. To facilitate this please make sure that you register an up-to-date email address with VC.
Once you are able to login to the course and the class roster is complete and uploaded, all email exchanges will take place within the Blackboard course. You access this feature from the course Homepage.
There is also a Discussion area - from time to time information will be posted here from the instructor. You can also use this discussion area to communicate/ask general questions/post queries etc. for other students to read and reply to.
On-going course information will be uploaded to the site regularly. So be prepared to check Discussion and email periodically.
There are other folders and files listed on the HomePage - take a look at these after your first login.
NOTE: As mentioned already, a separate text book is not needed for this course. However, if you wish you can purchase an introductory astronomy text from the VC bookstore - they are available for our regular campus-based astronomy course and the bookstore will stock copies (new and used).