Online Lectures

Distance learning is an isolating experience but for some very convenient.   We go out of our way to make sure that learning from your home engages you as much as coming to class.  You have a choice of whether you wish to take the course in person or online.  If you are taking the course online, you will be able to hear the pre-recorded lectures, ask a question through web pages, read answers to questions asked by others, and complete assignments.  You are also required to download and use an Instant Messenger which would allow you to interact with the instructor in between class time.  

Synchronous chat

Instant Messenger

You can use the Instant Messenger for communication to your instructor in between class times.  You can ask a question and get answers quickly and just in time.  At the same time, you can use it to meet with your project group.  Up to five people can meet in a session to discuss in synchronous time the issues they have.  This procedure is expected to reduce the difficulty of getting everyone to come to a common place.

Please download Microsoft Instant Messenger at http://messenger.msn.com.  Install the software and obtain a hotmail account:  http://www.hotmail.com.  Add your instructor to your buddy list using the hotmail account: FarrokhAlemi@hotmail.com (Do not send emails to this account).    Set the Instant Messenger so that it automatically comes on when you sign in.  This way, you will be alerted when your instructor is on his computer.  See instructions on how to add people to buddy lists by clicking here.  

Rules of text based chat

1. Try the chat before class time. See that you can connect the server. 
2. Rather than making a long comment all at once (e.g., three or four lines of text), type one line at a time, finish it with two dots (...) to let people know you have more to say, and send it one line at a time.  Be short. 
3. Wait for your colleagues to finish their points. If you see two dots (...), it means that they have not finished yet.
4. Round Robin means that everyone should express their point of view in the order of the listing of the names in the chat (usually a list of names are present in the right hand side). Type your comments and wait your turn.  Do not make people wait for your comments too long and do not send the comments out of order.
5. If your Internet Service Provider cuts you off from the chat (common for AOL users), please reconnect as soon as possible and keep an automated email checker or other programs open so that the service provider can be aware that you are using the system.
6. Be courteous. Say the positive before saying anything negative. Keep in mind that lack of visual contact could lead to misinterpretations of what you are saying. Attend to the focus of the class and to what your classmates are saying, just as you would if you were physically present together. Blind messages to classmates are just like whispering in class; they are not only discourteous to the speaker, but also distracting to the person you are contacting.