Course Orientation, Cengage Setup, and Policy Guide

Course Navigation and Cengage Digital Textbook Setup

• Canvas LMS Navigation:

  • The primary location for weekly activities is the Modules tab.
  • Clicking on Modules displays all tasks, readings, and assignments scheduled for that specific week.

• Cengage Digital Textbook Setup:

  • The primary textbook for Module 1 is digital and directly integrated into Canvas assignments.
  • Students in Business or Psychology programs who already use Cengage in other courses may have their subscriptions and accounts automatically linked.
  • Non-business and non-psychology students must create a Cengage account upon accessing the first linked assignment.
  • Account Creation Rule: Students must register using their official JJC email address; personal emails are not permitted.
  • After creating the account, refresh the browser screen so the assignment button loads properly.

• Pretest Writing Assignment:

  • The first linked assignment in Module 1 is titled Pretest Writing, valued at 51 points.
  • Accessing the assignment transforms the module link into a button that directly launches Cengage and loads the test content.
  • Grade Context: Low initial scores on the pretest should not cause alarm. The overall course contains approximately 1,000 points throughout the remainder of the semester, providing ample opportunity to raise the final grade.
  • Platform Mechanics:
  • Students can save progress and continue working at a later time.
  • Upon completion, a final submission button (e.g., 'I'm done, submit') appears on the right side of the interface.

Workload, Quiz Mechanics, and VitalSource Integration

• Weekly Assignment Cadence:

  • All assignments have explicitly posted due dates within Canvas Modules.
  • Standard Due Date Policy: Weekly coursework is always due on Tuesdays by 11:59 PM.
  • Schedule Rationale: Due dates are set for Tuesday nights because class meets in person every Wednesday.

• Week 1 Coursework Requirements:

  • Complete the Cengage Pretest Writing assignment.
  • Read two assigned textbook chapters (accessible across laptops, tablets, or mobile phones).
  • Complete a video quiz covering the reading material.
  • Complete the Introduce Yourself discussion board post.

• VitalSource and Total Access Platform:

  • The course utilizes a secondary textbook housed under the VitalSource tab in Canvas.
  • The associated reading program is titled Total Access.
  • Setup Assistance: Total Access setup will take place during Week 2. Students will meet in the regular classroom first before walking over to the campus computer lab for guided sign-up.

Course Grace Period and Submission Policies

• Definition and Function of Grace Period:

  • A grace period represents a lenient, non-penalizing window of extra time to fulfill an obligation (analogous to a bill due on the 1st of the month having a 5-day grace period where penalties apply only after day 5).

• Module 1 Grace Policy:

  • All students are granted a grace period for Module 1 while adjusting to course technology and software platforms.
  • Assignments will not immediately lock or cut off after the standard due date.
  • Late submissions for Module 1 assignments are accepted without point penalties.
  • Warning on Workload: Allowing work to accumulate during the grace period results in an increased workload in subsequent weeks.

• Discussion Board Protocol ('Introduce Yourself'):

  • Due Date: September 1 at 11:59 PM (Available beginning August 26).
  • Initial Post Instructions: Post a reply sharing personal introductions and details (such as personal likes, dislikes, pets, or feelings regarding the course).
  • Peer Response Requirement: Every student is required to reply to at least two classmates on all discussion boards.

• Administrative Prerequisites and Platform Constraints:

  • Computer Lab Availability: Total Access setup was delayed to Week 2 because the campus scheduler had no vacant computer labs during Week 1.
  • Online Orientation Prerequisite: Completion of the online orientation is strictly mandatory. Uncompleted orientation blocks access to all course assignments (assignments appear visible but remain locked to the user).
  • Official Course Timekeeper: All assignment deadlines and timing strictly follow the computer clock standard (noted in class at 12:08).

Assignment Requirements and Syllabus Out-of-Date Notice

• Syllabus Discrepancy Regarding AI Policies:

  • The assignment chart located inside the official course syllabus is out of date and must not be followed.
  • Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Due to necessary syllabus adjustments surrounding AI and hybrid course formatting, several assignments were revised or deleted entirely.
  • Binding Course Schedule: Students must disregard the syllabus assignment table and exclusively follow the Canvas Modules for accurate, up-to-date assignments and deadlines.

• In-Class Assignments:

  • Blue Book Journal 1: Completed in person during the first class session. Grades and points are populated manually after individual entries are reviewed.
  • Hybrid Course Structure: Modules open weekly and combine independent home coursework with in-person classroom instruction, activities, and individual conferences.

Attendance, Class Meetings, and Administrative Procedures

• Weekly Meeting Schedule:

  • Class meets every Wednesday at 11:00 AM in the designated classroom.
  • Attendance Protocol: Students must always report to the primary classroom first at 11:00 AM—even on days scheduled for computer lab work—to ensure accurate attendance tracking before moving to secondary locations.

• Seating Chart Policy:

  • A permanent seating chart is established during the second class meeting.
  • Seating Chart Rationale: Aids in learning student names and prevents present students from being incorrectly marked absent in a hybrid course environment.
  • Student Action: Students desiring specific locations (e.g., front row near the screen or back row) must arrive early on the second Wednesday to claim their preferred seats.

Questions and Discussion

• Instructor Passion and Background:

  • Question: Does the instructor like teaching this class?
  • Response: Expresses complete enthusiasm for teaching the course. Shares a family quote noting that if opened up, the heart would be shaped like an apple. Mentions being married for 31 years.

• Campus Announcements:

  • Free items and giveaways are being distributed in the campus picnic grove following class.

• Name Pronunciation Clarification:

  • Discussion regarding student name spelling and pronunciation (specifically addressing the spelling Illianni / I-l-l-i-a-n-n-i and correcting prior mispronunciation).