Welcome to AST401 -- the Online Edition! This computer-assisted, distance-learning alternative to the traditional classroom version of the course requires a few additional skills beyond those expected in a more traditional classroom setting.
We began offering the online version of this course in Fall 1998. Like many pioneers, we've experienced some surprises along the way. If you find something that doesn't work, a word that is spelled incorrectly, or other keyboarding mistakes, please let your instructor know. Getting the course online was a very large project and we no doubt missed some errors along the way. You can help us make this an even better course with your feedback.
The purpose of this introduction is to briefly address issues specific to the online edition of the AST 401 course before you read the syllabus.
Registering for the Course
In order to access the contents of this classroom, you must be registered for this course.
You must get a special login and password directly from the Credit for Prior Learning Program. If you are already registered and have not received this information, please contact the CPL office immediately. You may do so by phoning (206-7545) or sending e-mail to your instructor.
If you are already enrolled as a student at UIS, registering for the online edition of AST401 is no different than registering for any other course at UIS. At the present time, UIS does not offer on-line electronic registration. You will need to complete the registration process either in person at the Registrar's office or by telephone.
The Registrar does provide an electronic means of checking the latest course schedule. Click here to view that schedule now.
Hardware and Software Requirements for this Course
You will participate in this course using an internet connection to the World Wide Web. Minimum requirements include:
READ CAREFULLY: Special Skills Required for the Online Version of AST 401
We assume that you are already familiar with the basics of electronic mail, that you know how to attach files to messages, and can navigate comfortably through the World Wide Web. You may need to install new software on your computer and you will need to adapt quickly to features unique to the online classroom. If you do not have these skills, you will be unable to participate in the online version of AST 401 at this time. UIS offers workshops and courses that teach the skills needed. One source for this training is the Center for Teaching and Learning.
If you've made it to this introduction, you're on the right track! As you look at the screen, you will notice three distinct areas or frames. The information you are reading right now appears in the main (largest) section of the screen.
Make sure you have the window of your web browser set to fill the entire screen. This course has been designed with a 480 x 640 pixel screen size as the default. Most computer screens are capable of displaying this resolution. Many display an even higher resolution. The materials will display somewhat differently depending on your computer set-up and the software you are using.
Just to the left of this text is the navigation or menu area. A red triangle indicates that you are currently at the beginning of the course (START HERE). The green triangles indicate other items that are currently available to you. Depending on what you're doing, the menu will be updated to reflect additional choices and indicate (with the red triangle) your current menu choice. As long as you see the menu on the left side of your screen, will always have access to the basic elements of the course.
The top window or frame identifies this course as a University of Illinois Springfield Online Classroom.
If you select Discussions (WebBoard) from the menu, an entirely new window should open on your screen but still leave the main classroom accessible. The new window may completely cover what you have on the screen now, but the information is still there. All you need do to return here is close the WebBoard window.
If you are using WebBoard and can't remember how to return to the main classroom area, open the TAKE ME HOME folder on WebBoard, read the message there, and click on the hyperlink you will find there. You should be returned to the main classroom.
Learn About WebBoard
Before continuing, please take time to read about the operation of WebBoard. This is the online software we will be using for class discussions, assignments, and communication. If you click on the link that follows, a new window will open on your screen with the information you need to learn about WebBoard. Click here now to read the WebBoard manual.
University Computer Services at Indiana University has a knowledge base of commonly asked computing questions along with literally thousands of useful answers. If you are having a computing problem, give the UCS Knowledge Base a try.
A major advantage of the electronic version of AST401 in comparison to the traditional version is that all of the text you see on your screen has the potential of being linked to an infinite number of other documents, charts, pictures, movies, sounds, and much more. Keywords that have "links" associated with them generally appear on your screen as underlined. If you move your mouse to point at the word and then "click," you are automatically taken to the link associated with that word.
You may encounter a link which takes you to another document produced by someone at a location other than at UIS or within a different department or program at UIS. It is impractical to anticipate every possible connection between documents so sometimes you will have to figure out how to navigate back to your original point by yourself. Most browser software includes a "BACK" button, usually in the upper left-hand corner of the screen that will take you back to where you started.
Within the documents for AST401, we've attempted to provide you with links that should help you navigate even more easily. It's OK to use the links provided or the BACK button either one!
In order to participate in the online version of AST401, you need to familiarize yourself with methods of submitting your work electronically. In most cases, this will involve using the "attachment" feature. You will submit your assignment using one of the features in our discussion area. The software we use is called WebBoard and it will serve as a part of our "online classroom."
The attachment feature allows you to complete your written assignments using a word processing program and then send the final product electronically. NOTE: Older browser software does not support this feature. You must upgrade to software that is compatible with the needs of the course. See the hardware and software requirements listed above.
It is important that you stay in touch with your instructor and the CPL staff. Since there are no traditional class meetings when you take AST401 electronically, you are encouraged to "meet" with your instructor and support staff using on-going electronic mail and the features of WebBoard. E-mail and WebBoard both allow you to ask your questions as they occur without having to worry about whether or not your instructor is "in" or available to return your phone call. Your instructor will respond via return e-mail, often within 24 hours of your question and in no more than a few days.
Be patient! In the traditional classroom version of this course, you would meet once each week. Your instructor would try to return assignments to you the following week. The online course is no different. It takes time to give your assignment the individual attention it needs and deserves.
A Final Thought
This course is designed for completion during a normal sixteen week semester. Our experience is that the majority of students, working diligently but under the constraints of other commitments, complete the course in sixteen weeks but have little time to spare. We also note that students who try and complete the process too quickly often submit inferior work that does not meet the standards of the program. So, work at your own pace, but be certain you maintain the quality of your work and understand the materials presented as part of this course. You are unlikely to be successful in obtaining credit for this course or additional credit through the CPL process by giving the student manual and other materials only a cursory read. Plan on coming back to the material time and again. This is a complex process, but one that is fully explained if you take the time to do the assignments in the course on the schedule presented here.
Resist the temptation to "work ahead." While you may find the later sessions of this course already available, they are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.
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