Learning Help Question Mark

Questions that you might ask-- or that someone already has.
  1. When I ask a question, isn't this an admission that I'm stupid? NO! It's a sympton that you want to learn--and nothing pleases a professor more. So ask away! And don't be put off by my sometimes terse replies. I am a productive scholar and teacher and thus very busy. So I don't put a lot of time into pleasantries-- I get right to the point. However, regardless of the "tone" that you might sense in my messages, I'm in your corner, I want you to succeed, and I'll work hard to help you do so. After all, if you don't have a full, productive life, what happens to my Social Security?
  2. How do I register for an online course? It depends on the semester. Sometimes, you register via Distance education. Sometimes you register through TRACS as with any other course. In either case, the early bird gets the seat. Online courses fill quickly, so I maintain a 10-person TRACS waiting list.
  3. Most important question of all: Am I a good candidate for distance learning? Please review the profile of the successful online learner. Answer the questions honestly to see whether you are likely to succeed in this course. You should also match yourself against another NCSU checklist that helps you answer the question Is Distance Education for You? Also consider this advice from Strayer University on "Balancing Career, Family and Education". Although aimed at classroom students, this short guide offers excellents tips for all students.
  4. How do I get NCSU Library help if it's difficult to get to campus? See the NCSU Library Distance Learning Services for Students Page for suggestions and services provided by D. H. Hill staff.
  5. What is a link doesn't work or if I don't understand a question or assignment? 1. See 1. above. 2. The instructor will thank you (and remember your sharp eye) if you find glitches in the materials. Nothing computer-generated works perfectly, so please help me spot boo-boos. Yes, I know Bill Gates became a billionaire selling programs that don't work, but I would like my online materials to work!
  6. How will I communicate with the instructor? You may telephone me (919-513-2229) or visit me during my office hours in Harrelson 127. During office hours I also use IM, so you can reach me that way [handle: drslatta]. It's usually quickest to communicate via email. But I need to be able to reach you too! You must have your currently used email address in the NCSU online directory. If you do not, you will not get email messages that I send to the entire class. So if you use an AOL, Mindspring, or another account rather than your Unity account, change your email address in the NCSU Online Directory. Access your record using your Unity password and update all essential information. If you are not listed in the online directory, for privacy or other reasons, you may change your email information at NCSU Registration and Records Tracs Link.
  7. How do I use WebCT Vista discussion software? See the how to page for detailed instructions.
  8. How am I graded in this course? Each online course has a Grading Page. Consult it for points alloted to various assignments. See also the Why Rubrics Page on how various assignments are evaluated.
  9. What questions have prior students had? See FAQs/ Frequently Asked Questions.
  10. How should I name my file attachments? Use your last name (and a first initial if I've indicated to you to do so) plus the number of the focus question to name your files. Thus smith1.doc or if there are two smiths, smithj1.doc. Be certain to put your full name and the focus question number at the top of your essay as well. Miko the Wonder Kitty
  11. How computer saavy do I have to be to take this course? You need to be able to word process, navigate and search the Web, attach files to emails, and nagivate WebCT tools (see above). If you need more training and practice, check out the Internet Help and Tutorial Page for specifics. To help me, I've retained Miko the Wonder Kitty ("I wonder when they'll feed me again!?") as my computer consultant. This gorgeous calico is only 9 months old, but she survived being discarded in a dumpster, so she's got street smarts. Also, like many students, Miko has spent long hours sleeping near computers. Thus she has by osmosis absorbed a great deal of computer "science." If you don't have a furry helper, you might want to get one. Unlike software and hardware, furry-ware never fails.
  12. What if I need software? Why not use freeware? Get Portable Apps in case you need software for use on many different computers. Or download Open Office a free equivalent to MS Office.
  13. How do I get help with a computing problem? Who can help? If your email is functional, contact the NCSU Computing Center Help Desk. They will respond within a day. If you have an emergency that cannot wait, go to one of the campus computing labs. Their locations are listed an another of my FAQ Pages. Also notify me if you experience problems with course web pages.
  14. I need some basic info. Where do I go? Check Fast Facts Online for quick reference material.
  15. How do I handle a health or family emergency? What do I do? As soon as possible, contact all your instructors if you cannot meet upcoming deadlines. Use the Find Dr. Slatta menu item to locate phone and fax numbers or send email. Don't let minor problems mushroom into major ones. If you get behind or miss an assignment, notify the instructor immediately. The NCSU Counseling Center (tel. 919-515-2423) may also be of assistance. If you have a family emergency that impedes your course work, contact Parents and Constituent Services at Box 7306, NCSU, Raleigh NC 27695-7306. You or a parent may also call toll free during business hours at 877-568-5733 or email ncsuparents@ncsu.edu. For a personal health issue, make certain to get documentation from a physician or the NCSU health center. Once you've blown a month, we have no remedies -- you fail. If things come up, I can make adjustments IF I know of the problem immediately. You can quickly fail the course owing to missed assignments, so keep in touch! See the grading page for important information on assignments.
  16. What if I need to withdraw from the University? See NCSU policies on withdrawing from the University. You may also need to fill out an online form from the counseling center [PDF].
  17. How do I cope with the overwhelming amount of information that I find about Latin American history? Use the focus questions to guide your research. The key is to understand what is relevant and what is not to a given focus question. You may safely skim over and ignore information that does not pertain directly to the question. Focus in on supporting evidence and examples to relate directly to the issue at hand. Review the Writing Help menu item frequently. Use the Synthesis Matrix to help organize complex information.
  18. I've never had a college history course. How do I approach the discipline of history? Sorry, but I can't do remedial work on all the basics of history. You may wish to read portion sof A Student's Online Guide to History by Jules R. Benjamin. (Also available in print form). It serves as a practical research and writing resource for history students. It provides clear guidelines, concrete examples, and concise explanations for students researching and writing about any historical topic.
  19. Where can I get more real, live writing help? You're always welcome to see me during my office hours. Also check the NCSU Tutorial Services Page. You'll find a wide range of assistance for writing and much more. We have a variety of online and "live" lab support to improve student writing. Some of the labs are "drop-in," no appointment required. You can also email writing and grammar questions to OWL, NCSU's Online Writing Laboratory. Finally, take advantage of the many services of the university's Writing and Speaking Tutorial Services .
  20. What University policies and procedures should I know about? See NCSU Policies on Racial Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Student Code of Conduct, and Other Topics See also a full listing of Univeristy Policies, Regulations, and Rules.
  21. I need some generic study skills help! The links below offer gateways to improving study habits, stress reduction, notetaking, and other skills that will help you in your college career. (You're welcome!)