Online registration will be necessary; after which, participants will be issued a net ID and password. There will be a link forthcoming from this website for online registration
For communication among participants and instructors we will use the Blackboard online learning system. For live video streaming we will use a separate website address (most likely http://umcsd.org).
Once net ID and password are received, these codes can be used to access Blackboard. Here is where all distance communication can take place through the discussion board. Participants may contact other participants; participants may contact instructors and visa versa. Also, all assessments, surveys and course activities are conducted electronically through email, discussion board, power point, etc. Blackboard has several tutorials on its homepage that are helpful. Once you have access to blackboard, its administration and use is actually quite easy. Also, with the netID and pass word, you will receive a university email address. This address is the only email access that the instructors of the course have for each participant through Blackboard, so it is necessary to check communications at this address. Go to grizmail.umt.edu and type in your netID and password (same as you use to access Blackboard) and you will gain access to your university communications. It is possible to link any email address you choose to the grizmail account, so that messages can be received at the address you prefer.
High speed internet is necessary, and PC's work better than MACs, due to the type of encoder we use.
There will be a separate website outside of this informational website for viewing live streamed and archived sessions. As the course information is designed to chronologically walk through literacy and developmental issues, we request that you view sessions in the intended sequence, if you are choosing to view archived sessions. It was the intent in the development of the course that sessions could be attended in your school setting in an area designated for live streaming. This would facilitate the forming of cohorts and make the required discussion following each session much easier. However, if synchronous viewing is not possible, due to technology issues or otherwise, the archived sessions will be available.
Email or call Marion or Donna with any questions regarding the course at marionwn@gmail.com or donna.mell@umontana.edu and 406-243-2626.
