Course Information

Course Description:

A brief statement describing the nature of the course, what the student can expect to learn, and an overview of course activities such as teamwork, group projects, student web pages, etc., may be provided.

Course Objectives:

The course objectives should be stated clearly so that they can be related to the expected learning outcomes in each section or module of the course and to the goals of the overall assessment process.

Prerequisites:

A list of all course prerequisites with a statement of why the prerequisites are deemed necessary.

Course Topics:

A suggested sequence of course topics, perhaps noting that students should complete certain core modules prior to moving to elective or more advanced modules.

Specific Course Requirements:

A description of any special course requirements should be provided, such as knowledge of specific software, and why it is necessary for successful completion of the course.

Textbooks and Supplementary Materials

Required Textbooks:  (may be ordered online at Phillips Bookstore) 

Supplementary Materials:

A list of other published material the student is required to purchase for the course including lab manuals, lab kits, etc.

Hardware/Software Requirements/Browser Information

Hardware Requirements:

A reliable computer with a CD-ROM drive and Internet connection are necessary to successfully take an online or hybrid course.  Students who do not have a computer may access their courses at the MTSU Walker Library (with an MTSU ID), MTSU open computer labs (see http://www.mtsu.edu/infotech/ for links to hours of operation) or at a local public library (Note: Some public libraries block certain web addresses; student should verify with the library’s IT support if unable to access.)

COMPUTER HARDWARE, SOFTWARE AND BROWSER REQUIREMENTS

FOR TAKING ONLINE AND HYBRID COURSES

Minimum System Requirements for PC Users:

•Pentium III or better

•32 Megabytes of RAM or better

•Windows ME (or higher)

Browsers:

• Internet Explorer.
    Windows: 6.0 SP2 or higher
• Netscape Communicator.
   Windows: 7.1 or higher
• Note: PipelineMT does not support AOL, Safari or other browsers

•Communications software (which allows communication between your computer and your modem)

•A modem (56k or better)

•A dependable Internet Service Provider (ISP).  (The ISP should provide an e-mail account, access to the World Wide Web, and ease of making and maintaining a connection.)

Minimum System Requirements for Mac Users:

•604 PowerPC processor Preferably a G3 (iMac included) or G4

            processor computer running Mac OS or 0SX.1 or above;

•Internet browsers

• Internet Explorer.
      MAC: 5.2.3 (OS X) or higher
• Netscape Communicator.
    MAC 7.1 or higher for OS X

Note: PipelineMT does not support AOL, Safari or other browsers

•Aminimum or 64 MB RAM, preferably 128 with at least 25 MB assigned to your browser.  (If you need assistance in adjusting memory please refer to your Apple Help file searching under the header Memory - Adjusting your memory usage.  Multiple applications should not be open while working in your browser within the Online Degree Program.  This requires more RAM and  will cause the browser to run very slowly.);

•Communications software (which permits communication between your computer and the modem);

•Modem (56K or better for best performance);

•Dependable Internet Service Provider (ISP).  (The ISP should provide an e-mail account, access to the World Wide Web, and ease of making and maintaining a connection.)

Computer Software Requirements

Microsoft Word is generally recommended for completion of papers and assignments.  Professors may, however, recommend specific software for certain courses.  Please review your course syllabus for information about required software.  

Browser Information

• Internet Explorer.
    Windows: 6.0 SP2 or higher
    MAC: 5.2.3 (OS X) or higher

•  Netscape Communicator
   Windows: 7.1 or higher
   MAC 7.1 or higher for OS X

• PipelineMT does not support AOL, Safari or other browsers

Make certain that, whichever browser you choose, it is Java and JavaScript enabled. This usually requires checking a box or choosing this capacity in an options box under the tools or properties menu.

It is recommended that the “browser checker” utility be completed (in its entirety) prior to accessing Desire2Learn (D2L) for the first time.  The browser checker is located on the upper toolbar of the course and is used to verify that all browser settings are correct.

D2L Student Support

           Students are encouraged to visit MTSU's D2L Student Support page for troubleshooting assistance.

Instructor Information

A separate page containing instructor contact information, virtual office hours and other communication information is located inside the course.

Assessment and Grading

Testing Procedures:

A statement describing the process to schedule a distance learning exam with an off-campus proctor.

A statement to inform students that they should access D2L through MTSU eLearn instead of PipelineMT to prevent them from timing out during exams.

Grading Procedure:

A detailed statement of how grades are related to or reflective of the expected learning outcomes.  A statement of what constitutes high course achievement.

Grading Scale:

 ##-##---A
##-##---B
##-##---C
The grading scale should emphasize assignments, projects, and student participation in the learning community as well as timed quizzes and periodic examinations.

Assignments and Participation

Assignments and Projects:

A sequenced list of assignments and projects arranged by course section or module with due dates if applicable.

Class Participation:

A statement may be made that students must participate in all interactive aspects of the course.  For example, students must communicate with other students in the chat room, students are expected to communicate with the instructor as a learning resource, students must check the course bulletin board frequently for announcements, and students must actively participate in threaded discussion events.

Punctuality:

A statement of course milestones to keep the students on track in an asynchronous environment. 

Course Ground Rules

A reiteration and emphasis of certain rules and course expectations.  For example, participation is required, communication with other students in team projects is expected, learning how to navigate in the learning environment system is necessary, keeping abreast of course announcements, using the MTSU student email address as opposed to a personal email address, addressing technical problems immediately, and observing course netiquette at all times. 

Communication Guidelines

Email:

• Always include a subject line.
• Remember that without facial expressions some comments may be misinterpreted. Choose your words carefully when writing your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
• Use standard fonts.
• Do not send large attachments without permission.
• Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
• Respect the privacy of other class members

Discussion Groups:

• Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion.  Be a lurker then a discussant.
• Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
• Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group.  Be respectful of other’s ideas.
• Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
• Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
• Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
• Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.

Chat:

• Introduce yourself to the other learners in the chat session.
• Be polite. Choose your words carefully. Do not use derogatory statements.
• Be concise in responding to others in the chat session.
• Be prepared to open the chat session at the scheduled time.
• Be constructive in your comments and suggestion

Web Resources:

• Citation Styles Online
• Citation Style Guides 
• Copyright Issues
• Copyright Basics

Library

Provide links to MTSU’s various libraries and to the Walker Library’s Distance Learning site.  Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by distance learners to complete their assignments must be included in all courses.  The Walker Library also provides Research Guide video tutorials, including Citation Style Guides.

SMARTHINKING Online Tutoring Service

Students With Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the Office of Disabled Student Services (DSS).  Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility from the Office of Disabled Student Services.  It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with the DSS staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary to this syllabus.  If changes are necessary during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) on the course bulletin board.  

Technical Support

Students who experience problems logging into their course, timing out of their course, using the course web site tools or experience other technical problems, should be encouraged to contact the MTSU Help Desk online (24/7) or at 1-615/898-5345.4/7) 1

Academic Misconduct

 The use of a third party to submit a student's work is only allowed when accommodations are approved by the Disabled Student Services Office.  Students found to be in violation of this policy will be reported to the faculty member and Dean of Student Affairs.

Students should be familiar with the “MTSU Students Rights and Responsibilities” handbook which outlines academic misconduct defined as plagiarism, cheating, fabrication or facilitating any such act,” a statement of community standards of civil behavior, and code of  computer use.

Hope (Lottery) Scholarship Information

Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship eligibility requirements and scholarship rules are available on the MTSU Financial Aid website and the lottery Statement of Understanding form. Students may also contact the MTSU financial aid office at 615/898-2830 for additional information.