Where to Start

Where to Start
If you have not done so already, read the Intro to get a general idea of the expectations of this course. The Intro describes the course's emphasis on Earth's Spheres, Earth System Science, the Use of Technology, and teaching Science as Inquiry. The Intro also tells you how your Participation will make the course a success. You will learn about Group & Team Formation and about the expectations for the course in the Assessment Overview. You may also read about the other Course Sections.

After you familiarize yourself with the information in the Intro, read through each of the pages listed on the navigation bar to the right. These pages offer you tips to help you succeed in this course. Course participants will comprise a community of learners (Joining the Community). Participants will be coached and mentored by a facilitator ( Knowing Your Facilitator). Additional support from an Earth scientist may be provided as the course progresses. You will be expected to engage in weekly online discussions (How to Sit in the Front, Virtual Cooperative Learning). The course is structured, but not conducted, in real time (Being an Online Learner) so that you may contribute anytime during the week as long as you are reliable. You will also get an idea of how learning in an online environment occurs in this course ( Learning in an Online Environment). Your group and team discussions, ESS analyses, resources, and the classroom applications you design or locate will be archived in the virtual study spaces of the Classroom ( Virtual Study Spaces).

Finally, explore the major area you will use on a weekly basis. The Outline includes the weekly assignment. Because of limitations of our system the links for the graphic below are not active. All communication will occur on the Blackboard site.