PSCN 15 - College Study Skills

Instructor: Carey Harbin
Email Instructor charbin@chabotcollege.edu

Instructor phone: 510-723-6738

Course Description

Review of study skill techniques for success in college. Emphasis on time management, personal learning style, active listening, note-taking and test-taking strategies. Includes modeling, practice and evaluation of study skill techniques.

Check the college catalog for CSU/UC transferability and to see if this course meets AA/AS degree requirements.

This class begins June 15th and ends August 7th

Optional On-Campus Orientations

There are no required on-campus meetings for this class. You can attend an OPTIONAL, on-campus Orientation to Online Learning that provides Blackboard log in instructions and help, an overview of the Blackboard course management system, and tips on netiquette, time management, and study skills for the online student. 

Attend either of these sessions:

• Monday, June 15th, 5:30-6:30 p.m., in Room 1618

• Tuesday, June 16th, noon-1:00 p.m. in Room 1618

Learn more about these orientations, which are NOT course-specific.

How This Class Operates

This is not a self-paced class; there are due dates throughout the semester that you are expected to meet, just like in a traditional, face-to-face class.

This course is taught completely on-line and there are no class meetings.  The professor for this class does not allow any extra credit nor make up assignments, however, the professor uses broad bands of point values for each letter grade to take into account the many issues and circumstances with which college students must deal.  The professor provides access to ALL units of the course from day one, except the exams, so students may work ahead at their own pace and students are encouraged to do so.  The professor provides a special Discussion Board called "Starbuck's Lounge" where on-line students can network and exchange information about the class or post inquiries as to what assistance they may need from their peers, as part of the class.  The deadline and due date for each unit of work is clearly provided.  Exams open and close with ample time for students to complete the exam within the demands of their daily schedules.  Writing skill and competency will be an important part of the student's success but it is not mandatory the student have completed any specific English composition course.  Sufficient writing skills are expected for all assignments.  The professor's on-line philosophy is students can take control of their own learning by utilizing the resources and information provided by the professor.  Students can expand their learning well beyond just what a lecture may contain by critically analyzing and digesting materials which are made available via the vast informational resource of the world wide web.

I use my standard Chabot College e-mail address for all communications.

The professor does not drop students because it is the responsibility of each student to manage their academic load.

Textbook Information

There is a textbook for this class.   The specific texts are always listed as part of the "Syllabus" in the "Course Information" area of the opening page of the Blackboard Course.  Students are expected to do the textbook reading and integrate that information into the assignments for the class.

How Students are Graded

Students miss points or assignments will NOT have those points available as part of their grade and grading will NOT be pro-rated to change the total number of points used in the computation of the final grade.

Succeeding in an Online Course

Students who succeed in online courses tend to be independent, self-motivated learners with good computer skills. If you are a procrastinator who relies heavily on the instructor for motivation, or can't use a computer too well, you should probably consider enrolling in a face-to-face course instead.   Or, you might consider enrolling in our Introduction to Online Learning course (GNST-4910), which provides an overview of online learning and equips you to succeed in your first online class.

Don't enroll in this class if you believe the myth that learning online requires less effort than learning face-to-face. This course covers the same content and has similar activities as the face-to-face version of the course; only the method of delivery changes.

Blackboard

Students may possibly need to be able to view particular PDF files provided by the professor, so they will need to have Adobe Reader loaded onto their computer (free download is available).  The professor expects students to have regular and ready access to their computer and have a reliable internet provider.  Students are expected to become familiar with the use and operation of Blackboard functions and are encouraged to attend an orientation session provided by the Distance Education program at Chabot College.  In addition, the professor provides a general unit on "How to Navigate in Blackboard" for students to understand how to use the major features the professor employs.

All materials are provided via the Blackboard link for my class.

This course will use the Blackboard course management system as its virtual classroom. To learn how to log in to Blackboard, go to the How to Begin an Online Course page. Once you enroll, you will not be able to log in until the first day of class.  Students are expected to become familiar with the use and operation of Blackboard functions and are encouraged to attend an orientation session provided by the Distance Education program at Chabot College. In addition, the professor provides a general unit on "How to Navigate in Blackboard" for students to understand how to use the major features the professor employs.

Register for this course