General Information About the On-Line ESOL Courses

The ESOL Courses utilize BlackBoard, a tool for online course management.  You must have a computer with high-speed internet service, and digital video recording capabilities.

Logging onto the BlackBoard site of courses you are presently enrolled in: 

• After enrolling in the course you will have access to all materials for the course through the course BlackBoard site:
• Go to: https://my.usf.edu
• You will need your USF ID. Number to register the first time.
• When logged on properly, click on the “courses” tab.
• Select the course you are enrolled in
• Check announcements on opening screen
• Explore the site to become familiar with it

If you have not activated your USF email account:

• You must have access to your USF email account in order to receive communication from your instructor and fellow students.
• From the “Welcome” page on MyUSF, click on “sign-up” and follow the directions for activating your USF Mail account. 
• If you do not use your USF email account, you need to direct mail from it to the account that you are using:
• Click on your mail account
• Click on “Edit mail account options”
• Under “Change your forwarding address” check the “Forward email to the address below” and fill in the email address you use,
• Click “OK”.

Cooperative Groups

• These courses utilize cooperative learning groups
• Cooperative groups help each other
• Cooperative groups provide an organizational system
• Cooperative groups model cooperative learning strategies

Individual Participation in Group discussion

• The on-line postings are your “in-class” interaction.  Your participation in your group discussion board will count toward your final participation grade for this course. 
• Participation requires:
• Contributing significantly to the discussion
• Responding to other students’ contributions and following the discussion threads

Course Components: Most Courses Consist of:

• 7 Readings Responses
• 7 Discussion Participation
• 3 Mini Projects
• 1 Major Project

Reading Responses

• The reading responses theme for each section will be presented in the Section Introduction Letter.
• You will post your reading response to the proper assignment section on BlackBoard.
• Your points will be awarded based on evidence of your learning.

Discussion Participation

• A group leader will be assigned to moderate each section discussion.
• The topic of discussion for each section will be described in the Section Intro. Letter
• You are expected to give meaningful input and respond to others’ input
• Participation should be on-going: Last minute postings do not constitute true participation in the discussion.

Submitting Assignments

• Deadline for assignments not to be late is midnight of the due date (usually Sundays)
• Follow directions in assignment description for submission.
• Submit electronic copy: .rtf file to proper “Assignments” location on Blackboard
• Print out my response and your assignment
• Keep a copy of all assignments and feedback in a binder

If you have any questions, please contact:

Dr. Phil Smith

Phone: (813) 974-1113

pcsmith@tempest.coedu.usf.edu

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