Getting started in this class
Need help? I’m your professor, Dr. Anne Yañez. Email me at anne.yanez@mga.edu
First, read a copy of my four Welcome messages. They contains important information about starting the class, getting help, and what to expect. To find them, click “Course Tools” at the top of your Brightspace/D2L page, and choose “Discussions.” The new page will have a forum called “Class Information.” Scroll down to the topic “From Dr. Yañez,” and click on it. Then click on the “Welcome to Class” threads.
Next, print or save a copy of the course Syllabus and Calendar. In our Brightspace class, click “Course Tools” at the top of the page, and choose “Content.” The new page will have a table of contents on the left side. Scroll down to the module called “Syllabus and Schedule” and click on it. You’ll see other important information in the same module, including my grading and late work policies.
The Syllabus gives you the master plan for our entire class. Be sure to read it and keep a copy. The Calendar gives you all of the assignments and due dates. You can use it as a checklist to make sure your assignments are submitted on time.
Next, open the “Start Here” module. To find it, click “Course Tools” on our class home page. Choose “Content” from the drop-down menu. Scroll down the left-side menu and click the “Start Here” module. You’ll see a page with several links, welcoming you to the class and providing various types of information. Pay special attention to the Introductory Discussion and the Entry Quiz.
Next, say hello in the Introductory Discussion you just located. This can also earn you 10 points of extra credit - a great way to start class! You’ll notice a link to the instructions, which will explain what to write and how to earn extra credit.
MGA also requires that you complete the Entry Quiz. It’s a simple four-question survey, with acknowledgement statements that you must answer. The Entry Quiz is located in the “Start Here” module, under the Introductory Discussion. The Entry Quiz does not count for a grade, but you will not be able to access Lesson 1 until it’s done.
You’ll begin the graded activities for this class in Lesson 1. To find Lesson 1, click “Course Tools” at the top of the Brightspace page and choose "Content." Scroll down the left-side menu and click the “Course Content” module.
Here you’ll see a list of the Lessons for this class. Choose Lesson 1, scroll down the list, and click the activity you want. This takes you to a page with links to the instructions and the grading rubric, and a place to submit your work.
Is your Lesson 1 missing? That means you haven’t completed the Entry Quiz. Lesson 1 will appear in your table of contents after you submit the Entry Quiz.
Be sure that you’ve found the assignments, due dates, and instructions. If you’re having issues, email me. I don’t want you to struggle and become frustrated. Contact me for help if you need it – that’s why I’m here.
Learning to navigate all of your new classes can be a challenge. It’s not just you - that happens to everyone. The best strategy is to avoid procrastination. Give yourself extra time, especially at the beginning of the semester.
Keep in mind that online classes are BUSY and move FAST. Avoid getting behind - it's difficult to catch up. Once again, if you’re feeling stressed or need help, contact me.
Email me at anne.yanez@mga.edu