This page explains how the course website is organized and how to move through it.  Additionally, it identifies the important components of the course and how to use them.

4) How the course website is organized
This course website contains a) a DCCCD Blackboard portal (entry) page and b) the course content that is posted on a private server.

Accessing Your Course: Entering through Blackboard
To enter the course through Blackboard, you will go to http://www.dcccd.edu/ecampus  . You will need to log in by entering an "e" followed by your seven-digit student ID number (found on your fee receipt for the course) and your birth date (as your original password).  If that doesn't work, then try re-entering your student ID number.

Blackboard Resources
You will find a number of important features in Blackboard.  Under "Tools" you will be able to enter personal information, use the calendar, compose and send emails, and other things.  Under "External Links" you will find a link to the course content (this website).

For this course, I currently do not use "Discussion Forum," "Drop Box," or the "Grade Book" features.

Accessing Your Course Content
The course content for this course is housed on a private server.  To access the course directly (without having to log-in to Blackboard), go to the following URL:

http://www.distancelearningassociates.com

Click on the link for ENGL 2327 - Mountain View College

That's where you are right now!

What's in the course website
The course website includes a home page, a table of contents, the course syllabus, weekly units, exercise pages, study guides, and online resources.

5) Steps for navigating through the website
1) Begin your journey through the course by clicking on the link to "Getting Started in ENGL 2327" found at the bottom of the home page. (That's where you are now.)

Here's what the home page looks like:

The home page contains a brief introduction to the course and two links: a) Getting Started in ENGL 2327 and b) Table of Contents

2) Go to the "Table of Contents" page.  Open each webpage, starting with the uppermost link.  These webpages contain important institutional, instructor, and course information.

3) Scroll down on the "Table of Contents" page where you will find the links to each of the weekly webpages and the course exercises.

Below is a typical weekly page:

The week focus is identified in the heading. Navigation links are found below the heading and at the bottom left of the web page. Read the brief introduction at the head of the page. The readings are listed for each writer assigned for the week.  These are the primary readings for which you are responsible. Open the "Study Guide" materials and read the introductory materials.  These will include basic or key concepts that are addressed by the writer in the reading selections. Explore Internet websites whose links are provided in the "Online Resources." Links to exercises are found below.

Exercise pages
Instructions for the exercises in the course are found on the Exercise pages in the website.  Go to the "Exercises" page for general instructions and links to each exercise.  You will also find a link to each exercise on the "Table of Contents" page as well as on the weekly web pages.

Each exercise page will include all the instructions you need to complete the assignment.  You will also find a link on each exercise page to a sample essay.

After the specific instructions for developing the exercise, you will find very specific directions for naming, saving, and sending your essays as attachments to email messages.

Here's what the beginning of an exercise page looks like:

Each exercise page begins with a set of navigation links back to the course schedule and exercise page. Below the navigation links is the due date, assigned by weeks. Instructions list the optional topics you have for the exercise. Detailed directions tell you how to develop the structure and content of the essays.

6) Where to go for help
Don't hesitate to call your instructor, Dr. Grimes for support.  The office number is (214) 860-8747, but the best way to reach him is to call his cell phone at (972) 740-3125.  The email address is gagrimes@dcccd.edu .

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