WebCT VISTA Class Guideline
Summer 2007
HPS 4150 – Nutrition and Exercise
Course Instructor: Dr. Charles Ash, Professor
Welcome to the course!!!! The Course Welcome Module will begin on May 31st and go
through June 2rd. The first content unit is set to begin on June 3th. As we get started in
this course, there are a few things I want to share to make sure you are ready to hit the
ground running. The purpose of the Welcome Module period is to orient you to the
course, WebCT VISTA, and give you a chance to see how an on-line course will operate.
Once the course begins, it is assumed that you have completed welcome/introductory
tasks and have read the class guidelines and course syllabus.
In the meantime, please do the following:
1) CONTACT: the KSU bookstore.
Textbooks sell out quickly at the bookstore - you may order the texts online at the
bookstore and have them mail the book to you or hold for pickup. You may also
purchase the textbook directly from the publisher.
HPS 4150 Nutrition for Exercise Textbook:
Williams, M. (2007). Nutrition for Fitness and Sport. (8th ed.).
Dubuque, IA: Wm. C. Brown.
The textbook is critical for your success in this course!
WebCT assignments are time sensitive – they will cut off at a specific date and time. If
you fail to purchase a text in time and the bookstore is out – the class goes on, as do
the due dates for assignments. You will miss information and will be unable to submit
relevant assignments that you will not be able to receive full credit for. If this occurs, I
recommend you switch to an in-class version of this course.
2) The purpose of the course is to have you learn information regarding the importance of
nutrition for people whom are physically active.. It is not to teach you how to use your
computer. As a student in this course, I will assume that you are already adept at
using a computer, as well as, Microsoft Windows, MSWord , MS Power Point and
surfing the Internet. You must be familiar with accessing e-mails and with
downloading and uploading materials to a website. You need to be detail-oriented, follow
written directions well, and have good time management skills. If you are not
comfortable using the computer in this manner, you will be happier with an on-ground
version of this course. My expertise is in Exercise Physiology, not computer technology
support. I will assist as best I can, however, if you need tech support, you can access the
student information technology link http://www.kennesaw.edu/students/computing.shtml.
All departments and courses are different, whether on-line or in-class. So, if you have
taken other on-line classes, don’t expect this one to have the same format or time-lines.
Procrastination does not work.
Poor time management skills are a nightmare.
Being uncomfortable with basic on-line technology will create challenges, and frustration
levels typically run high. If you would describe yourself as “knowing just enough about
computers to make you dangerous”, this is dangerous for your GPA. If any of these
sounds like you, please consider going to an in-class course.
3) Asynchronous Communication: One of the most important features of this course is
its asynchronous communication capabilities (we all don’t have to be on-line at the same
time).
This course gives you the ability to review and reflect on course discussions without the
pressure of having to respond instantaneously. You can read, reflect, and respond after
careful thought.
My Time On-line : just as you will not be online 24/7, neither will I. If you have any
problems, send me a WebCT Vista e-mail. I will strive to respond to you within 48
hours. Assignments/Discussion Postings/Quizzes/Tests are only graded once the due
dates have expired. In most cases, grades will be posted within one week. For more indepth assignments, grading may require two weeks.
4) HOW CLASSES ARE ORGANIZED: It is recommended that you maintain a
notebook or file system for the course materials. On the course homepage toolbar, you
will see icons for mail, assignments, discussion, assessments and my gradebook, You
will also find the Course Syllabus, Course Outline, and the Unit Modules. The heart of
the course will be found within the modules. A new module will be revealed at the
completion of the one prior. As modules are completed, they will be removed from
the screen – that is why it’s important to maintain a hard copy of the materials for
each module.
Within each module, you will typically see icons for the agenda, lectures, discussion
topics, posting discussion topics, assignments, and quizzes. PRINT OUT THE
AGENDA WITH EACH UNIT. The agenda lists what assignments are due. It is your
checklist to make sure you complete all of the work for the module. It is also
recommended that you print out the lectures which are in a PowerPoint format.
All submitted assignments MUST contain your name (Example: Jane Doe).
The assignments were completed with MSWord. You will need to have software that can
download and upload in the same format. Assignments will need to be submitted in a
“.doc” format, ONLY! You will need to carefully follow instructions for downloading
and uploading the assignments. The greatest mistake made is failure to save the
assignment after the student enters his/her answers. What is then returned to me is a
blank assignment.
Class Schedule: Everyone takes an on-line class for different reasons. If you are taking it
because you think it will be easier or take less time – I suggest switching to an in-class
version! And as for the schedule, some people want scheduled days, like in-class courses.
Others want the freedom to sit down and do as much of the work at one time as possible,
while others want the weekend to work on assignments. I have tried to allow as much
flexibility as possible – giving you the opportunity to pace yourself. Students are
responsible for reading all postings. Once a module is posted, you have access to
assignments, projects, and discussion topics. You can sit down at that moment and
complete all of these tasks, if you wish. The due dates listed are the LAST day, not
the only day, the assignments will be accepted without penality. Except for
quizzes/tests, you have complete freedom to complete all of these earlier if you desire. I
have tried to allow as much time as possible for you to submit the assignments.
Quizzes/Tests are set on a 1-day(24 hr) schedule. You choose the best time for you. If
you procrastinate until the last minute, you are placing yourself at risk for all sorts
of problems – getting shut out at a time lapse on WebCT, loss of internet connection,
a long list of items can go wrong – and if it happens at the last minute and the due
dates pass, late assignments will be accepted; but, at a reduction of 20% of the
grade for the first day (24 hrs) and then a 10% additional reduction for each
additional day (24hrs) that it is late. So if you are late with an assignment, then the
most you can get is 80% (i.e. B-) of the total point value if it is turned in within 24
hours and so on and so on…….
5) ATTENDANCE: This class is completely on-line – there is no class to attend at KSU.
So there is also no class from which to be absent. You have control over your
schedule. If you are sick, you can still conveniently participate in class. If you travel, you
will need a laptop to take with you, or you will need to visit Internet Cafes or a public
library. If your computer crashes, you will need access to another one (it works best to
have 2 backup computers to use – remember – you have access to KSU’s computer labs
and public libraries have computers with access to the internet. It is also recommended
that you have 2 internet browsers on your computer.). SO, there is never a reasonable
excuse that a student would miss a quiz or not submit an assignment on time. If you
decide to submit an assignment late, you pay the consequences with a reduced
grade. Once the module is posted, you have the option of completing assignments early.
The dates posted on the calendar are the last days the assignments are accepted without
penalty. Procrastination is one of the major enemies of online students.
What has caused problems in the past? There are a few things that have caused students
to experience difficulty with the course in the past. They typically center around
procrastination and poor planning. Waiting until the last minute to submit an assignment
or take a quiz – all of a sudden, the computer crashes in the middle of the assignment or
quiz, and when you log back on, time has expired. Another common situation is again
waiting until the last minute, the time expires while you are trying to submit a quiz or
assignment and it won’t accept it. Some students have failed to read the Agenda and just
clicked on icons within the module – causing them to miss valuable instructions or other
assignments. Some students have not participated in the discussion postings. Still, a few
failed to read the grade comments made by the instructor indicating that the wrong file or
a blank file was submitted for grading. There have been students that simply forget to
log-on to class. These are just a few of the reasons why an online learner has to be selfmotivated, excellent with time management, responsible, good with computers, and leave
time for computer problems – and not look for short-cuts!!!! A student needs to manage
time well in an online class. Structure is provided within the schedule, but the student is
responsible for policing his/herself.
The power of WebCT. Some students have discovered WebCT's power over submission
times and time limits. Everything is time-stamped! I know exactly what day & time you
submit discussion questions, assignments, labs, projects and quizzes/tests. Your
assignment will be accepted if late but at a cost to you (see above).
PROCRASTINATION AND POOR TIME MANAGEMENT – (This is SUCH an
important point – I just want to say it over and over!!!.) Procrastination does not work in
an on-line course! It just doesn't. I can't go back in and switch things around easily. Also,
there are always computer problems - no doubt - it is always when something is due and
time is ticking. Allow for extra time - have a backup plan (which also means have
backup computers and the time to drive to them) - remember - you have access to the
computer labs at KSU or the public library. The point of an on-line course is to provide
flexibility - which means you can go out of town if you need to - but - you still need
access to computers. This is a portable classroom that you must take with you. The
responsibility is yours.
Another situation that has cropped up in the past, “My computer wasn’t working, my
internet browser was down, I shouldn’t be penalized because of my computer or software
problems.” It is your responsibility. That’s why the student guidelines suggest that the
student have at least 2 backup computers and allow plenty of time to travel to those
computers, log-on, and complete assignments/quizzes. Have access to at least 2 internet
browsers on your computer. If your dog ate your homework, your alarm clock failed to
wake you up, if you had a flat tire on the way to school, if your pen ran out of ink, or you
didn’t have enough paper or the right textbook for class, you would still be responsible
for submitting class work on time. As such, you are still responsible for submitting
materials on time, despite computer problems. That’s why you prepare in advance and
have backup computers/ internet browsers and the time necessary to complete the work.
6) QUIZZES: Since we are not in the classroom where a quiz may be actively
monitored, it is monitored via time limits. You must complete the quiz once you begin.
The time available for each quiz will be based upon the number of questions (~30
seconds/ T & F or Multiple choice question and 1 minute per point for discussion
questions). Questions are shown one question at a time. You can go-back and revisit
questions before your final submission of the quiz. Once you submit the quiz/test (just
like in class), that’s it – you are done. There’s only one chance – make it count! Your
computer’s processor, internet service provider, and internet connection determine
the time it will take you to submit each question. This counts toward your overall
available testing time. If you are someone who takes longer than average to take
quizzes/tests, please keep this in mind. This may be a limiting factor for you. The
best situation is to work on the school’s network, cable modem or DSL and a
computer with a high speed microprocessor. Quizzes will be available during a 1-day
(24 hours) period of time – this is than enough time to sign-on and take the quiz. Quizzes
are NOT open-book or notes; and are NOT to be collaborated with other students.
They are to be taken honestly with the information you have within your own memory,
only! (Since this has been a problem in the past, anyone suspected and found to be
cheating and/or plagiarizing on a quiz or assignments will be dealt with
appropriately)
7) Blood Lipid Profile:
 Before the Chapter 5 Unit on FAT, you will be expected to go to your (a) health
provider or the KSU Health Clinic and have your Blood Lipid Profile (Total
Blood Cholesterol, Trigylcerides, HDL and LDL levels) assessed. This may cost
you (~$25.00 at the KSU Health Clinic) or your health insurance will cover it for
you. It is very important for you to be aware of your values for present and future
reference. It will be due to me on Wednesday, June 27th. More on this topic
will be provided in the Chapter 5 Unit.
8) ADDITIONAL CLASS GUIDELINES:
How much content am I asking for?
For the discussion topics/questions, the research summaries, and insight responses, a 1-2
full screen response is appropriate. One big advantage of on-line classes is that you have
an opportunity to think before you answer. Use this to your advantage and provide well
thought-out answers and support the information you provide with facts. Grading of
your discussions answers and responses will be based upon the thoroughness of your
answer or response. If the question is worth 10 points, then it MUST be an in-depth,
thorough answer greater than 2 full screens to earn the full 10 pts. Most answers in the
past have been earned between 6 – 9 pts. See “Grading Criteria for WebCT Discussion
Posts and Other Assignments” posted on the HomePage.
Net etiquette
While I don't think this will be an issue, I still must remind you that this is a classroom
and improper postings will not be tolerated. If you wish to use the site's mail to
personally correspond with someone, that's fine, as long as it stays within the bounds of
proper conduct as determined by the school's codes. If someone insists on being rude or
obscene after a warning, they will be dropped from the class.
Other net issues
Web sites come and go – web addresses change. If you can't access a link I've provided in
the lectures or which is contained in the text, please let me know and try to adjust to that
hindrance.
WebCT VISTA Error Message:
WebCT has a quirk and will only keep files for a certain amount of time. If you pull up
class material (agenda, lectures, etc.) and are given this message, contact me. I will have
to reload the file.
Error: File Not Found
The requested URL was not found on this server:
9) HOW TO CONTACT ME: The FIRST place to e-mail me is on the course site by
clicking on the “Mail” icon. This is also the site to email attachments to me. I will
answer e-mails with an average of 24-48 hours turn-around time. Again, just as you are
not on-line 24/7, neither am I. Please don’t sit at your computer and wait for a response
as if we have “Instant Messenger” services. I don’t! If you have computer difficulties
and need to e-mail me at another location, the back-up email address is:
cash@kennesaw.edu . IF you have to contact me at the secondary e-mail address,
include your name as it is registered for the course, the course title. Since I receive all of
my e-mails at KSU not related to the course, please try to correspond via the
WebCT mail address!
10) MAINTAINING RECORDS: It is up to the student to maintain a file of items that
have been submitted/graded – WebCT will provide you with confirmations of
submissions. Keep all records until you receive your final grade. WebCT will have
grades posted in your GradeBook after I grade them. If there are any questions about any
of your grades, please don’t hesitate to ask.
11) BE PATIENT AT THE BEGINNING!! Students become comfortable in the
WebCT format at different time frames. Keep plugging along and everything will
become much easier. Remember, I am here to assist you the best that I can, but you
can also ask other fellow students for assistance using the WebCT VISTA e-mail
system.
I hope you have a successful learning experience in this course!
See you online Dr. Ash