Thank you for joining me in this distance learning experience!! This letter will give you some background information concerning your Economic Geography course, as well as provide you with some tips which will enable you to be successful in learning from a distance.
On-line courses are much different than traditional, in-class courses. It is important that you understand the requirements of this course in order for you to best utilize the flexibility of this format. The time commitment this course requires is equal to what I expect from students attending the class 3 hours a week in a traditional classroom, and spending at least 3-6 hours each week studying course materials. This course requires 4-5 hours of work per week. You must read the text and go to most of the web sites I list in order to successfully complete the exams. This format allows you to schedule when you will complete the necessary work for this course. But with this added flexibility, comes greater responsibility. It is the student's responsibility to stay abreast of the materials and complete the examinations.
This letter is not meant to intimidate you, but to guide you in successfully completing this course. Follow the suggestions below to aid you in learning through distance learning. If you have taken other on-line courses, or if you are accustomed with the responsibilities of being a college student, my suggestions should sound familiar.
* Use a folder or binder to organize materials for this class. Put this student guide right in the front, print off and include all lectures for the course.
* Keep a calendar to mark down important dates for examination and review sessions.
* Save web sites as bookmarks. Save them for review.
* Purchase the textbook and atlas as soon as possible! Take advantage of the bookstore's offer to mail the books to you if you are unable to come to campus.
* The following study sequence will help you in organizing course material:
1. Read the text assignment.
2. Take notes on each
chapter, writing down the most important processes which dominate
each chapter.
Play close attention to the maps and locations of such
processes.
3. Write down any questions
you may have and email me. Try to read lectures as regularly as
possible,
establish a weekly schedule to avoid scrambling for the week of the exam
4. Prepare sample test answers and submit them to me for comment.
5. CALL ME if you have any questions at (209) 575-6104.
* If your computer or my computer breaks down, or you miss a lecture--DON'T PANIC! You can make up the loss by contacting me and I will resend you any missing material.
* Read the syllabus to note important dates for examinations, and read the syllabus to better understand what will be covered in the exams.
GOOD LUCK, AND I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE!