Note: the above paragraph (with the strikethrough) is not applicable to BIO
101-70 for the first five weeks of the summer semester 2008. Lessons & Investigations (using your first unit Evolution in BIO 101 as an example)
Lessons (lecture).
The lectures that go along with our first unit Evolution
are on the Thinkwell website. The instructor (George Wolfe) goes pretty
fast, so to make sure you identify the important points I have prepared an
outline of questions to go along with each lesson (Go to the schedule and click on one of the lessons
to see what I'm talking about). Your job is to carefully listen to the lessons
and answer all of the questions (or do what ever it is I'm telling you to do).
Oh, by the way, I strongly encourage you to purchase a used college general
biology book (it doesn't matter what publisher)... at the very least, you can
check one out from your library - Don't forget to renew. I think you will
benefit from reading the material and related figures in a textbook in addition
to listening to the online lectures.
You're free to go at your own pace through the Evolution unit. I will make your test "hot" on BlackBoard on the dates indicated in your schedule. Make #@$% sure you take your test during this time. There are no make-ups! Don't wait until the evening of the last date to take your test. Stuff happens. Storms knock out power. Dogs eat modem cables. Meteor showers disable satellites. And, NO you may not have a make-up test. Are we clear on this?
If there is ever going to be a change to anything it will be announced on your announcement page (go ahead and click on this link, and then come on back).
Investigations (lab).
Tough words, from a tough instructor!
Obviously we won't be meeting on a
regular basis for laboratory activities. There will be one, I repeat, one
Saturday when we will all meet in J105 to do those hands-on labs that are
essential for any undergraduate biology student to perform. That mandatory
Saturday is listed on your schedule. We will get started at the time stated
in your schedule and probably
finish around 3:30 PM. Everyone attends. No exceptions. There is no way we can
make-up this experience. If you know that you can't attend, then consider
dropping the course now - because I will pull you out
of the course if you fail to attend this meeting. Yes, I mean it.
Note: the above paragraph (with the strikethrough) is not applicable to BIO
101-70 for the first five weeks of the summer semester 2008.
There are three types of investigations:
The following answer is from your syllabus under "Text (required)"....
Play it safe - talk to someone on the bookstore staff and show them your course number so they can identify the above required course materials.
1. You will use thinkwell.com to listen to the assigned online lectures.
2. You will use BlackBoard to take your quizzes, tests, and to post questions on our course Discussion Board.
3. You will use my webpage for everything else (schedule, announcements, FAQ, assignments, syllabus, etc....).
Our college has a wonderful tutorial to help you get started: http://www.brcc.edu/dl/internetbasedlearningguide/
Better yet, speak/e-mail a living person at our Student Computer Lab: http://community.brcc.edu/lab/
Not much. You will be taking quizzes or tests after completing specific activities. Occasionally, you will be asked to turn in a small report for specific investigations. Check your schedule for more information and dates concerning quiz availability on BlackBoard. Again, click on the different assignments to see what is expected and how you will be assessed.
Hey, that's my primary job. E-mail me (calling is the least preferred mode of getting in touch with me) and we'll set up time to work on what's bothering you. Better yet, go to BlackBoard and post your questions on our discussion board. Somebody may have already asked the question. If not, you can start a new thread. Please don't be shy - someone has to break the ice.
I strongly urge you guys to form study-buddies. Hopefully, some of you can connect on the discussion board (on BlackBoard).
If you're having problems with BlackBoard... then you should Contact our Student Computer Lab: http://community.brcc.edu/lab/
Having trouble with thinkwell.com? Contact them directly at 1-888-416-8880 and select the option for technical support. You can also visit their website and click on support.
No. I don't recommend it. You really need the traditional lab experience. You will need to become fluent with the microscope, gel electrophoresis, and other standard pieces of equipment. You need to be in the lab setting every week, especially when the labs don't go as planned and we are all scratching our heads trying to figure out what went wrong... that's real biology!
Yes - it's on BlackBoard! Please post your question there.
Student Computer Lab: http://community.brcc.edu/lab/
Student Computing Resources: http://www.brcc.edu/computing/student/default.htm
BRCC Distance Learning: http://www.brcc.edu/dl/