1. Please purchase the textbook The Essential Cosmic Perspective, the Mastering Astronomy Access code and the Star & Planet Locator (in the bookstore).  See the syllabus for specific ISBNs.  If you purchase a different book (perhaps an earlier edition by the same authors) and it does not come with the access kit for online resources, you'll need to get the Mastering Astronomy access online. 
   
   Note that there are two copies of the book available on reserve in the library for you to read - and that for the first 2+ weeks of the course, you can access the e-text version of our textbook online using the default Mastering Astronomy userid noted below!  If you have limited funds, you should get the Mastering Astronomy access code, and look to use the library copies or search for a older used book.
   
    
2. Login to Blackboard at http://clpccd.blackboard.com
   
   If you are officially enrolled in the class, you are ready to go.  Check out the instructions for accessing Blackboard if you are new to the system at http://www.chabotcollege.edu/online .
   
   If you are still waiting to add,  you can temporarily login to Blackboard with a username of "chabotastro20" and a password of "astrostudent".
   Be sure to identify yourself when you post in the discussion area using this Username, as others might be using it as well.
   
   Explore the features of Blackboard as a communication tool - practice with the discussion board and the other tools. I guarantee these resources will help!
   
    
3. POST to the Discussion Forum
   In the Discussion Board, look for the  "BIOGRAPHIES" Discussion #1, and please post a brief biography about yourself. What is your major?  Where and when do you want to transfer, if that is your goal?  What is your favorite local restaurant?  What kind of food do they offer, where are they located, and why do you like it?
   
   Reply to the posts of at least two others in our class.
   
    

4. Login to Mastering Astronomy at http://www.masteringastronomy.com .  
   
   Create your own userid and login, and join our class with the Course ID of CHABOTASTRO20MONWEDSPRING2012.  Specific instructions for how to get started into our class are available.  IF you don't have your own access code yet, you can use my shared login of "chabotastro20" and password of "spring2012".  But note this ID is shared, and you cannot take any assessments with it for credit.
   
   You can try the introductory assignments, and even the first online HW assignment on the Scale of the Universe.  Please look at the instructions about how to submit the online tutorials for credit.
   http://www.chabotcollege.edu/faculty/shildreth/astronomy/masteringastro.html.
   
   Once you have your own access code, try the first assignment in Mastering of an ungraded survey about what you already know in Astronomy.  It shouldn't take too long - you don't need a book to do it.  And you'll take the same survey at the end of the term to see how much you have learned! :)  This is required - please do it, and again, it isn't graded.
   
   
   
5. Email me if you have any special needs or concerns about the class
   Send me a brief message, at shildreth@chabotcollege.edu, especially if you expect to need specific accommodations for homework or exams.  If you will have difficulty obtaining the textbook, and cannot come to the library to use those on reserve, let me know.  If you are hoping to ADD, and using the "chabotastro20" userid mentioned above, be certain to identify yourself by name!
    

Thanks! Please let me know if you need any assistance with your use of the computer or web sites for our class! I will be happy to help you -- using email and the web will be a useful skill in addition to helping you learn astronomy.   Note that if you have technical problems purchasing the Mastering Astronomy code, you can contact the publisher's help system at their toll-free technical support number for  Student Phone Support:
1-877-672-6877
Mon-Fri, 12 noon-8pm
(Eastern Time, U.S. and Canada)

and they also have 24-hour chat support to resolve registration or other issues!