Getting Started

Where to Start

To begin this course, please complete the following steps:

1. Read every page of the Getting Started book.
2. Read every page of the Syllabus.
3. Review the links in the Support and Policies drop down menu (located at the top of the page).
4. Review the Course Schedule so that you know when assignments and activities are due.
5. Post an introduction message to the Introductions Forum.
6. Read the overview for the Introductions Forum.
7. Read the required resources for the the course.
8. Complete the activities/assignments/forum posts for the first topic.
9. Repeat steps 6-8 for every topic according to the course schedule.

If you have any course-specific questions, please ask them in the Coffee Shop Forum.  For any other questions, contact your professor. 

You can print this Getting Started book by going to the Settings block and selecting Print Book.

You must view each page of the Getting Started book in order to move on to the next activity.  Use the arrow to move to the next page.

Introduction to Moodle

Moodle is a learning management system of Texarkana College and the location where you will be able to view the content of your online courses.  To learn more about Moodle and how it is used, please review the video below:

Course Structure

This course is broken into topics.  The topics remain open throughout the semester.  However, you should carefully follow the due dates. Every topic is broken into three sections: Overview, Resources, and Activities.

Overview

Each topic includes an overview page that must be read before reviewing the resources and completing the assigned activities. The overview will include an introduction to the topic, a list of the learning outcomes, a list of required and supplemental resources, and detailed instructions for any activities and assignments.  During our class meeting times, I will go through the overview components with you as well.

Resources

Resources will be listed under Required and Supplemental subheadings. Reviewing the required resources is mandatory. Supplemental resources are suggested if you want to get additional information about a topic. Resources may include links to online articles, text listing offline reading assignments, PDFs, PowerPoints, videos, interactive presentations, or additional file types.

Activities

Activities are required unless they are specifically marked as optional. Activities may include written assignments, video assignments, forums, quizzes, exams, presentations, or other participatory activities.

Course Needs

Computer Requirement Policy:

Students are required to have a computer with Internet access for classes. The computer must be an actual computer – smart phones, iPads, Androids, Chromebooks, etc., are not acceptable substitutes because they lack software compatibility necessary to complete all assignments and tests. Financial costs for the necessary equipment and internet access are the responsibility of the student.

Students needing to purchase a computer may do so through the Texarkana College Bookstore. Systems purchased through the bookstore meet or exceed all requirements, are competitively priced and may be purchased using financial aid funds. If the system is purchased through another source, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure the system meets all requirements.

Computer systems requirements:

·       Webcam, microphone, and speakers or headphones

·       Windows 10 or a recent version of Mac OS (minimum Sierra). Windows 10 S mode is not supported

·       Hardware capable of running Microsoft Teams (free download) and supports multi-media playback

·       Support for Chrome or Microsoft Edge – Note: Firefox, Safari, or other browsers may not work on all TC applications

·       Able to run Microsoft Office which will be provided free to TC students

·       Adobe Reader or another PDF viewer

·       Antivirus software such as Windows Defender or another 3^rd party anti-virus solution

·       The Respondus Lockdown browser is used for taking tests; therefore, the system must be capable of running this software. Most newer systems that meet other specifications should work.

Students should regularly backup content to prevent loss of coursework due to hardware failure. Backup copies of documents and other coursework may be placed on OneDrive cloud storage. OneDrive is included free of charge for all TC students.

A list of Internet service providers can be found on the TC website at https://www.texarkanacollege.edu/coronavirus/.

 CLICK HERE for directions to put your email on your iOs device (iPhone, iPad).

CLICK HERE for directions to put your email on your Andriod device.

Online Course Communication

All course communication (via e-mail, IM, discussion forums, video chat, etc.) should be clear, concise, and respectful. Written communication should use complete sentences with standard spelling and grammar, including proper capitalization and punctuation.

If you have any questions or concerns during the course, please know that I want to see you succeed.  The preferred method for sharing your concerns and questions is to email me at melanie.allen@texarkanacollege.edu. I will communicate any important information with you through your TC email. Please check this email regularly. 

Questions about the course, grades or extensions, should be sent to your professor via e-mail. E-mails to your professor or e-mails to another department regarding support issues should include your course number and section.

All course announcements will be posted by the professor to TC Moodle and/or TC email.

Online Course Handbook

The Online Course Handbook will provide students with tools to use in order to be successful in online courses at Texarkana College. 

The handbook will also be used as a guideline for rules and procedures to be followed in an online environment by both faculty and students. 

Click HERE to access the Online Course Handbook.

Support

Please view the Support drop down menu on the top of the course page for information on how to contact support. 

Support information is also available on myTC.

For issues within your course, please contact your instructor via email.

Textbook

Lifespan Development: A Psychological Perspective (2^nd Edition), Martha Lally & Suzanne Valentine-French

Click the link for a copy of the text: http://dept.clcillinois.edu/psy/LifespanDevelopment.pdf