Learning Objectives:
- Utilize all online components of ANSC 107 to accomplish the overall course objectives.
- Define terms such as comments, replies, posts, and blog in reference to this class.
- Complete tasks that involve adding media or live links to comments or posts.
This lecture page will contain video clips, links, and information about the use of technology in this class. It is critical that you familiarize yourself with the technology we will be using for this class! Go through this page now and come back to it as a reference through the semester! Please refer back here if you have problems!
This page contains video clips covering the following topics:
- ANGEL Overview
- Main Class Website Overview
- Online Terms and Definitions Overview
- Commenting on Lectures & Blogs
- Making a Blog or Assignment Post
- Adding Images, Videos, or PDFs to Blog & Assignment Posts
- Adobe Connect Overview
ANGEL Overview
The main things that we will be using ANGEL for are quizzes and exams. You need to familiarize yourself with the online assessments by playing with the “Example Quiz or Exam” and doing the Equine Faculty Assessment.
Main Class Website Overview
The main class website is at the heart of this course. This is where the majority of the information for the course will be stored. Much of the online interaction between class participants will be through commenting and blog discussions. A key to success in this class is to enthusiastically participate! Once you can get on the site, please familiarize yourself with the site by exploring!
Online Terms and Definitions Overview
This video clip introduced you to many of the terms and definitions that are important to know to be successful in this class. Remember that you can always come back and watch this video again. It is important to understand these terms early in the class as there will be work you need to complete every week that assumes you understand and can utilize all components of our online class.
Commenting on Lectures & Blogs
Communication and interaction in this class can be a challenge. We all have to “think outside the box” a bit. However, I can speak from experience, that once you learn to make comments, reply to other comments and make your own posts, this class becomes very rewarding! Please pay close attention to these videos on how to make comments and posts. These are critical skills for this class!
Making a Blog or Assignment Post
This is a critical skill for this class! Also note that making a blog or assignment post is different from making a blog comment. Be sure you understand the difference.
I want to highlight the fact that the process of making a blog post is the same as completing an assignment post, but the two tasks are done in different places. Blog posts are completed under the Weekly Equine Blog and assignments under the Assignments tab. Don’t make the mistake of posting an assignment to the blog. All students in this class will be responsible for making 1 blog post during the semester under the “Weekly Equine Blog” tab. You can find a description of the Weekly Blog Post Assignment under the “Assignments” tab. All students will be assigned to a Blog Post Team in ANGEL. To find out what team you are on, look at the Weekly Blog Post Assignment. If your name is not listed there, email your instructor or the T.A. and you will be assigned to a team. The due date for each Blog Post Team’s blog can be found on the class syllabus and the class Google Calendar. When you will have to make this post is based on which “Blog Post Team #” that you have been assigned to in ANGEL.
Adding Images, Videos, or PDFs to Blog & Assignment Posts
Adding images, videos, or other media to your blog posts or assignments can help to make them more entertaining and be more efficient in transferring information. Having said this, it can also be challenging to learn to use the techniques. Be sure that you are comfortable by practicing these techniques on our PRACTICE POSTINGS PAGE. You can use this page to hone your skills at adding media and even mixing media with text to create an aesthetically pleasing blog or assignment post.
Adobe Connect Overview (How we do LIVE Discussions)
Adobe Connect is a program used with a number of other online classes. Penn State’s extension and outreach services also use this tool to facilitate meetings with equine stakeholders around the state. We may also use this tool to bring in 1 or 2 outside speakers this semester.
Important Hints:
- Use Mozilla Firefox as your internet browser. This is the browser that is recommended by Penn State to access most content. Other browsers may result in problems, although I often also use Google Chrome with some success. The best bet is to have Firefox, Chrome, and Explorer installed and be willing to switch to what seems to work best.
- Penn State offers access to a whole host of training through Lyndacampus. You can watch tutorials on all kinds of technology, including WordPress.
In addition to the background in equine science that you will learn in this course, you will also become much more familiar with some aspects of technology that may help you in finding a successful career. These tools are becoming more and more commonplace in the equine industry and being able to use them proficiently will place you ahead of many of your peers who cannot.
Saghan says
I am testing this section by commenting here. I am using an interesting Grammar checker for Mac devices.
It can be highly useful for students using Apple devices.