162INT Orientation

Human Heredity 162 INT
On-line Course & EdNet Orientation

Welcome! Before our course can begin, you need to be familiar with both the general usage of the EdNet conferencing system, which we will be using to conduct our online class, and the basic set-up of our class conference itself. So, to get you started, here is a brief EdNet and course orientation. To begin, go ahead and print off these instructions on this web page, so that you can refer to them as you go through the orientation process. Got them printed off? Okay - then let's get started!

EdNet

	First of all, we need to familiarize ourselves with the basics of EdNet. Go to the EdNet web site to access the online EdNet software and tutorial. Once there, you will need to refer to your hard copy of this page for instructions.
	At the EdNet site, you will see a menu across the top of the EdNet homepage. Click on the EDNET SOFTWARE link. Following this link will allow you to download the EdNet software onto your computer. **Note: Although you can access EdNet through the web, I want each of you to download the software onto your computer and use the software (client) version. The reason for this is that the internet version, while convenient if you are away from home and must use a computer elsewhere, doesn't do all the things the client version does, and it will be much harder for you to work with successfully.
	The next window presents you with 2 options. If you have a mac, click on the link labeled "MAC OS". If you have a PC, click on the link labeled "WINDOWS". When the next window opens, read through the directions there, and complete the installation. It is very easy and will take only a few minutes.
	After downloading the software, return to the EdNet homepage/tutorial. Explore the tutorial fully by clicking on each of those buttons and following the links and exercises within those pages.

Our Class Conference

	Note: You will not be able to open the class conference until a few days before the class starts. You should get your EdNet account up and running and check the conference periodically during the few days prior to the start of class until you can get in. If you cannot get into the conference in the days immediately prior to the start of class, please contact me right away.
	The icon for the course EdNet conference should appear on your EdNet desktop sometime after you register for the course. If you do not see the course conference on your desktop within a few days prior to the start of the course, you can add the conference to your EdNet desktop yourself. To do this, log onto your EdNet account and find the folder on your EdNet desktop called RVC CENTRAL. Within this folder you will see an icon called CLASSES. Within this conference, all the course conferences are listed by alphabetical order. Our class is called BIO162online - Hergert. Right mouse click on the icon and select ADD TO DESKTOP. The next time you log on to EdNet, you will not have to go into the Classes folder to get to our class; it will be waiting for you on your desktop.
	Double click on our class conference to open it. A message from me will immediately pop up. Read the message and close it by clicking on the X in the upper right corner. Observe all the folders within our class site. Notice the important following areas:

Weekly Assignment Folders - There are 15 folders (labeled Week 1, Week 2, etc.) that contain each week's work. In these folders you will find subfolders containing lecture notes, homework assignments, discussion assignments,and quiz questions. Also inside these folders are subfolders in which you will be turning in your completed assignments and participating in weekly discussion. Most of these weekly folders are currently closed to you, but will be opened at the beginning of the appropriate week.
Heredity Animations - This folder contains short animations and interactive tutorials that demonstrate the concepts we will be learning. They are an excellent supplemental resource that I encourage you to view and work through. There are a few steps you must go through initially to set your computer up to view these animations properly, but it is worth it.
Video Clips - This folder contains short video clips on various topics. Some of these will be assigned to you as part of your homework.
Related Websites - This folder contains a collection of links to various websites with tutorials, videos, interactive exercises, and additional information.
Grade Updates - I will be posting weekly grade updates here.
162INT Questions - This folder is the area where you should post class-related questions.

	A very important place to go is to the 162INT SYLLABUS & DOCUMENTS folder! Within that folder you will find the course syllabus, the reading and assignment schedule, etc. You will want to print off these documents and refer to them often as the semester goes by. You will notice that these documents are MS Word documents. You will need to have Word or the Word viewer to open all class documents.
	You have several assignments right away the first week: 1. You need to carefully read through the Class Information, Policies & Syllabus document and send me an email by the date indicated on the class schedule telling me that you have read it and understand it. I will not accept any other work from you until I receive this confirmation. 2. You need to take the Course Orientation Quiz, which is posted in the Week 1 folder. The Week 1 folder contains an area called Orientation Activites. Inside this area, you will find a folder called Orientation Quiz. Post your answers to the orientation quiz questions this folder. Check the class schedule for the due date/time. 3. You need to post an Autobiography so that your classmates and I can get to know you a bit better. You will find details about this assignment in the Week 1 folder. You will post your autobiography inside the Orientation Activities area, in the folder called Autobiography Assignment. 4. You may also have an Assessment Test assignment this first week, depending upon when you are taking the course. Refer to your class schedule to see if this applies to you. 5. We will begin working on chapters 1 & 2 at the end of the first week of class, and you will have homework and discussion for these chapters due the following week. These assignments are posted inside the Week 2 folder.
	If you have any problems or questions, please let me know right away, and I will help you. Good luck, and I look forward to working with you online!! :-)

This page created by Deena Hergert
This page last updated August 2009