PrintWe are very happy that you have decided to join us this semester. Before we begin our semester of study together, it is important that you review all of the material in the Orientation and on our course syllabus. These two resources will prepare you to be successful in this course and will make the journey over the next 15 weeks significantly easier for you.
What will we learn about in the Orientation?
- An overview of Canvas, Penn State's course management system
- An overview of the course website
- Technical requirements for this course
- How to succeed in this course
- Where to get course assistance if you need it
What is due for the Orientation?
Optimally, you should complete the Orientation before the first week of class so you are prepared.
The following is an overview of the activities that must be submitted for the Orientation. Detailed directions and submission instructions are located on the page containing the assignment within this orientation. You may want to print this page to serve as a checklist as you go along.)
| Task | Page of Orientation |
|---|---|
| Personalize your Canvas space | About Canvas |
| Forward your Canvas e-mail | About Canvas |
| Review the library system's information | Using the Penn State Library |
| Log in to this website | The Learning Environment |
| Introduce yourself and meet the rest of the class. | Summary and Final Tasks |
| Custom item 1 | whichever page it is on |
| Custom item 2 | whichever page it is on |
Have you looked at the syllabus yet?
This Orientation complements and expands on the information provided on the syllabus. If you haven't read it, be sure to review that document carefully! It is linked from this website and may also be available in Canvas.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please communicate via Canvas e-mail. We will check daily to respond. If your question is one that is relevant to the entire class, we may respond to the entire class rather than individually.
You may also please post them to our Questions? discussion forum (not e-mail), located in Canvas. The TA and I will check that discussion forum daily to respond. While you are there, feel free to post your own responses if you, too, are able to help out a classmate.
What is next?
Once you are ready, click the next link in the orientation menu and work all the way to the end of the list.