History 330       Mississippi History    Online Tips

 

Software you will need over the course of the semester.

1. Internet connection (obviously) and Web Browser.  I don’t care which browser you use.  For some reason, this system works better with Internet Explorer, but I have tried to make it accessible to Netscape Navigator as well.   Many Mac folks use Mozilla Firefox and Safari these days as well.  But be aware that some browsers have trouble with ANGEL.  Regardless of the type of browser, you should try to get the latest version.

 2. Email.  Since ANGEL employs an internal course mail system, you will find all email for this class waiting for you when you login.  Thus, while the university really, really, really wants you to use your olemiss.edu account, it won't be an issue in this course.  However, that means that you should login every day or so, just to see if there is anything new.

Email Etiquette.  Though I don't really care if you call me Dr. Harper, please address me in some manner (avoid your first impulse here!).  Even though you are using course mail, it is still necessary to sign your email.  It will keep me from having to look up your username.  Moreover, it's just polite to tell me who you are.

3. Word Processing Software.  Some assignments will be turned in by using the course drop box.  You will need access to a software package such as Microsoft Word or Word Perfect.  I have both of these.  Let me know early in the semester if you are worried about the compatibility of your word processing software.  I can only receive files that are doc, wpd, or rtf.

 4. Other Internet software (You will need the latest version of both).

   Windows Media PlayerWindows Media Player       or Flip4mac to play windows media files on a mac.

   Adobe  Adobe Acrobat Reader

 

 Procedures and Tips.

While I have attempted to recreate elements of the traditional classroom in this online course, there are significant differences in this approach.  This is not a self-paced correspondence course and you must keep up.  I may occasionally post abbreviated audio lectures that I expect you to download and take notes on.  Further, you are expected to participate in class each week.  You will notice that, as in the traditional classroom, there are grades based on class discussion.  And while the discussion board may be new to some of you, I believe some of you will actually have more to say this way.

A Note on discussion board etiquette. 

While I don’t necessarily want to censor your input to this forum, you should keep in mind that some communication styles do not work as well in emails or on discussion boards.  For example, we may not know if you are kidding because we can't see your sly smile.  This is a large course by online standards and I want to make sure we all stay on the same page.  Thus, I would ask you to be mindful when posting and avoid language that is offensive or liable to be misinterpreted. At the same time, let's not be thin skinned either.  There is a difference between spirited discussion (which I encourage) and personal attacks (which I will not tolerate).  If someone offends you, send me an email and I'll look into it.  I will reserve the right to remove posts that are inappropriate to the class discussion board.