ART APPRECIATION - SUMMER I-2007

Is Online Summer right for you? Important Factors to Consider:

Online courses are designed for those who are self-motivated and can work independently. Online Art Appreciation is NOT self-paced: Readings, assignments, and tests must be completed sequentially by specific dates. This course will be completed in only 5 weeks so the course will be very intense including 4 tests and 4 assignments over the text.

Because this course is offered over the Internet, students enrolling in this course need: Internet access, Netscape or Internet Explorer web browser, (AOL is not recommended) and an email address. Students must be familiar with web pages, searching the web, email functions, and downloading, uploading and attaching documents with images or links. These essentials and the ability to use them proficiently before the class starts, are a necessity in order to access the course information, complete and submit assignments, and communicate with the instructor. This will be especially important in the summer. Students do not have time to learn the fundamentals of computers and distance learning software as well as complete the course work in 5 weeks. Additionally, dial-up is not recommended as this course is heavily image-based.

If taking college courses online is a new experience for you, visit the college's Virtual Collin web page for a few tips on making the most of distance learning. If you find that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages or if you have not developed the computer skills required, consider a traditional classroom section or an Introduction to Computers course that may be taken online. WebCT is the instructional delivery software for this class; students must be able to complete browser check-ups and disable pop-up blockers and firewalls in order to access all levels of this class. The Distance Learning site includes tutorials for WebCT in the Student Support section.

Course Information: Art Appreciation is a blended class; tests will be completed during specified days in the testing center of any CCCCD campus. (Each testing period includes 2 days with one Saturday and either a Thursday or Monday evening.) Assignments include a paper completed after a visit to the Dallas Museum of Art. IF YOU ARE NOT WILLING OR ABLE TO MAKE ONE TRIP TO THE DALLAS MUSEUM OF ART DURING THE SEMESTER, please take another course elective. A visit to the Dallas Museum of Art is a requirement to complete the course.

ORIENTATION IS ONLINE. On the first day of classes, please access the class, read the orientation and follow the instructions found in the orientation. Remember, if you do not login on the first day, you are missing class. First assignment is due first weekend of classes.

Login instructions for WebCt are found at http://webct.ccccd.edu. FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS AT THIS SITE. Note: Use the name as you are registered at Collin, not nicknames; login requires your CWID, your PIN number and an ID assigned to you by the WebCT system. You cannot access this site until shortly before or on the first day of class! Check the WebCT login page for the exact date. LOGIN ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS! Bookmark the page on your browser so you can get access the page often and easily.  In the future, you will simply click on the bookmarked URL, enter your User ID and Password and enter the course. 

The text for the class is Understanding Art, 8^th edition and is available at all campus bookstores. DO NOT buy the edition packaged with a clicker for in-class sections.

When you get to the Art Appreciation/WebCT home page, start the orientation by reading the orientation message in the Q&A (Discussion Tool) and reading the syllabus. Return to the Home Page and click on all of the icons to familiarize yourself with the course. Follow all instructions in the orientation contacting me as specified.