Welcome Letter & Helpful Resources
(Another beautiful #door #rome Links to an external site. by superkimbo CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
Welcome Letter
Hi there! Welcome to Political Science 001/Intro to Government (Online). Even if you’ve taken online courses before, I know some of you may be nervous about this experience. Not to worry—I am here to help! My goal is to make this course as easy to navigate so you can spend your time learning the material and fulfilling the course objectives. If you have any questions concerning the layout of the course, post to the Q&A Forum.
This class is asynchronous, meaning, we do not meet at a particular time. All of your materials are available for you to work through them during the week.
Basic Info
Professor:
Mzilikazi Koné, Ph.D (Call me Dr. or Professor Koné)
Email:
**In General, communicate via the Canvas INBOX**
Meetings
There are no face-to-face meetings
Virtual Drop-in Hours:
Wednesday: 3 pm - 5 pm
(Or by Appointment)
- Title/Duration of Course: PS 001/Intro to Government (Online) is a 6-week course, running from June 12 - Jul 20, 2023.
- Accessing Our Course: We will be using Canvas to create an online learning environment. You can access our course on Canvas on or before 6/12. On this date, log into your MyCOD Links to an external site. account. Once you log-in, you will have access to Canvas. Click on the Canvas icon. There you will see "Courses.” Click on “PS 001…” to access our course. Alternatively, you can go directly to the Canvas Log-in Page Links to an external site. .
How to Succeed in this Online Course
- Fully Online: This is a fully online course, with no in-person class meetings.
- Log-in Issues with Canvas: If you are having trouble logging into Canvas/accessing the course, you can try to troubleshoot the issue by going to the Canvas Student Guide Links to an external site. .
- Log-in Issues with MyCOD: If you are having issues accessing your MyCOD Links to an external site. account, watch the following Getting Started Video. First time users should go to COD’s First Time Users’ log-in page.
- Netiquette: Check out " Netiquette: Ground Rules for Online Discussions Links to an external site." for some ideas on how to interact in an online classroom and what is expected of you.
- What to do if you don't have Microsoft Word: Your Civic Engagement papers must be uploaded as a Word or PDF document. If you are using Google Docs, read "How to Save Google Docs as a PDF Links to an external site.." If you are using Pages, read "How to Save Documents Created in Pages as a PDF. Links to an external site." You can also use Office 365 for free through your MyCOD account. To do this, visit "Student Resources Links to an external site." and read the section on Office 365.
School Resources
- DSPS: I will accommodate any needs if you are registered in the DSPS program. Please be aware that you must be registered with the DSPS (Disabled Students Programs and Services) office to receive any accommodations. DSPS can help students with a range of accommodations. If you are unsure if you qualify for an accommodation, such as extended test time, I encourage you to visit the DSPS office (Craven’s Student Services Center, Room 118) to see what options may be available to you. For more information about DSPS, their services, and how to contact the office via email or phone, visit Disabled Students Programs and Services Links to an external site..
- TASC : Check out COD's Tutoring & Academic Skills Center Links to an external site.! They have online tutoring available. I have seen students' writing improve significantly after they received help on their first drafts at TASC. Best of all, this service is free for all registered students.
- Library: Need help with research? Visit the Reference Desk. Need access to course textbooks? Go to the to-read copies on reserve. Want to research on your own? Go to the Library Databases Links to an external site..
- Veterans Services: If you are a vet or a dependent of a vet and don't yet know about all that COD has to offer, check out the resources on the Veterans Services Links to an external site. page.
- Financial Aid Office: I f you have any questions regarding aid or want scholarship or work-study information, go to the college's Financial Aid Links to an external site. page.
- Academic Counseling: If you are having trouble in your classes or have questions about which courses to take, see an academic counselor Links to an external site..
- Student Services: For more information on what COD has to offer, like student clubs, bus passes, childcare center, etc., go to the Student Services
Links to an external site. page.
Links to an external site. Self-Assessment: What does it take to be a successful online student?
Links to an external site.
- COD offers an overview of what it’s like to take online courses. Review the helpful material at Online Learning at College of the Desert Links to an external site.. Pay close attention to the “Are You Ready” article. Then, read the following article that elaborates on many of the aspects of online learning: 5 Tips to Succeed in an Online Course Links to an external site.. It will also help to review tips on Discussion Board Etiquette Links to an external site..
- Then, take the following self-assessment to determine if online courses are a good fit for you and what you might need to do to adequately prepare yourself for this class: Online Learning Readiness Questionnaire (Self-Assessment) Links to an external site..
- If after reading this letter and taking the self-assessment, you have any questions or concerns, please send me a message via the Canvas Inbox. Note that messages via Canvas and office hours interactions are my preferred method of contact. However, I welcome other forms of communication. If you want to schedule a telephone or in-person appointment outside of office hours, just send me a quick Canvas message to arrange an appointment.
I look forward to helping you through this class! :)
Professor Koné