Course Basics
Welcome! Whether you are joining us online or in person (or both), you are in for an exciting and rewarding learning experience. To help you succeed, here are some tips and guidelines to follow:
Explore your course website. You will find everything you need to succeed in your course, such as how to submit assignments, access the course calendar, look for handouts (the syllabus, etc.) and other essential features of your course. This will help you avoid any stress or confusion when your assignments are due.
Check your course calendar every day. Your course calendar is the "central hub" of your course; it shows you all of your responsibilities (readings, assignments, etc.) and deadlines. Don't miss anything important by keeping an eye on your course calendar.
Set up your preferences on the course website so that you receive emails of "Announcements." This way, you will always be updated on any changes or news from your instructor. Alternatively, you can check the "Announcements" board every day, as you are responsible for what's there.
Buy your course textbooks by the end of the first week of the semester. Use the ISBN number to find the correct text, especially if you're buying from somewhere other than the university bookstore. You don't want to miss out on any readings or discussions because you have the wrong book.
If films are assigned for your course, wait until they appear on the calendar before acquiring them. Not only will this ensure that you watch them at the right time and in the right order, it is entirely possible that some or all of the films may be changed from what's listed on the syllabus or be excluded entirely.
Download Zoom. Even if your course meets face-to-face, Office Hours and some class meetings will take place on Zoom. See below for complete Zoom information.
Be sure to get clarity. If you have any questions or doubts about a lecture or an assignment, don't hesitate to ask Professor Rosenberg, your TA, or a peer. Failing an assignment because you "didn't understand it" is a clear sign that you're not working the course correctly. You should also book an appointment with Professor Rosenberg and your TA at least once during an assignment, especially an essay.
Work with the tutors at the Writing Center throughout your process. The Writing Center is an essential resource for improving your writing skills and getting feedback on your work. You can make an appointment online or visit them in person.
1 - Getting Started with Zoom
Professor Rosenberg uses the Zoom meeting application for all meetings, regardless of your university's hosted meeting application.
Therefore, be sure to follow the steps herein well before your first meeting.
For both online class lectures and office (1:1) appointments, I use the Zoom application. It's important that you install the software before your course begins so that you're assured of its compatibility with your computer.
Then, it's as easy as 1-2-3!
Download the client software to your computer. (Do not use any browser extensions as they lack much of the functionality required to participate and interact virtually with the professor and your classmates.)
Remember that you must use the latest Zoom client, so even if you have already downloaded the software, launch it before your meeting begins and, if an update is available, follow the prompts to complete it. Click here to make sure that your software is set to automatically update, especially if it has been a while since you've launched Zoom.
When signing up for a Zoom account, you must use your name as it appears on your university record. Unrecognizable users will not be admitted into the Zoom meeting rooms, and, for purposes of policy, you will be considered absent until you rectify the issue.
Click here to test your system. Be sure to turn on both your webcam and your microphone as you are required to use both when meeting.
2 - Zoom Meetings (Lectures & Office Hours)
Be sure to download and test the Zoom software well before your first scheduled meeting.
The Zoom lecture meeting links are located on your university's Blackboard or Canvas course homepage.
For Office Hours meetings, you will receive the Zoom meeting link in the confirmation email.
When signing in for a lecture or appointment, your Zoom name must reflect exactly that which appears on the official course roster. Unrecognized users will not be admitted into the Zoom meeting rooms, and, for purposes of policy, you will be considered absent until you rectify the issue. Absolutely no policy exceptions will be made regarding missed coursework or classes because you were not admitted to the Zoom meetings due to your use of an unrecognized name.
The use of cellphones and tablets are strongly discouraged because they lack much of the necessary functionality to successfully participate in your online meetings.
You must use a webcam and microphone in order to participate in online meetings. Click here to learn how to use a virtual background if you'd like to keep your space private.
Your presence in the Waiting Room does not indicate your attendance to the meeting.
You must be in a quiet place without loud, disruptive background noise. If you become a disruption, you will be removed from the meeting. For purposes of policy, removal from a meeting is equivalent to removal from the classroom due to disruption.
Meetings are not the place to test your technology. Make sure that it operates properly before your meeting. Once you have your software installed, click here to join a test meeting.
Once the class begins, the meeting room is "locked," which means that you will not be able to gain entry. This is especially important to consider for any in-class assignments as well as courses or particular meetings where attendance is taken.
All meetings, including, but not limited to, intellectual property (shared and uploaded files, screencasted materials such as PowerPoint presentations), are owned and copyrighted under the copyright provision below, and may not be recorded, shared or accessed in any way without my written consent.
Click here for Zoom's Support Portal
Downloading & Updating
It's important that you have the latest version of the software installed on your machine.
Joining a Meeting
While you'll almost always join a meeting from a posted URL, such as on the homepage of your course's Canvas or Blackboard website or herein, this video explains other ways of joining a Zoom session.
In-Meeting Navigation
The basics of using Zoom's features while attending meetings. This is particularly important if you're asked to complete something (like a poll), to use the chatroom, breakout rooms, etc.