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Welcome Letter for PERCEPTION
Hello and welcome to PERCEPTION! This course is taught completely online and I hope you'll find it a fun and rewarding experience. This course will introduce you to the field of sensation and perception. In this course we will examine how the living organism experiences the real world. All sensory systems are examined in terms of the paradigm of information coming from the distal stimulus to the proximal stimulus (physical energy); the sense organs converting the physical energy into electrochemical energy (sensations); the organism operating on and experiencing the world (perception). IMPORTANT: Many students believe that an online course, particularly an introductory course, is less demanding than a face-to-face course. Nothing could be further from the truth. Students are often surprised by the effort it takes to do well in this class. Online classes require self-discipline and dedication. You must do a lot of reading and keep up with the assignments since no one will be reviewing the material with you in person. Online classes also require active participation unlike some face-to-face classes where you can sit in the back row and get by without getting involved. Think through your decision to take this online course carefully. It is demanding. I anticipate, however, that if you put in the time and effort you will find it a rewarding experience. Expectations All students will be expected to complete readings and assignments, post on the discussion board, take online quizzes and be active participants in the learning process. In order to do well, you'll need to be a self-starter and take time to practice the concepts we're covering in each chapter. It's easy to fall behind when the class moves at such a quick pace so know ahead of time that you'll have to put in a consistent effort in order to do well. You will need to spend at least 2 1/2 hours per chapter (the time you would have spent in a face-to-face class) reviewing materials, posting on the discussion board, doing assignments and taking quizzes. You'll also need to spend several more hours doing reading and other assignments. Class information and assignments will be made available on Blackboard. You will also find a link to the discussion board where questions will be made available for the current topic. There will be an interactive CD/ROM packaged in your book bundle (see below). Your Technical Prerequisites: You will need to meet certain hardware and Your Technical Prerequisites: You will need to meet certain hardware and software minimum requirements and have reliable access to a computer in addition to a level of comfort working online. Check out the requirements as listed on the opening page of Blackboard. You should also check out some of the downloads available here so you'll be ready - look under "Resources" and then "Downloads" and you'll find Microsoft Word Reader, Adobe Acrobat, and Powerpoint Reader. If you don't have these programs on your computer, you can get them here. Texts Your required class textbook is Sensation and Perception (Eighth Edition) by E. Bruce Goldstein, published by Wadsworth Cengage (ISBN: 9780495601494). This is accompanied by a virtual lab CD-ROM, which is also required. The textbook/CD bundle is available at the campus bookstore. While you are free to purchase a used copy of the textbook, it is very important that your book includes a working CD. Grading Final grades will be calculated based largely on: chapter quizzes, completion of assignments - including a term paper - in a timely manner, and participation on the discussion board. There is no separate final exam. Grading details and scheduling are available in the course syllabus. Read this syllabus carefully and completely as soon as you are able to access your course via Blackboard. How to
Access Blackboard: Here’s a link to a very useful FAQ – probably worth saving on your computer: http://www.wpunj.edu/bb/ng/pdfs/FAQ_student.pdf WPUNJ
Student Email: Some things to be aware of as you work with Student email: 1. Blackboard courses will use student email; third-party email addresses will not work on Bb. 2. If you are already logged in to the WPUNJ system through WPConnect you won't have to re-enter your username and password -- just click the Email tab. Good luck and have fun in the course! A. Fuzz Griffiths, PhD |