Here is some information about the course, texts, requirements, etc. More detailed information will be contained in the syllabus and other course documents, to be made available on the respective BlackBoard site for each section at a later date.
Department of Professional Programs in Education
Instructor: Ronald L. Skidmore, Ph.D.
Office: 503 H Ginger Hall
Phone: (606) 783-2905 (Leave a voice-mail message with your name, date, time, and phone number, and your questions......I'll get back to you)
Required Text :
{The 9th edition of this text is also available. You may use either edition.}
Additional Readings Will Be Made Available Through Blackboard... stay tuned as per directions below!!
HIGHLY SUGGESTED for Reference:
A recent text (since 2003) in Human Growth and Development. Some terms, concepts, and theories that are foundational to the course and will likely be discussed may not be found in the required text.
Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). (2009).
(Note: The 6th edition of the Publication manual of the American Psychological Association was released in July, 2009) It is not required that you purchase this text for this course, however, you will be expected to follow the basic tenants and format (e.g., citations and referencing of resources) for the Formal Assignments (2). (See note below regarding students as self-directed learners)
The instructor assumes that students, as self-regulated learners / life-long learners, possess technology skills, communication skills (i.e., reading comprehension, writing and composition) and critical thinking abilities appropriate to achieve success in this graduate-level college course OR have the ablity to acquire such as necessary. The Student acknowledges that they understand what constitutes plagiarism and understands the penalties for engaging in such activities (See MSU Student Handbook).
BRIEF GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION
[Tentative: Some changes are in the works and will be announced prior to beginning of the term.]
16 Modules (Weekly / Readings from the texts and / or Internet sources)
16 Discussion Forums (One per EACH Module / 2 posts required as directed)
Students will be assigned leadership for these discussion forums: the parameters, protocol, and expectations, as well as the evaluation rubric, etc. will be provided in the forthcoming syllabus.
13 Quizzes
2 Exams (i.e., Mid-Term and Final)
3 Formal Written Assignments (TBA)
o To establish and maintain, at all times regardless of location, adequate and effective INTERNET connectivity and communication, including email, as directed and required for the course (Full ONLINE format)
o To READ and REVIEW the Course Syllabus , Course Time Line / Schedule, and all other course documents presented.
o To monitor the BlackBoard site established for the respective sections of the course for information DAILY announcements, assignments, discussion board participation, quizzes, exams, etc. If you are not familiar with BlackBoard, see the MSU Distance Learning webpage for tutorials PRIOR to the begining of the term.
o To monitor DAILY email relevant to the course [It is HIGHLY PREFERRED that students use MSU Email (Hotmail, Info Tech systems at the local and state levels (i.e., access through your school of workplace server), and others may periodically and unexpectedly BLOCK access and functions from MSU's servers]. The default email is that assigned by MSU: YOU, not the instructor, must change it if you so choose.
o To have or to acquire and maintain sufficient skills to use and to navigate the technology PRIOR to the commencement of the term(i.e., BlackBoard, email, MicroSoft Windows / Office, etc.) and that are essential for effective participation in the course. This is the responsibility of the student.
o To actively participate in discussion forums as directed and required. To submit assignments as directed and required.
o To complete the formative quizzes and summative examinations as directed and required.