BIOLOGY 2404 A&P Basics On-Line Orientation Information

This two page document is to provide you a step by step procedure on using the instructor’s course web site. This orientation is also available in Canvas with similar instructions if you prefer to use Canvas interface to link to the course contents for the class.
NOTE: If Canvas is unavailable for any reason, you will need to use the instructor’s web site.

1) Using your reliable internet service provider [ISP] log onto the instructors home page at http://iws.collin.edu/mweis

2) Click on the photo icon labeled BIOL 2404 A&P Basics in the upper right hand corner of the home page to link to the main navigation page for this course.  This website has been set up differently to accommodate a lab/lecture science course. Please become familiar with the navigation and information so that you are ready to start when classes begin.

3) This main navigation page for BIOL 2404 is divided into three sections: 
                        a) Lecture            b) Lab          c) Course

4) For the lecture and lab sections, please click on each of these links (or scroll down), print out and read each of the following documents.  Keep these printed documents on hand to reference regarding any questions that may arise over the course of the semester.

            a) Lecture Syllabus   

            b) Lecture Addendum        

            c) Lab Syllabus           

            d) Lab Addendum

5) Additional information about lecture and lab can be read relating to the Objectives.  This is FYI [for your information] as it covers the goals for the course and the knowledge you will acquire during the semester.

6) The syllabi and addenda for lecture and lab will reference different assignments and these requirements which can be found as links on the main navigation page or calendar page.  For example, the discussion link will take you to a list of discussion topics and how they are to be done and completed on Blackboard.  The lab exercise link will take you to the laboratory component of this course. The lecture assignments will reference textbook pages and so on…..Please get familiar with the navigation.

Note: Most links are repeated so that there are multiple ways to get to a particular page.

7) In the course section of the main navigation page there are a series of links that relate to both lecture and lab. The following steps apply to the “course” section of the main navigation page for 2404 A&P basics and need to be done first. 

            a) Click on the link for the semester calendar and access each month to see the organization of the course during the upcoming semester.  It is highly recommended that you print out each month of the current semester so that you will know what is expected each day!  Use the calendar links to stay on track and on task.  If you get behind in a science course, it is too hard to catch up.  If you miss too many assignments, you will earn a low or failing grade.

            b) During this orientation period, prior to classes officially starting, there are reminders on the calendar about what needs to be done so that you are ready for the start of class. If you wait for Blackboard access on the first day of classes, you may find yourself getting behind on required work and assignments.

            c) Click on the course check list. Read and print out this list.  This reference list is based on the syllabus and addenda requirements for the course.  Use this check list to keep track of the assignments and tests that will be graded and comprise your overall completion grade for this course.  All other work that is done (reading, end of chapter or lab reviews) is to help you get ready for some type of assessment such as a quiz, exam, or lab practical.

            d) Click on the Student Agreement Form.  Print out and carefully read this form. You must initial each section, sign and date, and provide additional contact information. This is a required form that will be counted towards your participation grade and MUST be sent to the instructor as indicated by the due date indicated on the document and course calendar for full credit.  No form = no grade, no exceptions!  No form = no testing password also.

8. Canvas will also be used to allow for group interaction in asynchronous discussions and synchronous office hours.  Use Cougar Web for Canvas access that is provided by the college just prior to or on the official start of classes.  Also, you can access the entire course web site from Canvas links provided if you so wish. Remember that both Canvas and CougarWeb have different timed accesses, so you will have to click to remain connected when prompted.  If you get logged out, you will have to log back in. DO NOT USE Canvas for any testing assessments (quizzes, practicals, exams) for any reason. Go directly to the Mastering A&P website for any graded quizzes or tests.

If you have Cougar Web or Canvas problems, please see the online help links at
http://online.collin.edu .  If problems persist for more than 3 hours, you will need to go directly to the instructor’s website (see page one, step one) to access the course materials as described above and bypass the Cougar Web and/or Canvas access/login.

9. To access the testing link page, you will need an additional password.  This will be sent to you during the first week of the semester via an email from your instructor.  Keep this password in a safe place.  If needed, the password may be changed during the semester.  Your instructor will notify you, if this is necessary.

Important Note: Testing Passwords and Mastering A&P course IDs will only be given out to students who have submitted the Student Agreement Form.  No form = no testing password/ID, no exceptions for any reason.

10.  The email address used when you requested to register for this course will be used as your contact email.  If you used two different emails, then the college “Cougar mail” will be used to contact you unless you specifically request a different email address as your contact email. Make sure that any email account you use for this course is capable of opening and sending attachments.  It is recommended that you use one email account for school and another for personal needs. NOTE: Email through Canvas will not be used.

11.  Make sure you have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. Most of your graded paperwork will be returned to you in this format, so make sure you can open any .pdf attached documents to see how things might look when you receive your graded work. A sample grade sheet is available as a link in Canvas if you wish to use this to keep track of your grades. A formal grade sheet will be sent out once the first round of major exams has been completed.

 12. Final NOTE:  All links to the materials can be done from the calendar page as well as the main navigation page for the course.  Feel free to familiarize yourself with the structure of the website.  If you have a problem with any links or have questions, please let me know via my college email:  mweis@collin.edu  

Have a good semester and remember every day to

Read, Learn, Study, Review, and Repeat for success!