Carol, It sounds like you have a lot on your plate. I'm sure I speak for all in saying we hope things improve for your daughter.
In the meantime, how about a tutorial? I can find a tutorial, if you think it would be helpful. But I wonder if, since it's a 300 level class, you might just "run" the course by giving them assignments online, encouraging them to "chat" with each other on topics you could send by having them select the "reply all" and discuss ideas in an email format, and finally have them submit work to you via email? As long as they include you in their "reply all" you'd have a record of participation. I teach 3 courses online using Blackboard, but I have to say, it's a monumental task to set it up. If I were you, I'd toss around the above suggestion. In the meantime, know that we'll be thinking of you. Beth Benoit Granite State College Plymouth State University New Hampshire -----Original Message----- From: DeVolder Carol L [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, January 11, 2008 2:41 PM To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences (TIPS) Subject: [tips] need advice Dear Tipsters, Some of you may recall that the last time I posted, I was in Houston with my daughter (who has all kinds of heart problems). I had anticipated going home long ago (Thanksgiving, to be exact), but my plans were thwarted and I am still here (it's a good thing I love Houston, although it's very different than the little town of 1800 people where I live in Illinois). I find that I am going to take some Family Medical Leave time and will be teaching the initial portion of one class online (a 300-level Brain & Behavior class). My university doesn't offer online courses and I have no experience teaching online. For those reasons, I've tended to skip past the postings dealing with online courses. So, could any of you offer suggestions on how to proceed? I have limited experience with Blackboard, but can learn just about anything in a pinch. I know could check the archives, but I have to be honest and tell you that my daughter is in the ICU and I don't have a great deal of mental energy. My class won't start until next week and I expect to be more on top of things by then. Meanwhile, any ideas that I can ponder as I sit here would be greatly appreciate it. Thanks, Carol Carol L. DeVolder, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology Chair, Department of Psychology St. Ambrose University 518 West Locust Street Davenport, Iowa 52803 Phone: 563-333-6482 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] web: http://web.sau.edu/psychology/psychfaculty/cdevolder.htm The contents of this message are confidential and may not be shared with anyone without permission of the sender. --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
