- Only one set of instructions needs to be made for a new procedure.

    - There is less likelihood of individuals encountering unique problems.
 
    - There is a common frame of reference when we encounter problems.

    - When problems are overcome, we can all benefit from the same solutions.

Netscape Communicator 4.0 (or better) was selected not only to standardize, but to minimize the number of different software packages that are needed for basic course functions.  In one neat package, Netscape Communicator offers individuals:

    - Browsing of the World Wide Web's content.

    - Communication through web-based discussion forums.

    - Web-page development tools (with spell-check!)

    - File upload capabilities.

    - Easy email interface ( if you wish to use it--optional).

There are other packages that may offer these same capabilities....but we will standardize on Communicator.
 

Principle #2.  Make sure that students are ready to participate.  In online courses it is not uncommon for students to "disappear"--that is, cease to communicate and participate.  This can often be caused by difficulties and hurdles that students encounter early on in the course.  The purpose of this preparation week is to provide low-pressure time to get ready for the start of the course (so that the "technology" is just a bit more out of the way by Week 1). Below, you will find a list of steps you can take to get ready for Week 1 (Note: Please see the Assessment section of this page for specific instructions on these steps).

   - Obtain the course text Web-Based Instruction (edited by Badrul H. Khan).

   - Obtain Netscape Communicator 4.0 (or greater) and get it set up on your computer(s). I have links available to download this software for many of the computer platforms in the WebClassroom Resources section.  Let me know if I have missed yours.

   - Make sure your email is working.

   - Make sure you are able to post and read messages in the discussion area.

   Principle #3. Get to know the backgrounds and capabilities of your students.  In any online class ( and in this class especially) it is critical for the instructor to become familiar with each student's individual characteristics and qualities.  A little knowledge can go a long way in heading off problems before they happen.  Things that I am particularly interested in include:

    -  A self-description of your level of comfort/expertise with computers and the internet.

    -  A description of your level of comfort/expertise with web publishing.

    -  If you have created web-pages prior to this class, are they still available on a web server somewhere?  Can you provide an address to access them?  What kind of server are they on (i.e. Mac, Windows, Unix, etc.)?  Who operates the server (commercial provider, school, government server, your own server, etc.)?  How did you get your web pages onto the server (i.e. uploaded them yourself, someone else did it, put them on from a floppy disk, etc.)?

    - What type of computer(s) will you be doing most of your course work on (Windows, Mac, Unix, etc.)?

    -  Space on the course webserver will be provided for each class member to publish the web-based instructional materials that they create.  Other options could include: commercial internet providers webserver, a school webserver, a state or local government webserver, OR your own webserver.  At this time, which of these would you most likely want to utilize?

Principle #4.  Work immediately to establish ties between class members and develop a course-related learning community.  Since there are no physical course meetings it is especially easy for students to develop a sense of isolation.  Separated from the instructor and other class members by space and time, students can conveniently "disappear" simply by failing to participate or respond to communication.  From the beginning, it will be a major priority to help you get to know one another and to develop collaborative working relationships.

**Please Note:  This class is designed in such a way that nearly all course-related communication can be conducted through email, the electronic discussion forums, and the chat rooms.  Face to face, telephone, or U.S. mail communication are not required by this instructor or this course.  Revelation of personal information not related to the coursework is not required by this instructor or this course.  Please be advised to use discretion and good judgement when revealing personal information to anyone online.**

Information that should be shared with classmates early on in the course:

    - Professional information (your current educational role and setting).

    - Professional background (your past professional history that may be relevant).

    - Motivation ( why you are taking this course...what you hope to gain).

    - The coolest/best thing you ever accomplished/produced using a computer.
 

    Confirmation that you have obtained the course text (Web-Based Instruction).

    Confirmation that you have obtained Netscape 4.0 or greater and have it in operation on your computer(s).

    Comments on your background and capabilites (as discussed in Principle #3 above).

Post a message to the WebClassroom discussion #1 that contains the professional information discussed in Principle #4.

Read other student's posts as they appear.