I am really glad that you are in this course.
We first offered this class online Spring, 2007. This course will be enlightening and you will learn lots about
disabilities. So, let me try here to answer all of your questions about the
course. These are the most frequently asked questions (FAQ's).
Please save this page for future reference! You will
be responsible for this information if you enroll in the course.
Ready?
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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FAQ's
WHAT IS THE COURSE'S
START DATE?
The course begins on the first
day of the semester. The class will not
be “open” for you to access online until that date.
DO I HAVE TO COME TO CAMPUS FOR THIS COURSE?
No. No. No. This course is
completely online. You never have to come to campus. Does that make you
happy? If you want to contact me, you can email me at jwilde@ccsf.edu or call me at (415) 452-5484.
Or, to schedule an appointment with me, call (415) 452-5481. The class will not
be “open” for you to access online until the first day of the semester.
WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE THE CLASS BEGINS?
At least five (5) days before
the semester begins, you should send me an email at jwilde@ccsf.edu, to inform me that you are
enrolled in this class. This is very important.
You should also immediately purchase the course
textbook, The Disability Journey.
(Personally, I think it is best to review the book before the class
begins). The cost of the book is around $23 for the soft cover edition and you
can find out more about the book by going to my website:
How to enroll in our online course
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN
THE CLASS BEGINS?
(Note: This question is of special importance to
those who do not have experience in online classes yet).
1.
To
get to the course website, go to http://online.ccsf.edu
2.
Before
you choose the “Login” option, please run through the course Browser Tune-up.
This will aid greatly in reducing possible login problems. Once you have run
the tune-up, choose "Login." Your login id is your college-issued
student id number. This usually begins with a W, but occasionally begins with a
@ or c or d. Insight is strict, and does not like those symbols. Therefore, for
the purposes of logging in, unrecognizable symbols like the @, c and d have
been replaced by X. The numerical digits remain the same. Of course, if you do
not have a CCSF id then the course will not allow you to login. Use only upper
case “W” when you are logging in.
WHAT IS GOING TO BE MY INITIAL PASSWORD?
Your password will
be. . .
changeme
Once you type this
password in, you will be immediately prompted to change your password when you
first log in. Choose a password that you think is easy to remember. Be sure to
write down your password somewhere, just in case you should forget it. This
password will allow you to gain access to the class; without it, you will have
to contact our technical support person at CCSF, Mr. Jose Gil at (jgil@ccsf.edu
or 452-5098) for assistance. The main screen is “My Insight.” This will list
all the online courses in which you are enrolled. Select DSPS 1: “Issues in
Disabilities” to access our class. That link will take you to the main homepage
for our course. You will see a welcome message from me with specific
directions. I will update this message periodically throughout the semester.
Under that message, you will see an icon titled “Code of Conduct.” You must
complete and agree to that Code of Conduct before you will be able to access
the class. Each week there will be a new opening message on the homepage.
If my
directions on how to access the course are still not clear enough for you, try
checking out this website below that another instructor created. Maybe it will
be easier to understand. http://fog.ccsf.cc.ca.us/~tcorbie/orientation.htm
WHAT’S SO UNIQUE ABOUT THIS CLASS?
Several things. Foremost, this is the first California
Community College DSPS course offered that is both degree applicable and
transferable. City College of San Francisco’s DSPS is the only DSPS in the
State to offer such a 3-unit course. Additionally, the course presents a solid
overview of almost the entire spectrum of disabilities. It even has online
guest lecturers who tackle such subjects as denial, addiction, and Alzheimer’s
disease. Each week you will be introduced to many interesting topics, most of
which will be new to you.
IS WEEKLY PARTICIPATION IN THE COURSE REQUIRED?
Very definitely. You will have
to demonstrate a certain amount of self-discipline in getting through the
class. To begin with, you must make postings each week and also read the
required readings that are assigned in the red-colored TASKS section of each week. The tasks must be completed in
a timely way.
Be aware that there is a
function within my ONLINE screen that tells me when -- and how often -- you are
participating in the class. I have found that class participation is no problem
for most people enrolled in my online classes. The textbook readings are
interesting and there are several new pieces of information each week that you
are sure to find helpful and stimulating. If you do not check in (or
participate) for one week, I will assume that you are not wanting to remain in
our class and that you have withdrawn from the course. I will then block you
from entering the class. You will no longer be able to access the class
if you miss two weeks in a row! I will close the course to you and may drop
you. I expect you to be a responsible online student.
I wish to repeat here: There is
an amount of work in this course that will require your constant attention. If
you fall behind, catching up will be quite difficult. Please keep this in mind
when you complete the Code of Conduct.
CODE OF CONDUCT? WHY IS THERE A CODE OF CONDUCT IN THIS COURSE?
I have included this one step before gaining entrance to my course because I
want students to be very certain that they intend to take the subject matter
seriously. You should carefully read each of the items in our course's Code of
Conduct before you agree to them. It is our contract. I will hold you to each
item as our mutually agreed promises throughout the course.
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING I SHOULD DO ONCE I AM ONLINE IN THIS CLASS?
Once you complete the Code of
Conduct, you are in the course. All the icons will open for you. Next, go to
the Course Content icon and complete the TASKS for week 1.
1. Introduce yourself by telling your fellow class members::
2. Read the instructions on how to be successful in the course.
After completing the TASKS listed in the first week’s Course Content, go to the Course Syllabus. I
recommend you next cruise around the sites and get familiar with the links and
where things are located. If you enter the class after the first week due to a
late add, you still must complete the TASKS for the weeks you
missed.
Again, please be sure to read
the course Syllabus to learn what is required of you in the course.
I DON'T HAVE A COMPUTER. IS THAT GOING TO BE A PROBLEM FOR ME?
This is an online course. You will be constantly using and needing a computer
to complete required assignments. Without the use of a computer at your
immediate disposal, you will be at a great disadvantage. Likewise, if you have
a computer that is not dependable or is several years old, or you do not
have sufficient computer skills, this may cause you serious problems in
the course.
City College does have a number of computer labs on the campuses and our DSPS
has a High Tech computer lab located on the Ocean Campus (in Batmale Hall, Room
231) and one on the John Adams Campus. In a pinch, you can probably use a
computer on campus or at a coffee shop. But, for the long term, I strongly recommend
that you have access to a computer at all times.
To keep the course running smoothly, if a student misses an assignment due to
computer problems, I will allow some slack once in a while as an excuse.
However, be aware that it is not humanly possible for me to have varying due
dates for assignments and the patience to deal with students who do not have
the necessary computer skills to take an online class. So, if you miss
submitting an assignment due date too often, consider what I have written below
as it affects your accruing of points and, ultimately, your grade.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I RUN INTO A COMPUTER PROBLEM AND CAN'T SUBMIT AN
ASSIGNMENT?
First, and foremost, stay calm.
I can truly appreciate that something can go wrong when you are desperately
trying to submit homework electronically and something goes wrong with your
computer. It has probably happened to all of us. Here is what to do:
1.
Call me at 415-452-5484 and
say that you will be late with an assignment due to a computer problem (I will
give you a one (1) day extension). But, you must call me before
the due date.
2.
If the problem occurs during office hours (M-F, 8AM to 5PM) and
you need help, you should call Jose Gil, our CCSF Insight specialist (jgil@ccsf.edu), at
415-452-5098 and maybe he can get things going for you again.
Be aware, however, that I will
accept computer problem excuses on a limited basis. If there is an abuse of
this excuse, of course, I will no longer accept your requests.
MUST I HAVE A DISABILITY TO TAKE THIS CLASS?
No. As with every Disabled Students, Programs and Services (DSPS) class, our
course is open to all students. I have noticed that most of the students who
enroll in our courses, though, tend to be people with disabilities (PWDs). If
you do have a disability and you are not already registered with our
department, it would be greatly appreciated if you would take some time to make
an appointment to see a DSPS counselor and discuss how we can be of service to
you. Also, if you register with our department, it will help with funding from
the State of California for this course. You can call 415-452-5481 to set up an
appointment.
I AM AN IRAQ WAR VETERAN AND MY DISCHARGE PAPERS SAY I AM 35% DISABLED
WITH PTSD. IS THIS COURSE FOR ME?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disability. In our class, you will
meet people with a variety of different types of disabilities. The common
thread for many is that they are seeking not only information and insights and
a grade, but also emotional support. You, and anyone else interested in
becoming more aware of issues related to disability, are very welcome in this
course.
For those enrolled who wish to learn more of the unique issues that returning
vets face, you may wish to check out this link:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6576505
WHAT SHOULD STUDENTS WITH A VISUAL IMPAIRMENT OR OTHER DISABILITY THAT
PREVENTS ACCESSING THE SITE or PARTICIPATING IN ANY POSSIBLE ON-CAMPUS
ACTIVITIES KNOW?
If you have a disability that
impacts your reading of the material on the Insight screen, you should contact
me ASAP. I, in turn, will notify our college’s Accommodations Specialist at
415.452.5481
for assistance. If you have need for a sign language interpreter during any
optional on-campus activity, you need to contact me to arrange for an
interpreter at least one week before the activity.
I ALREADY TOOK THE CITY COLLEGE OF SAN FRANCISCO DSPS P, "PERSPECTIVES ON
DISABILITY RIGHTS." HOW DOES DSPS 1 DIFFER FROM THAT COURSE?
DSPS P is a one unit,
non-degree applicable course. DSPS 1 is three (3) units and it is degree
applicable. If you successfully completed DSPS P, you will be at a slight
advantage because you have already been introduced to some of the material in
DSPS 1. However, DSPS 1 is much more in
depth and requires a higher level of student involvement and participation. In
the jargon of Post-Secondary institution language, DSPS 1 is a course with
greater "academic rigor." That means there are measurements of
student performance (midterms and quizzes).
ARE THERE WEEKLY LECTURES?
Yes. Each week on Monday
morning, I start with a new online lecture. You will find that this
lecture will correspond with our textbook readings and the week's topic. The
purpose of the lectures is to amplify the readings and to offer my additional
comments on the topic that may not have come up in the readings. Also,
sometimes I will include within some lectures, links to resources that offer
more information on our topic and perhaps some additional insights that you
might find helpful.
There will be certain lectures
that will contain a direction for you to follow in completing an assignment. At
all times, I will make an effort to ensure that you completely understand our
online readings and our assigned tasks.
ARE THERE WEEKLY DISCUSSIONS?
Yes. The discussions are aimed
at helping you gain a better understanding of the readings and issues that are
covered during a particular week in your readings. Because you are really
committed to the course and to the topic, you will be sure to post/submit your
assignment each week to obtain points toward your grade. Since I will be using
accrued points to determine your grade, you should know that you can amass
points by posting in the discussion board at least one* time
each week. The discussions are something like a “springboard” to encourage
participants to talk about the week’s topic.
(*There are some weeks that will require more than one post).
I HAVE ISSUES AROUND PROCRASTINATION. WILL YOU BE ABLE TO OFFER ME SOME ADVICE
ON HOW TO KEEP PROCRASTINATION FROM PREVENTING MY SUCCESS IN THIS CLASS?
You bet. Procrastination
is the biggest problem for students in online classes. Assignments must be
submitted in a timely way and when you fall behind, it is nearly impossible to
catch up. If you are someone who wants to fight procrastination, I have a
special lecture for you the first week of class.
That first week of class, I
will give you this list of 16 suggestions on how to fight procrastination in
our course. From past experience, I do know and understand how procrastination
can cause so many problems and feelings of defeat. If you take the advice you get
in that first class, you will not have any problems with procrastination -----
at least in our course!
ARE THERE TESTS?
Yes. There are two announced
quizzes, a mid-term, and there is a Final Project. These are mandatory
requirements. If, for any reason, you are not going to
participate in a quiz or exam, you will need to contact me one (1) week before
the class in order for us to make alternative arrangements to ensure that you
will gain credit on that particular test. Each quiz and exam has a certain
amount of points that you will accrue in order to get a grade in the class.
WHAT IS THE FINAL PROJECT ALL ABOUT?
Without going into detail here,
the Final Project entails you putting into action what you have gotten from the
course. This is in lieu of a final exam.
Briefly, you will be asked to formulate a plan for changing a system
that provides services for PWDs. Around the tenth week of class I will inform
you of the exact structure and requirements for completing the project in a
satisfactory way.
I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY MEMORY. WILL THIS COURSE REQUIRE ME TO MEMORIZE
MATERIAL?
No. This course does not rely on rote memory activities. Each week you are
introduced to a few tasks. These tasks will require you to complete certain
small activities. You can think of each week as having several mini-projects.
The quizzes and the midterm exam are all open book and open notes. If you keep
up with the weekly assignments and activities, you should certainly achieve a
high grade without ever having to memorize a single piece of information.
However, the
course does have an advisory. You must have a CCSF placement into English 93 or 94; or have
completed English 92 or ESL 82 or 160. There is a great deal of reading and
writing in the course and if you have below average skills in these areas, the
course may be difficult to successfully complete.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I DO NOT SUBMIT THE FINAL PROJECT?
If you do not submit the final
project due to a disability-related event, you must provide me with some kind
of proof of what occurred and we will then arrange a makeup alternative
submission date. If you do not submit the final project and fail to arrange a
method for setting up an alternative -- no matter even if you have been
successful on all previous tests and projects -- you will receive a grade of “F”
in the course. I sincerely hope this does not happen to you.
ARE THERE ON-CAMPUS ACTIVITIES FOR THE CLASS?
During this semester, your
attendance is requested at some on-campus sessions during the semester. We will
have guest speakers come to discuss a variety of disability-related issues and
resources. These will be optional lectures, but I really hope you can
attend. As we get closer to the dates, I will tell you more about the topics we
will cover at these sessions. I may offer extra credit for attending
these events and if you need points to get a better grade, these optional
lectures/activities could help you.
ARE THERE OTHER MATERIALS I MUST REVIEW IN ADDITION TO THE TEXTBOOK AND THE
LECTURES?
Yes.
On the Homepage, there is an icon that says:
WEB RESOURCE FOR THIS WEEK.
In several weeks, I will
introduce you to a new website and you will be expected to look at that website
and report to me in an Insight e-mail posting telling me at least five things
you found out from that site. You will receive points that will accrue toward
your grade for each mailing that you send me describing a website that I have
assigned for review.
WHAT IS THE GRADING
SYSTEM IN THIS COURSE?
The final grade will be
determined by weighing all requirements of the course. Please see the current
course syllabus. Each semester this will vary.
IS THERE STUDENT ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE IN THE COURSE?
Yes. Students needing extra
assistance with class assignments should contact me in writing through the
Insight email function that you can find on the Homepage (or, if there are
course access issues, my campus email jwilde@ccsf.edu).
My office phone number is 415-452-5484.
Additionally, students may
be able to obtain computer skill guidance and help from the DSPS High Tech Lab
located in Batmale Hall, 231 or the one located at the John Adams Campus.
WILL I BE BLOCKED FROM THE COURSE IF I DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE CLASS
EACH WEEK?
Yes. As you may have found so
far, the course is very structured around this issue of weekly participation.
If you do not participate in the course for one week, I will have to block you
from the course. Be aware, on a daily basis, I check to see who has come into
the class and what they have read and/or posted. If I see that you have not
entered into the class at all, I will immediately drop you from the class.
Additionally, if you do not get
credit for a week by either not submitting the week’s assignments or submitting
incorrect assignments, then your grade is lowered one level. That is, if you
miss one we of credit, then your grade is lowered to a “B,” two weeks will
cause your grade to be lowered to a “C,” etc.
Please do understand here that
if you enroll in this course, you are expected to participate and do all
assignments correctly.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CLASS AND THE INSTRUCTOR?
Check out my website.
I STILL HAVE SOME TREPEDATIONS ABOUT THE COURSE. CAN YOU GIVE ME A BIT OF AN
OVERVIEW OF THE WORK THAT I WILL HAVE TO DO IN THIS CLASS?
No problem. First, you should
be aware that, like most transferable college-level 3 Unit courses, there is an
amount of time each week that you have to devote to your classwork. The typical
suggestion is around nine hours per week of work you have to do in order to be
successful in a 3 Unit course. My guess is that this is just the right amount
you will need for this course, too. So, if you do not have the time to
participate in this class, it may not be a good idea to remain enrolled.
As for some examples of the
activities in the class, here is a brief list of activities we will be doing
that are in addition to the two quizzes, midterm, and final project:
1.
1. Just about each week you will send me an
email to let me know what you have gleaned from the assigned chapter.
2.
2. Some weeks I will ask you to view a
particular web site and then report back to me what you have found in terms of
new information.
3.
3. There will be weeks that, as an
assignment, I will ask for your posting describing your
opinions/observations/responses to an event or topic.
4.
4. Some weeks I will ask for your
suggestions on how to solve a disability-related problem.
5.
5. I will often ask you to be creative and
design activities that could possibly be used by the disability community to
improve the lives of PWDs.
Thus, you should be able to
tell from this smattering of activities described above that the class is more
pragmatic than theoretical. The so-called work in the class is actually more of
a "hands-on" approach to studying our very important topic. You
should also remember that for all the activities you complete in the course,
you are accruing points towards the final grade.
Regarding the quizzes and midterm, they are all open book and open notes. The
final project is lots of fun and the directions on how to do it will be
presented to you about ten weeks before the due date. Thereby, for the final
project I will be giving you plenty of time in which to complete it and with a
structure for your fellow classmates and me to offer lots of support.
WHAT DO OTHER STUDENTS SAY ABOUT THE COURSE?
Every semester at the end of the online class, I open up a section of the Discussion Board and ask folks to anonymously give their views on the course for all of us to read. Then, I usually offer my thoughts after everyone has had a chance to "vent." Here is some of what has been written so far. You can decide if you think the course is for you, based upon what these students have to say.
Student #1
I just wanted to tell you that I truly enjoyed this class. When I started, I was a bit disgruntled because I only had 3 units left to graduate and it was a thorn in my side. My friend took this course last semester and had the book, so I figured it was an easy A. I did not expect to come away with the insight I did. I feel very humbled and much more open-minded. I certainly feel educated about PWDS, whereas before I just had preconceived notions. I really appreciated your constant input. Thank you so much for being such a supportive instructor. I hope you continue to pave the way for PWDs and I will definitely use my new found awareness to the best of my abilities. Take care!
Student #2
This was a very wonderful course! I have taken many MANY classes in the past, but this one is one of my favorites because not only are we educated, but we learn compassion. There is a population in our society that goes unnoticed. Before taking this course, I do admit that I was sometimes judgmental of people with disabilities. However, I am now very supportive of people with disabilities and will do whatever it takes to ensure that this population of self-reliant people with disabilities have every civil right they deserve as human beings . . . . When I speak of social injustice I refer to the eradication of discrimination of and ill-treatment of some of the most socially vulnerable populations in the United States, and I say this not to offend certain individuals but when I speak of "vulnerable" I mean socially vulnerable (victims of society being discriminated against and they are unable to do anything about it). Some of the most socially vulnerable populations include the homeless and of course people with disabilities. Many of these groups are currently society's most neglected. If nothing is done to help improve the conditions of these populations, then there really is no real freedom in the United States. . . . Anyways, I just wanted to say that this course really taught me a lot.
Student #3
. . . I wanted to jump in and say that this semester I got really excited about this class. That's because I think it's pretty unique, and it's not something a lot of people talk about or know about. Although I have had a very heavy courseloaqd this semester, I am SO glad I took this class. What I learned here will help others and myself in many many ways I am sure of that. It was nice to learn together, with all of you, and thank you Professor Wilde for putting together such a special curriculum for us and others to learn from and take out into the world.
Student #4
I would like to thank every one of you, my fellow classmates. It has been a pleasure of mine to learn with you and learn from you. I know so much more than before this class. I hope I am a better counselor and person because of my new thoughts and discoveries about myself and PWDs. And a special thanks to Dr. Wilde, who guided me through the maze of online learning--it was my first time, and I now am hooked.
Best wishes to everyone.
Student #5
I want to echo some of the same sentiments as my classmates. I, too, have enjoyed this class tremendously. This was my first online course so I was very skeptical. I thought it would be very impersonal. However, I couldn't have been more wrong. It was extremely personal and I believe the format lent itself well to feeling more comfort in sharing very personal experiences.
I have learned so much about disabilities. I do realize that there is still much I need to learn but I definitely feel more competent when working with PWDs. Even with the large amount of information I have gained, I believe I have learned even more about myself. I believe it's made me a better person, both professionally and personally. I will continue to educate myself about disabilities and my hope is that I can make my project a reality. I leave this experience with much more than I came in with.
Thanks to everyone, especially Dr. Wilde. It's been an amazing experience. I wish you all the best. Take care!
Student #6
Thanks for all of you for posting such wonderful ideas and input. I am already missing the lessons that we did and the enlightening discussions we had. This was my first online course at CCSF, so it introduced me to the necessity of time managment, and also the disadvantage of not being able to match faces with my classmates where nonverbal communication can occur in a normal classroom setting. It's unfortunate that I didn't see each of you in person, but at least I saw my professor. (What a socially engaging experience that was!) This class served a profitable service for me as I do have an LD, and need to know the importance of self-advocacy and how to do so properly.
Thank you Dr. John Wilde for a wonderful semester. I appreciate your kindness in regards to the final project.. . . . Dr. Wilde, you are an amazing instructor. I wish all my instructors were as scintillating and engaging as you; very few are.
Dr. Wilde, and all the rest of you, please have a joyous time saying goodbye to this year's semester.
Student #7
I AM GOING TO MISS THIS CLASS!!! Yes, it was an increadable amount of work, but
what I got out of the course is going to propel me into directions that I want
to go in my career. I can't say enough wonderful things about the teacher and
the textbook, The Disability Journey...
Student #8
I found this class very easy to navigate. The professor's style of teaching is just right for me. I have a disability and need things very structured and this course was perfect. If somebody had problems with time management and procrastination, then this course is not for you. I really wish the class did not have to end.
Student #9
Yippee! I got an A in this course. The professor is soooo patient. He gave me three chances to fix the draft on my final project so that I could get an A on it. No body would ever do this and what I finally did produce I am really proud of. This class taught me so much and now I am reading book and newspaper articles about disabitlies and this is something I never did before. So, Dr. Wilde, your class influenced me. And your textbook is the best.
Student #10
Goodbye to everybody. I am going to miss all of you. As you know, I got sick several times during the class and it was so great to have an understanding professor who allowed me to make up the assignments I missed. Be aware, I have been at CCSF about six years now, an most of my professors were never as patient as Dr. Wilde. The textbook is awesome!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Well, that should have answered
all of your questions for now. I do welcome you and look forward to your
participation.
Very best wishes and I hope you
enjoy the class as much as we in City College of San Francisco's Disabled
Students Programs and Services (DSPS) enjoy bringing it to you!
Please
save this entire page for future reference! If you enroll in DSPS 1, you are
held responsible for this information.