ANT 350 Web Course
Frequently Asked Questions:

How does it work....how do I do a web course?

I use Blackboard Learn. All coursework will be assigned within he Blackboard Learn shell, and all email needs to be sent through Blackboard Learn. If this is your first time using Blackboard Learn, don't worry. When the class starts, you'll be able to view several on-line videos that show you how Blackboard Learn works. If you have a slow computer, you will be able to open a text-based version of the same files.

If you use AOL, please read the information for AOL users.

Do I need books for this course?
Yes and no. The assigned readings will be available on-line.

Optional: If you would like to have a single reference textbook, you should get a copy of Brian Fagan's People of the Earth, most recent edition. This costs about $77 new. It is a good reference, but most students will not want to purchase this textbook.

How do I get help with my computer?
Call the student computer help desk: toll free 888-520-7215, local Flagstaff number - 523-9294. You can call them M-F for help with your computer.

I don't like computers, do I need to use one for this web course?
(I have actually been asked this). Yes, this course calls for using a variety of materials on the world wide web. If you don't like using computers, this might not be the right course for you.

My computer is slow! What do I do?
You can always use a NAU statewide computer lab. You don't need a fancy computer. Mine is an emachine from Sam's Club. My operating system is Windows XP. Sometimes I use an older laptop running Windows 98. Both work equally well. But, I do have a cable modem. Read these tips for faster surfing & how to load movies faster. Avoid using the NAU server from noon to 5 PM on weekdays. It is always slow then. During the summer, the connections are usually good in the evening and on the weekends.

Do we have set class times?
No, work at your own pace. But, you must finish specified material every week. As you will see from the syllabus, you must participate in at least two on-line discussions every week.

What do I call you?
Students can never make a mistake by being formal with their professors. At a four year college or university, you should *always* call the professor "Dr." If the prof does not have a Ph.D., he or she will tell you. Using "Dr." also avoids the problem of is it Mr.? Miss? Ms? or Mrs.? Never call the instructor by his or her first name until he or she asks you to do so. (This goes for any boss or supervisor you have at any job!)

When are things due?
I'll have a teaching module ready for each week. You have to finish the week's work by Sunday evening so you can start again on Monday. All tests, quizzes, and assignments are due at the specified time, according to the NAU computer clock in Flagstaff. Note: time changes in October. Flagstaff is on Pacific Daylight Savings Time in the summer. Flagstaff is on Mountain Standard Time in the winter.

Can I do work early
Yes. I will try to have a few modules for the next week available the weekend before.

Can I submit assignments late?
The biggest problem in a web course is that you are working alone. I worry about people falling behind and not being able to catch up. E-mail me if you're going to be away for a while. Submitting late assignments is normally not a problem if you make arrangements ahead of time.

The videos don't work! What do I do?
I use on-line videos. The videos will download while you're watching them. Make sure you have the newest versions of Quicktime and RealMedia loaded. The software is free.

• Check to see if you have any viruses. One semester a student had 587 viruses. He downloaded music from without any anti-virus protection. You can get free antivirus software from NAU. Use their website and scan your machine. Then install the antivirus software.
• If you still have problems, call the student help desk: toll free 888-520-7215, local Flagstaff number - 523-9294. You can call them M-F for help with your computer.

Once the term starts, please email me through the Blackboard system if you have other questions. I am the top person in the list of email addresses.

If you have questions before the semester starts, please email me (Dr. Smiley) at my NAU account

(SGS)