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Instructions to Online Students

Note that this page is Required Reading for Ocean 100 Online! See password below…

How Oceanography 100 Online Works:

Each week you will engage in several different learning activities related to oceanography. These activities include: reading the textbook; completing online assignments; viewing online resources including audio and video files; and participating in online Discussions (Discussion Board Forums). All course materials including quizzes will be available online at the course Canvas site. Throughout the semester, you will be required to:

  • Have regular access to a computer with high-speed Internet access
  • Frequently log onto the Oceanography 100 course Canvas site (the link to Canvas is in the top banner of this page; your userid is your nine-digit Palomar College student ID and your password is set up by you when you establish your account)
  • Download and read Adobe Acrobat files
  • Create Word (.doc, .docx) or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) documents that include graphics
  • Scan documents into a digital format (.jpeg, etc.)
  • Use graphic tools to draw on (highlight and/or circle answers) in Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe Acrobat (.pdf), or digital format (.jpeg) documents
  • Download and play YouTube, Quicktime, Flash, and Vimeo videos
  • Play audio files (Wimba, Java, and Windows Media files)
  • Complete various Discussions and other online assignments
  • Have access to online textbook resources including MyLab & MasteringOceanography
  • Complete the Writing Assignment and upload your work to the course Canvas site, where it will be checked for Web and other forms of plagiarism
  • Complete 5 online chapter quizzes, each of which covers 3 chapters plus map locations

Information about Online Learning: Is it Right for You?

Online classes can be an exciting way to learn. Their convenience and flexibility appeals to many students, but online courses are not for everyone. Generally, students drop-out of online classes at a higher rate than face-to-face classes. This is often because they do not have the proper equipment or, more importantly, the habits and organizational skills of successful online students.

Based on my previous experience, I would recommend taking Ocean 100 Online (or any college-level online class) only if you meet the following conditions:

  • You have a college GPA of at least 3.25
  • You have been taking college-level courses for more than one year
  • You are not a first-generation college student (e.g., others in your family have attended college in the past)
  • You can easily and clearly express yourself in written English form
  • You can work independently and achieve due dates without constant reminders
  • You have proficiency solving computer-related issues

Also, see the information contained here:

Lastly, here’s a former student’s advice about what it takes to succeed in Oceanography 100 Online:

“In order to succeed in this course you need to first know if an online course is the best fit for you. Online courses take responsibility, great time management skills, and also the ability to be a good reader. You must know how to use proper e-mail etiquette for communicating with your instructor. Take the time to find a perfect place for studying and test taking where there will be no distractions because the exams are timed. You should have access to a reliable computer, know how to navigate the Internet, have a backup plan in case your computer fails, and take advantage of all of the resources posted online. This course covers so much more than you would think it does. Definitely use all of the Mastering practice quizzes, online student study area, and take notes on the powerpoints. A lot of the same questions pop up on the exams so it is really good to make sure you have at least given everything a look first. Last, do not forget about making your posts on the Discussion Boards.”

Mini-FAQ about Oceanography 100 Online:

Q: Will there be any required on-campus, in-person meetings? A: No. All materials including the syllabus, advice from former students, class policies, handouts, assignments, access to the eText and MyLab & Mastering, streaming videos, and all quizzes will be available online.
Q: Is the class self-paced? For example, can I turn in all  assignments in two weeks and be done with the class? A: No. Assignments are periodically released each week throughout the semester. And, you must participate in various activities (such as Discussions) at the same time as other students do to be able to converse and interact with them. For this, we need to stick together as we proceed through the course content.
Q: If I am on the waitlist, how likely am I to get into the class? A: Based on past experience, many people on the waitlist tend to get into the class. The lower number you have on the waitlist, the better your chances are, so definitely get on the waitlist if you can. I drop enrolled students if they do not complete assignments in a timely manner. After 2 weeks into the semester, however, Palomar’s admissions policy prohibits me from adding anyone into the class.
Q: If I am on the waitlist, do I have access to course materials? A: No. The course Canvas site—which contains all assignments—is only accessible to officially enrolled students. So, to purchase an eText or gain access to MyLab & Mastering, you must be an officially enrolled student. However, see the link to the course syllabus and textbook information below.
Q: If I am on the waitlist, when will I know if I will be added to the course? A: If an enrolled student drops before the semester starts, you will be added in order from the waitlist and Palomar will contact you about paying fees. Once the semester starts, you’ll need an add code. The only way I can give out add codes is when enrolled students do not submit work. I give students until the end of the first week of class to submit assignments before dropping them for non-attendance. As spots open up, I will contact you via e-mail with an add code and other instructions, typically during the second week of classes. Please be patient!
Q: I can’t get on the waitlist, but still want to add the course as a “crasher.” What do I do? A: By law, I must add students in order from the waitlist before adding any “crashers.” Typically, not all students on the waitlist will get into the class, so I won’t be able to add many others. How about next semester?
Q: Can I use the 12th (or older) edition of the required textbook (Essentials of Oceanography), or do I really need the 13th edition? A: The 12th edition will just not do; you’ll need the 13th edition, which (among other things) has new annotations and labels on figures, SmartFigures and SmartTables, Squidtoons callouts, an entire new chapter devoted to Marine Pollution, and the latest updates on climate change in Chapter 16. Also new in this edition is a format that is specifically designed to help you study. For a 12-page list of improvements that are new in the 13th edition of Essentials of Oceanography, see What’s New in the 13th Edition? (opens in new window).
There are many options for purchasing the textbook, so please see the FAQs in the “Suggested Options for Purchasing the Required Oceanography 100 Lecture Materials” link below.
Q: How can I purchase MyLab & Mastering and a digital copy of the textbook? A: You must purchase online access to MyLab & Mastering (AKA “Modified MasteringOceanography”) through the course Canvas site. WARNING: Do NOT purchase regular MasteringOceanography through the MasteringOceanography/ MasteringGeology Website. If the textbook you purchased does not include an access code for MyLab & Mastering, you must purchase MyLab & Mastering through the course Canvas site, which is normally available about 1 week before classes begin. When you register for MyLab & Mastering, you will also be given the option to purchase a digital (eText) version of the textbook, which is the most affordable option for purchasing the required textbook. Just follow the prompts.

Some Basic Course Information to Get You Started:

One-word Password to Access Items in the “Basic Course Info” Module at the Ocean 100 Online Course Canvas Site:

Password = navanax

… which is the genus name of one the coolest predatory sea slugs ever!

… and yes, it does live in our local tide pools!

 

If You Have Specific Questions about Ocean 100 Online:

Please e-mail me at atrujillo@palomar.edu