Course syllabus for
at Bloomsburg University Fall, 2007
World Geography Focus: Australia Bloomsburg University Fall, 2007 Instructor:
Course Site:
Sara Boyce Department of Instructional Technology Bloomsburg University Bloomsburg, PA 17815 phone: 570‐389‐4806 email: seboyce@bloomu.edu http://blackboard.bloomu.edu “World Geography Focus Australia – Fall 2007” Blackboard is the main site for this course. The first page gives you an overview of the course and announcements. All lessons and outside links will be accessed through Blackboard. The site will be available on Wednesday, November 28, 2007. Please check the site frequently for any announcements. To access our course on Blackboard at http://blackboard.bloomu.edu: 1. Enter your assigned user name (this is the same as your bloomu email address, with the number 10 preceding the user name Example: 10jsmith 2. Enter your assigned password the first 4 letters of your last name (first letter of last name capitalized) and your date of birth (full year/month/day). Example: John Smith was born on April 1, 1974 so his password would be Smit19740401. Please notice only the first letter of the last name is capitalized. Please note, if you used Blackboard before and have changed your password, disregard the password information. 3. Click on the link to World Geography Focus: Australia – Fall 2007 For help with Blackboard call: Blackboard Helpdesk 1‐866‐434‐ 8874
Online Course Design
Fall, 2007
page 1
Text:
No text is required for this course. All lessons, readings and outside links will be accessed on Blackboard.
Course Goals:
The course presents information and activities regarding the geography of Australia. This course is designed to familiarize students with Australia's states and territories, people, and language. Topics that will be covered include:
Land Down Under Introduction to the Geography of Australia Australian States, Territories, Capitals The Aborigines Indigenous Australians: The Aborigines Aussie Talk Learn Australian English Course Objectives:
General Prerequisites:
At the end of the course, each student will demonstrate the ability to: 1. Discuss the geography of Australia. 2. Name the states, territories and capitals of Australia. 3. Discuss the culture and lifestyle of the Indigenous Australians. 4. Speak Australian English.
Students must be comfortable using computers. Experience with word processing, downloading documents, such as Word documents and PDFs, using email, and searching the Internet is necessary. Students must also be willing to learn something new, and participate in discussions.
Technology Requirements: It is necessary to have computer access with an Internet connection and email. You can access the Blackboard course web site using either a Mac or PC, and using either Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari. Important: You must use Firefox if using Microsoft Vista in order to participate in threaded discussions. Online Course Design
Fall, 2007
page 2
E‐mail requirements:
Course Methods:
Course Suggestions:
Students must use their Bloomu email for this course. Any information and announcements for the course will be sent to this email, so please check this account everyday.
Most course content will be located in three main areas: Land Down Under The Aborigines Aussie Talk These links are located on the left side of the main page after you log into the course in Blackboard. The content will be presented as PDF documents and presentations. Additional information and readings will be accessed by following external links from within the course content areas mentioned above. The course includes a blog for you to participate at the beginning of the course to introduce yourself to the rest of the class. There is also a Threaded Discussion for you to ask questions, comment on course material, or provide additional information related to the course. The course will include interactive activities and a final exam to supplement the course material. Be sure to: ♦ Participate in the threaded discussion and the blog. You can learn a lot from your fellow classmates! ♦ Read all the materials presented to you, whether they are PDF documents, or a website you must visit. You may print the lessons if you would like. ♦ Check the Blackboard site and your email daily for announcements and new materials. ♦ Complete all the assignments on time.
Online Course Design
Fall, 2007
page 3
Assignments and Grading:
This course will also include interactive activities and a final exam. Grades will be based upon participation in threaded discussions and blogs, completion of the activities, and the final exam:
Course Participation Activities Final Exam Total
15 pts 30 pts 30 pts 75 pts
Grades will be calculated on the following percentages: 93 ‐ 100 A 73 ‐ 76 C 90 ‐ 92 A‐ 70 ‐ 72 C‐ 87 ‐ 89 B+ 67 ‐ 69 D+ 83 ‐ 86 B 63 ‐ 66 D 80 ‐ 82 B‐ 60 ‐ 62 D‐ 77 ‐ 79 C+ below 60 E
Course Timeline:
All lessons and materials can be accessed at anytime on the Blackboard course site. Before you begin the lessons, please: 1. Read the Welcome and Course Walkabout Announcements on the main page or by clicking on the Aussie News link. 2. Complete the Learner’s Survey located in the Meet Your Mates area. 3. Participate in the Learning by Traveling blog located in the Meet Your Mates area. After completing the assignments above: 4. Complete all readings, assignments, and activities. You may complete the lessons in any order that you wish. Be sure to complete one lesson at a time, beginning with the readings or presentations. 5. Attempt the final exam only after you have completed all lessons.
Email or call me with any questions, comments or concerns.
Online Course Design
Fall, 2007
page 4