Distance Learning Class Critical Information

HIS-102-N1/N2/N3 U.S. History since 1877 (Transforming America)

HIS-102-N- U.S. History since 1877 (Transforming America)

Dear Online/Distance Learning Student: Spring 2013

Welcome to U.S. History 102: Transforming America: I am Loren Whetsell, your instructor for the course. I am here to guide and direct you through the course and to answer your questions about the assigned material. My office is located in SSB 1104 and I may be reached through the office coordinator, Margaret O'Dea, at 636-922-8398. You may also contact me via email at lwhetsell@stchas.edu.

Please Note: Transforming America is an online course. Online courses require students to express themselves through writing. This type of format does not allow for body language or instant verbal clarification like typical face-to-face communication. Therefore students must be comfortable writing and reading. All quizzes and exams will be completed online using MOODLE and all written assignments must be submitted via MOODLE. For that reason, this course requires that students have regular access to a computer with internet accessibility and be comfortable with basic computer functions. There is no on-campus orientation for this course so it is essential that you familiarize yourself with MOODLE.

To get off to a good start, be sure to do the following:

Become Familiar with Moodle. In order to successfully complete this course, you must be familiar with several features of Moodle. These include: sending email, posting to the Discussion Board, submitting written assignments, and taking online quizzes and exams. If you are unfamiliar with these procedures, it is imperative that you familiarize yourself within the first couple of days of the course.
DISTANCE LEARNING TECHNICAL SUPPORT: For technical support, contact the help desk at 636-922-8555.
The syllabus, reading schedule, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions are available on the course Web page.
Course Syllabus. Get the course syllabus and follow it. It is an important procedural and academic information guide. Keep the syllabus handy for your own reference during the semester. If you have any questions about the syllabus, contact the instructor early.
Textbooks. Get the textbooks, Students must obtain and read both books for this course: The American Promise: A Compact History, Vol. II: from 1865, fourth edition by Roark, Johnson, et al. (Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2010), and Reading the American Past, Vol. II: from 1865, fourth edition by Michael P. Johnson (Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2009).

Call the Distance Learning Office at 636-922-8470 if you have any questions about the course, now or during the semester. The office will forward messages to me. Or you may call me at the History Department office number listed above. You may also access information about distance learning courses at: http://www.stchas.edu/academics/online_distance_learning.

Please click on the link below and take the quiz to learn how well you are suited for online education.

http://stchas.smartermeasure.com

Sincerely,

Loren Whetsell