EDU 313: The Basics

Hi everyone. You’ve made your way to your week one content. This week we’ll be talking about some of the basics of technology and some of the terminology that will be important for you to understand. In particular we’ll talk about things like what’s hardware and software and operating systems. How are they different and how do they work together? And we’ll also talk about how to submit an assignment through Blackboard and how to double check that you have submitted that correctly. We’ll also talk about not only how to check your grades, but how to check feedback that may have been left for you by your instructor. And I use that heavily in this class so I want to be sure you know how to not only check the grade you got but read any feedback I’ve given you. We’ll also talk about how to stay connected to this course. In particular I’ll introduce a tool called “Remind” that I will use to send text alerts and reminders to you if you choose to opt in to it. Additionally there is a tool within Blackboard where you can opt in to receive text notifications via Blackboard. Things like when a grade has been posted online or when there’s a new announcement available. We’ll also talk about a really great resource available to you called the Norse Tech Bar. This is located in the University Center and is staffed with folks available to help you with a variety of technology issues. Things like, you might have issues with your computer or laptop, your tablet or Smart Phone. Those folks are there and ready to help you with those technology issues that you might have. We’ll also talk a little bit about your first assignment and how that will include something called the 313 Survival Guide. So this week will be just an introduction of the basics of some technology terminology as well as going over the syllabus and just the basic layout of the course. Lastly, in this week, if you have heard this podcast, I want you to hear this code word that you’re going to need. The code word is “Norse”. N-O-R-S-E. Once you have that code word, when you turn in your assignment for this week, in the submission area, type that code word in addition to submitting your regular assignment and you will receive one extra credit point. So you may see these sprinkled out throughout the semester in different places so it will be a good idea to listen and watch all audio, and all video, and all pieces on the course because you never know when these are going to show up. So again the code word for this week that you are hearing right now is NORSE. Go ahead and type in that word with your assignment week one and you will receive one extra credit point added to that assignment.