January 8, 2008

Speech 201

Welcome to Speech 201 , a course that is delivered partially online and partially in a face-to-face, traditional format! This letter confirms your registration for the Spring 2008 semester. Hopefully this letter will answer some of the questions you have. If there is anything else you need to know, please e-mail me at vleith@nicoletcollege.edu.

Q. What materials will I need?

A. You will need a copy of Lucas's The Art of Public Speaking , 9 th edition. In addition, you'll find it helpful to have a USB storage device (also sometimes called a flash drive or jump drive) to store materials for the course and for your speeches. They are available for you at the Nicolet Bookstore in the Learning Resource Center or online at: http://www.nicoletbookstore.com/ (It's also possible to purchase the storage device at almost any store that handles office supplies. Shop for a good deal - common price range: $12 - $30.)

Q. How do I access the online portion of the course?

A. The online portion of Speech 201 is being delivered using the Blackboard online platform. You will be able to login to your online course beginning on Thursday, January 17, 2008 to allow you time to become comfortable with the course design. Actual instruction will not begin until the first day of the course, which is Tuesday, January 22, 2008.

In addition to the online portion of your course, we will meet each Tuesday in University Transfer Center Room 200 from 12:10 - 1:35 p.m. Our first "in-person" class session will be on Tuesday, January 22. Be sure to mark your calendar, as it is important for you to be present at this session - and at all of our scheduled sessions. Of course, I am looking forward to meeting you all!

To Login:

Go to http://www.natcbb.nicoletcollege.edu .
After you access the Blackboard sign-on screen, click on the Login link.
Enter your Username (your 9 digit Student ID Number which is located on your admissions slip or your Student ID Card) and your password (Also your Student ID Number) and select "Login".
Please change your password after you have logged in by navigating to "Tools", "Personal Information", and "Change Password" on the left side of your screen. Make sure to remember your changed password.
You will see the course(s) you are enrolled in on the right side of your screen.
Select the course link of the course you would like to enter. On the next page you will see the course title and links to the different content areas of your course.

What if I have problems with the technology?

If you are having problems accessing your course or have questions about navigating within your Blackboard Course(s) you can contact technical support at 715-365-4478. Toll Free dial 1-800-544-3039 ext 4478. You may also request support by e-mail. These messages are responded to during regular business hours, Monday - Friday: helpdesk@nicoletcollege.edu

For first-time Blackboard users, we have scheduled several opportunities for more formal Blackboard training. Please feel free to attend one of the following sessions. No reservations are necessary.

Rhinelander - Lake Julia Campus

Thursday, January 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Rhinelander Campus, LRC Lab

Friday, January 18, 9:00-11:00 a.m. Rhinelander, Campus, LRC Lab

Tuesday, January 22, 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. Rhinelander Campus, LRC Lab (ConnectTime +1 hour)

Minocqua - Lakeland Campus

Wednesday, January 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Lakeland Campus, Computer Lab

Thursday, January 17, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Lakeland Campus, Computer Lab

Q. What should I do first?

A. When you access the course, check for announcements from the Blackboard Administrator or me and then select the Syllabus button on the left side of your screen. Open and read the Syllabus provided . I encourage you to print this document and save it for future reference. It will guide you through the activities and assignments of the semester.

Next, select the Course Documents button on the left side of your screen. Follow the directions in the Week 1 folder to become familiar with the online course environment.

I look forward to working with you in Speech 201! Please e-mail me at vleith@nicoletcollege.edu if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Ginny
Virginia Leith
Speech Instructor
Nicolet Area Technical College