This is the letter I e-mail out a couple of weeks before the course starts:
Welcome to (course name and number)! My name is Jennifer Hendryx and I will be your
instructor for this course. Although the course does not officially begin until (start date), I have
created a Module 0 that you can work through to familiarize yourself with the course
management system (CMS). This module is not required and will not be graded. It is simply
provided as a means to become comfortable with the system before we get started with the
course content. If you have any questions about or need clarification on a function in the CMS
please let me know through the discussion board or via e-mail and I will help you out or steer
you in the right direction.
To access the course go to (web address) and click on (course title) and log in using the
username and password provided by the University. If you do not remember your user name
and password or do not believe you have been assigned one you can contact (college
helpdesk contact info) for further assistance.
Once you have logged into the course you will see a couple announcements in the “News” to
get you started. If you click on the “content” link, you will see each of the modules as they
become available. Here is where you will be able to access Module 0 and begin exploring the
CMS. Within the content link you will also find instructor contact information, course
requirements, rubrics, and more.
I know some people like to get a jump start on working through the course so in an effort to get
you going I am giving you a sneak peak at the Module 1 introduction prompt. In preparation for
Module 1, choose an animal that best represents you and identify four characteristics of the
animal you have chosen that symbolizes you. The second half of the introduction will be
revealed when module 1 opens on (date). Did I grab your attention? I hope so!
I look forward to working with you as the course progresses. Do not hesitate to contact me with
questions or concerns. I have my contact information and office hours posted in the CMS.
It is going to be a great class!
Jennifer Hendryx
hendryxj@uwstout.edu
This is a reminder e-mail I send out the day the module opens:
Hello Everyone! I just wanted to send out a friendly reminder that (course name) is open for
business! I look forward to meeting you in our virtual classroom.
Our time together will move at a very quick pace. If you haven't yet logged into the system and
become familiar, I encourage you to do so within the next 48 hours.
Let me know if I can help in any way.
Thank you,
Jennifer Hendryx
hendryxj@uwstout.edu
This is the course Syllabus:
Computer System Maintenance
3 credits
154-111-004
Fall 2008
Instructor: Jennifer Hendryx
E-mail: jhendryx@morainepark.edu or hendryxj@uwstout.edu
Course Description: Presents processes, techniques, resources and tools to provide
computer system support to users. Emphasizes logical troubleshooting rather than only relying
on symptoms/solution lists or shot gunning (guesswork). (Prerequisite: 107-188 Hardware and
Software Support or consent of instructor)
Texts and Materials: You will need to purchase “The Complete Guide to A+ Certification” by
Michael Graves.(Publisher: CENGAGE Delmar Learning; 1 edition (June 13, 2005), ISBN-10:
1418005665, ISBN-13: 978-1418005665.)
The Content Management System (CMS) Layout:
Grading Scale:
Due dates: There is a calendar in the content management system that contains all of the
deadlines for this course.
Core Abilities:
Late assignments: Assignments are due by midnight (central standard time) on the date
specified in the course calendar. Please ensure that all work is done on a timely basis, as there
will be no extensions offered. The course formally closes on (date course closes) , and work will
not be accepted after that date except for unusual and extenuating circumstances
predetermined with your instructor. In the case of and unusual or extenuating circumstance a
new due date will be determined for the assignment(s). These assignments are eligible for no
more than 80% of original points. Assignments submitted after the new due date will not be
accepted. If any assignments are missing at the end of this course, an incomplete will be
recorded.
Course Conduct: As stated in the student handbook, “Students are expected to conduct
themselves at all times in a manner that does not interfere with the educational process;
endanger the safety or welfare of other students or staff”. Disrespect of people and property,
threatening acts and foul language will not be tolerated. Mutual respect of all is expected.
Student Contact: Please make sure you use your school provided e-mail address for all
course correspondences. If I need to communicate with you via e-mail I will use your school
provided e-mail address. If you need help accessing your account you should contact the
helpdesk at (helpdesk number).
This is an Introductory Activity I have learners complete in the first week of the course:
Introduction Activity
Welcome to (course name and number)! My name is Jennifer Hendryx and I will be your
instructor for this course. Although the course does not officially begin until (start date), I have
created a Module 0 that you can work through to familiarize yourself with the course
management system (CMS). This module is not required and will not be graded. It is simply
provided as a means to become comfortable with the system before we get started with the
course content. If you have any questions about or need clarification on a function in the CMS
please let me know through the discussion board or via e-mail and I will help you out or steer
you in the right direction.
To access the course go to (web address) and click on (course title) and log in using the
username and password provided by the University. If you do not remember your user name
and password or do not believe you have been assigned one you can contact (college
helpdesk contact info) for further assistance.
Once you have logged into the course you will see a couple announcements in the “News” to
get you started. If you click on the “content” link, you will see each of the modules as they
become available. Here is where you will be able to access Module 0 and begin exploring the
CMS. Within the content link you will also find instructor contact information, course
requirements, rubrics, and more.
I know some people like to get a jump start on working through the course so in an effort to get
you going I am giving you a sneak peak at the Module 1 introduction prompt. In preparation for
Module 1, choose an animal that best represents you and identify four characteristics of the
animal you have chosen that symbolizes you. The second half of the introduction will be
revealed when module 1 opens on (date). Did I grab your attention? I hope so!
I look forward to working with you as the course progresses. Do not hesitate to contact me with
questions or concerns. I have my contact information and office hours posted in the CMS.
It is going to be a great class!
Jennifer Hendryx
hendryxj@uwstout.edu
This is a reminder e-mail I send out the day the module opens:
Hello Everyone! I just wanted to send out a friendly reminder that (course name) is open for
business! I look forward to meeting you in our virtual classroom.
Our time together will move at a very quick pace. If you haven't yet logged into the system and
become familiar, I encourage you to do so within the next 48 hours.
Let me know if I can help in any way.
Thank you,
Jennifer Hendryx
hendryxj@uwstout.edu
This is the course Syllabus:
Computer System Maintenance
3 credits
154-111-004
Fall 2008
Instructor: Jennifer Hendryx
E-mail: jhendryx@morainepark.edu or hendryxj@uwstout.edu
Course Description: Presents processes, techniques, resources and tools to provide
computer system support to users. Emphasizes logical troubleshooting rather than only relying
on symptoms/solution lists or shot gunning (guesswork). (Prerequisite: 107-188 Hardware and
Software Support or consent of instructor)
Texts and Materials: You will need to purchase “The Complete Guide to A+ Certification” by
Michael Graves.(Publisher: CENGAGE Delmar Learning; 1 edition (June 13, 2005), ISBN-10:
1418005665, ISBN-13: 978-1418005665.)
The Content Management System (CMS) Layout:
- News: Area to highlight Items of importance, due dates, or other business that may need
immediate attention.
- Content: Area in which you can locate course information such as the syllabus,
technical support, instructor contact information, module details, etc.
- Checklist: Area in which you can find a listing of all activities due in a module. Utilize
these checklists to ensure you have completed all of your assignments.
- Discussion: Area used to post your thoughts, reactions, and assignments for each
module. This area also includes a Q&A section and a “student lounge” (these two are
not required or graded.)
- Grades: All grades and feedback will be posted in this area.
- Dropbox: Assessed activities should be submitted via the dropbox unless otherwise
noted in the instructions for the assignment.
Grading Scale:
- Discussion Postings: Each week we will cover a chapter in the textbook. We will discuss
concepts from the book through the online discussion forum. You will need to post your
original response by Wednesday at midnight (central standard time) and reply to at least
two other learners by Sunday at midnight (central standard time.) A rubric will be
provided within the module for discussion postings. (30pts each)
- Activities: Each week there will be activities for you to complete (refer to the module
schedule for act ivies and due dates.) A rubric will be provided within the module for
each activity. (30pts each)
- Articles: Each week, there is an article topic assigned. All article summaries must have
your name, article topic, and date in the upper right hand corner. The title of the article
needs to be on the top of the paper, and it MUST be typed. The article summary should
include the following aspects:
- Introduction of points to be made.
- Discussion of points/elements - address the topic or question directly and
completely. - Distinguish between fact and opinion. State whose opinion you are giving (even if
it is your own.) - Conclusion/connection of points.
- The article summaries needs to be at least 1 page in length, double spaced, 12pt Times
New Roman font, 1 inch margins. You must have a works cited reference to the article.
That can either be on a separate piece of paper, or on the bottom of the article
summary. You do not need to attach a copy of the article. (20pts each.) A rubric will be
provided within the module for article reviews.
- Total Points: 1280
A= 1152 +
B= 1024-1151
C= 896-1023
Due dates: There is a calendar in the content management system that contains all of the
deadlines for this course.
Core Abilities:
- Act Responsibly (completed assigned tasks according to deadlines and criteria; adheres
to established attendance criteria)
- Think Critically and Creatively (uses problem-solving strategies – tries to work through a
problem before asking the instructor)
- Communicate Clearly (uses bias free language; applies listening skills; applies standard
rules of language structure including grammar and spelling)
- Work productively (produces work consistent with criteria; completes assignments
according to established criteria)
Late assignments: Assignments are due by midnight (central standard time) on the date
specified in the course calendar. Please ensure that all work is done on a timely basis, as there
will be no extensions offered. The course formally closes on (date course closes) , and work will
not be accepted after that date except for unusual and extenuating circumstances
predetermined with your instructor. In the case of and unusual or extenuating circumstance a
new due date will be determined for the assignment(s). These assignments are eligible for no
more than 80% of original points. Assignments submitted after the new due date will not be
accepted. If any assignments are missing at the end of this course, an incomplete will be
recorded.
Course Conduct: As stated in the student handbook, “Students are expected to conduct
themselves at all times in a manner that does not interfere with the educational process;
endanger the safety or welfare of other students or staff”. Disrespect of people and property,
threatening acts and foul language will not be tolerated. Mutual respect of all is expected.
Student Contact: Please make sure you use your school provided e-mail address for all
course correspondences. If I need to communicate with you via e-mail I will use your school
provided e-mail address. If you need help accessing your account you should contact the
helpdesk at (helpdesk number).
This is an Introductory Activity I have learners complete in the first week of the course:
Introduction Activity
- Choose an animal that best represents you. Put your name and the name of the animal
in the subject line of the discussion post. Within the post list four characteristics of the
animal you have chosen.
- Next, find someone else who has chosen an animal that shares two of the characteristics
of your animal. Contact them and together create a new animal that has your two
shared characteristics and two new characteristics. Create a name for that new animal.
- Now, post the name of your new animal and the four characteristics you and your partner
came up with.
- Finally, respond to at least two of the newly created animals. Find out why the partners
chose those that animal and those characteristics and how they feel they symbolize them.
Syllabus & Welcome Letter
