IDS 1107 Tools for Success
Course Syllabus Package Professor Arnold Fleisch Professor Chris Migliaccio Fall Term, 2008
036b1a78a08635554095a043a652ad98.doc page 2 of 16 Dear Student: With great respect and enthusiasm, we welcome you to IDS 1107 and to the Tools for Success Program.
It has been said that a thousand mile journey begins with a single step; it has also been said that if you don’t know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else. This course will help you get going in the right direction – one of your choosing – and will help support you along the way.
The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the collegiate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) environment, to provide you with the skills necessary to be a successful STEM student, and to help you to become a motivated self-learner. While we expect you to put a great deal of effort into this class, know that we will be right next to you each step of the way to ensure your success – not only in this class, but as long as you are a student at MDC. All it takes to succeed in this course (and move another step closer to graduation) is your ability to read, listen, and participate in class; the discipline to turn in your assignments on time and the commitment to take the time to prepare adequately for your presentation. This Course Syllabus package provides detailed written instructions to guide you through your course. Please read it carefully.
We expect you to keep in regular contact with us in the easiest ways possible for you: before and after class, by phone, email or by office visits. Our contact information in on the Meet Your Instructor page in this Course Syllabus.
We wish you great success in college; we look forward to getting to know you and spending an exciting semester with you.
Sincerely, Arnold Fleisch Chris Migliaccio
036b1a78a08635554095a043a652ad98.doc page 3 of 16 MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Arnold Fleisch, Coordinator of Science Chris Migliaccio, Professor of Ecology & Laboratories & Technology, is in his 34th year at Environmental Science, is in his 20th year as a the Wolfson Campus. A winner of numerous faculty member at the Wolfson Campus and has Technology and Staff Excellence Awards, Arnold held the Louis Wolfson III Endowed Teaching Chair has a B.S. in Biology from Brooklyn College and a (2001- 2004). He has a B.S. in Biology from the M.S. in Curriculum & Instruction/Educational University of Miami (FL) where his main interest Technology from the University of Northern was South Florida ecology. His M.S. is in Science Colorado / Barry University and has 33 years of Education from FIU where much of his graduate experience in the classroom and lab. work was in tropical ecology.
Arnold has designed and conducted dozens of At MDC, he’s most recently taught BSC 1050 – workshops for Miami-Dade County Public School Biology and Environment, PCB 2033 – Introduction teachers (Pre-K to 12) in laboratory techniques and to Ecology, IDH 1001 & 1002 – Honors Leadership educational technology – always emphasizing the Seminars as well as this course and works with the latest technologies. At MDC, he’s designed and College’s Earth Ethics Institute to train faculty in taught faculty workshops in laboratory computer Earth Literacy. inferfaces, web design and most recently podcasting. He manages the Natural Science Chris is extremely fond of the Grateful Dead and Department’s websites including the one for the world pop music (particularly Irish trad music: Tools for Success program. www.liveireland.com), mamey milkshakes, and spicy vegetarian food. His hobbies include At MDC, he’s taught this course, EME 2040 – gardening, nature photography and ecological Educational Technology for preservice teachers travel - especially in the mountain forests of Costa and CGS 1060 – Introduction to Microcomputers in Rica. addition to a wide variety of Biology and Chemistry lab courses. Mailing Chris Migliaccio address: MDC / Wolfson Campus, Mailing Arnold Fleisch Department of Natural Sciences, Address: MDC / Wolfson Campus, Health & Wellness Department of Natural Sciences, 300 NE Second Ave Health & Wellness Miami, FL 33132 300 NE Second Ave Office: Room 1603 (Bld. 1, 6th Floor) Miami, FL 33132 Telephone: 305 – 237 - 3269 Office: Room 1664-1 (Bld. 1, 6th Floor) Fax: 305 – 237 - 7835 Telephone:305 – 237 - 3064 Email: [email protected] Fax: 305 – 237 - 3494 Websites: http://faculty.mdc.edu/cmigliac Email: [email protected] http://mdc.facebook.com Websites: http://faculty.mdc.edu/afleisch Office hours: Mon - Tues - Office hours: Mon - Tues - Wed - Thurs - Wed - Thurs - Fri - Fri -
036b1a78a08635554095a043a652ad98.doc page 4 of 16 IDS 1107 – Tools for Success Course Syllabus
Course Description & Competencies IDS 1107 is the first of a sequence of four courses for students in the Wolfson & Kendall Campus Tools for Success program funded by the National Science Foundation. This one credit course teaches incoming students how to become self-learners by developing the skills necessary to be successful STEM students. The course is activity-oriented with students provided regular opportunities to demonstrate their skills in a supportive, learning community environment.
Competency 1:The student will develop learning skills necessary for STEM-discipline success by: a. identifying various learning styles as they relate to STEM disciplines b. identifying his/her own particular learning style and applying them to his/her own STEM classes. c. recognizing and applying effective study skills for classroom and laboratory settings d. applying active reading and comprehension skills e. utilizing specific STEM-related reasoning skills and test-taking strategies
Competency 2:The student will develop STEM-discipline related coping skills by: a. identifying various methods of working with faculty, particularly those in the STEM disciplines b. identifying campus resources for support in math and science c. identifying various ways of working with other students in classroom and science laboratory settings d. developing various methods for achieving and maintaining good psychological health e. demonstrating appropriate classroom and laboratory behavior
Competency 3:Students will describe the connections between the biweekly Departmental Science Forums and / or STEM field experiences and their academic coursework by: a. writing a reflection paper to describe the connections between their biweekly science forums and/or field experiences b. presenting connections between the forums/field experiences and their life, coursework and/or college experience
Competency 4:Students will begin to compile a portfolio of STEM-focused academic and personal achievements which will be developed and fine tuned over the next two years by:
a. assembling an electronic portfolio which will be fine tuned over the next two years.
Competency 5:Students will develop proficiency in the technology appropriate to courses in the STEM fields by:
a. demonstrating proficiency with STEM course-related laboratory-computer interfaces, word- processing, email, presentation software, and concept mapping software b. creating an original webpage as part of their electronic portfolio c. demonstrating proficiency in podcast basics
To meet these competencies, the course is composed of three units: 036b1a78a08635554095a043a652ad98.doc page 5 of 16 1. Introduction 2. Self Discovery 3. Mastering the Skills – Classroom & Technology
Required Course Materials for your IDH 1001 notebook 1. This IDS 1107 Course Overview given to you in class. 2. A Course Calendar – a printed copy will be given to you in class. 3. Your No Questions Asked coupon (details in the Syllabus) 4. A 1” 3-ring notebook with writing implements, a highlighter, and binder paper for notes. Bring this to every class. No exceptions. 5. Your MDC email account: (firstname.lastname###@mymdc.net) a. Visit the Computer Courtyard (Rm 2201 or 2301) and ask for assistance with i. Changing your password ii. Forwarding other email accounts to this one (or this one to another account) iii. Adjusting your spam/junk filters to ensure that messages from MDC get to you. b. Your instructors will periodically send you important announcements to this email address, so monitor it frequently. You are responsible for course information sent to you in this way. 6. A weekly planner 7. A 1GB (minimum) slim profile USB flash drive (v2.0). Set up an IDS 1107 folder to store all course files and your assignments. Name your flash drive so that if you leave it somewhere, it might be returned to you more easily. Bring this to every class. No exceptions. 8. Access to a computer with MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point, and Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download from www.adobe.com). Note the assignment formatting instructions in your Syllabus. Use this computer to back up all files. 9. A blank CD (in a plastic jewel case) that you’ll burn with the contents of your electronic portfolio at the end of the course.
036b1a78a08635554095a043a652ad98.doc page 6 of 16 Your Electronic Course Files
Accessing Your Course Files on the Campus Computer Networks
In an effort to save paper and teach you how to access course materials electronically, you will only receive print copies of the following materials in this class. 1. Course Overview 2. Course Calendar 3. Your personal No Questions Asked coupon All other course materials can be obtained in the following locations.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You must come to the second class meeting with all files downloaded to your flash drive or you will not be allowed to remain in class that day.
1) The Computer Courtyard (Rms 2201 & 2301) Dell Computers a) Double click to open the My Computer icon on the desktop. b) Look at the bottom of the screen and double click on the icon ‘cmigliac on wcyard-1’ (Z:) to access all course files. c) Open the IDS 1107 course folder in either instructor’s folder to access all the files. All files are the same in both folders.
Using the Electronic Versions of Your Course Files
1) Download all the course materials into an IDS 1107 folder on your flash drive. Copy these files onto your personal computer or one you use regularly. 2) Read the Course Calendar to see what we’re doing and when we’re doing it. 3) Mark your weekly planner for the due dates of graded assignments. 4) Read the Course Syllabus and make a note of questions to ask early in the course. 5) Read the documents we’ll discuss each week in class. You do not need to print them out unless they are marked (P/B = Print/Bring) in the Course Calendar. Print/Bring these files to class on the indicated dates. If you do not, you will be asked to leave the class that day. 6) For the graded assignments, be sure to read the instructions and bring your questions to class before the assignment is due.
036b1a78a08635554095a043a652ad98.doc page 7 of 16 Assessments & Grading Policy
Assessments There is only one quiz in this course so most of grade will be based on written assignments, demonstrated proficiency with the designated technologies, an oral presentation, and your attendance. Read the following table for an overview and then open the individual assignment files to read their guidelines.
Written Assignment Formatting Word processing is the rule for all college papers and we expect you to use the MLA format for all written assignments unless we specifically tell you otherwise. Read these Guidelines at: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/. As students working towards a STEM career, you are expected to express yourself clearly and accurately in oral and written communication. Therefore, spelling, grammar and mechanics will be considered in grading all written work. Learn to use your word processor’s spelling and grammar checking tools, but proofread everything carefully.
IMPORTANT: Not all MDC computers have the latest MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point), therefore if you are using Office 2007, you must save all documents in the 97-2003 format (File->Save As->97-2003 format) so you can edit them anywhere on /off campus and so that we can read them. Files submitted electronically in the improper format will be treated as if they were never turned (i.e. grade = 0). No exceptions.
036b1a78a08635554095a043a652ad98.doc page 8 of 16 Late Assignments & the No Questions Asked coupon Written assignments may always be turned in early but will not be accepted after the published due dates without a No Questions Asked coupon. However, everyone deserves a second chance, so here is yours. You will receive one No Questions Asked coupon on the first day of class and you may use it if you are unable to turn in an assignment on the day that it is due. That assignment may be turned in up to one week late if you attach this coupon with the completed information. Coupons attached to assignments that are more than one class period (one week) late will be declared VOID and will not count, nor be reused. Any assignment turned in after the due date without a coupon will earn zero points. So, hold on to your coupon because it is the only one that you will get. You may only use one coupon this Term; your instructors keep track!
Technical problems (computer crashes, email problems, inability to print, “broken/missing flash drive, etc.), weather problems caused by El Niño, other classwork, “had-to-work-late”, Metrobus was late, procrastination, etc. are not acceptable reasons for lateness; plan ahead! Going to miss a class when an assignment is due? Send it with a friend or email it to us by class time. Remember there are many ways to get the homework to your instructors on time, even if you don’t make it to class.
The only exceptions to the “no assignments accepted late without a NQA coupon” policy will be in the case of a documented medical emergency. Such documentation must be attached to the assignment when it is turned in up to one week after the emergency providing your instructor has been contacted about the emergency.
Incompletes An Incomplete or “I” grade may only be issued at the professor’s discretion as the result of an emergency and only if you document your inability to finish the course under the following conditions: a) you are passing the course at the time of the request, b) at least half of the course work has been completed before the emergency, and c) circumstances are beyond your control. You must contact your instructors as soon as possible following the emergency to discuss your options.
Grading Scale & Progress Reports You will be evaluated on the graded activities listed in the accompanying table according to scale that is given. Note: You are not in competition with your classmates - only with yourself so that everyone can earn an “A” in the course. You may request an electronic Progress Report for you to use to track your grades.
036b1a78a08635554095a043a652ad98.doc page 9 of 16 Overview of Graded Activities Read each assignment for full details Technology 1. Graphing with Excel (10 pts) Assignments 2. Be A Podcast Critic (10 pts) (29 % of grade) 3. Podcast Syncing (10 pts) 4. Create a Podcast (10 pts) 5. Web Page Design (10 pts) 50 pts total
Written Assignments 1. Student Profile and digital photo (10 pts) (24% of grade) 2. Learning Style and Multiple Intelligence Analysis (10 pts) 3. Time Management Tracker Analysis (10 pts) 30 pts total
Attendance 12 of 13 class meetings @ 2 pts/class = 24 points (21% of grade) o 1 absence allowed without penalty; assignments still due o 2 lates = 1 absence 6 of 7 Wednesday Activity Hour Forums @2 pts / Forum = 12 points o 1 absence allowed without penalty o 2 lates = 1 absence 36 pts total
Group Presentation A pre-approved STEM topic presented in Power Point at November & (12% of grade) December Wednesday Activity Hour Forums (12noon-1:15pm); teams of 2 students 20 pts
Electronic Portfolio Your web page with links to course assignments turned in on CD-ROM at (9% of grade) the end of the Term 15 pts total
Quiz Content: The Course Syllabus (5% of grade) 9 pts
Extra Credit o MBFI STEM-related Reflection Paper – 5 pts each (+6% of grade) o Science Movie Night Reflection Paper – 5 pts each o Other (TBA) Up to 10 pts total for all sources
Maximum points 160 pts
Grading Scale A = 144+ B = 128-143 C = 112-127 D = 96-111 F < 96 points
036b1a78a08635554095a043a652ad98.doc page 10 of 16 Extra Credit Opportunities
During the semester, you will have the opportunity to earn up to 10 points in extra credit. You may choose from the following activities, although other options may be offered to you in class or emailed to you. Due dates are listed on your calendar for each category of extra credit.
A. Miami Book Fair International (MBFI) Reflection Paper (1-5 points extra credit each for up to 2 Reflections) Attend STEM-related presentations during Book Fair Week (Nov 9-16, 2008), take notes and write a 2-4 page reflection paper for each worth up to 5 points / presentation. You must include: 1. a summary of each presentation as well as a summary of the discussion / questions that followed 2. your personal response to the presentation and / or discussion a. not whether or not you liked the presentation but rather, your opinions or comments about what was discussed: agreements, disagreements, neutrality with reasons 3. a question you would have liked to ask but did not (even if you did) You will be graded on the thoughtfulness and thoroughness of your responses as well as your grammar and mechanics.
B. Tools for Success Movie Night Reflection Paper (1-5 points extra credit for up to 2 Reflections) Attend one of the monthly Tools for Success Movie Nights held in Rm 1676 Friday nights from ~7-9pm. An email from the Tools for Success office will be sent to you early in the Term with the schedule and film titles of popular films with STEM content. After the film discussion will follow based on focus questions sent to you in advance. Take notes; write up the discussion in 2-4 pages in the standard format and submit to earn points.
C. Other (points may vary) These opportunities will be announced in class and / or sent to you from your instructor by email.
036b1a78a08635554095a043a652ad98.doc page 11 of 16 The Classroom Atmosphere: Attendance, Participation, Activities, Calendar & Classroom Atmosphere
Attendance You are expected to attend each scheduled class meeting because material covered in the lecture / discussion may not be available in the readings and most written assignments are based on classroom discussions. Attendance will be taken daily and calculated in the final grade so, we expect you to be on time for each and every class. Prompt and regular attendance shows respect for the course, your classmates and professor. You will receive two points for each day’s attendance but two tardies = one absence.
We realize that extenuating circumstances can occur and prevent you from coming to class so let’s talk about these privately when / if they occur. You will be granted one absence without penalty but are responsible to turn in any assignment due that day. If you first attend the class after the published starting date, or are late to any class, you are responsible for seeing your Professor after class to pick up any handouts and to check in or attendance purposes. You are also expected to attend at least 6 of the 7 scheduled bi-monthly Wednesday Activity Hour Forums (12noon-1:15pm). You may have one absence granted without penalty and will receive three points for each Forum attended on time (up to 18 points total) with 1-2 points deducted for late arrival / early departure. A Forum schedule and any updates will be emailed to you by the Tools for Success office.
Participation Because of the nature of the course, there will be considerable discussion of course topics. You are expected to share your ideas as well as participate in regular question and answer sessions. Such active participation will help you learn course material and improve your self-confidence. Additionally, because the best way to learn something is to teach it to someone else, everyone will give a short presentation on a pre-approved topic.
Even though your participation in this program has given you the privilege of enrolling in this course, you must contribute in order to hold your seat in the class. You cannot be a vampire in this course - taking from others without giving back. Neither can you be a clam – opening your mouth only to feed. You must participate in the class. Shy? We’ll help you get over that as quickly as possible.
036b1a78a08635554095a043a652ad98.doc page 12 of 16 Know that “participation” in college courses means attending all classes on time, respecting others ideas, offering thoughtful responses to questions, asking questions related to course topics, using humor appropriately, listening actively, addressing other students and instructor by name, and respecting classroom behavioral guidelines. Participation is not blurting out questions or answers every moment; it is not carrying on private conversations with classmates during classroom discussions and it is not keeping your hand in the air for the entire class in order to be recognized.
Classroom activities: The Study Guide and the Course Calendar The Study Guide is your collection of electronic files available to you online and from the Campus network. The Overview you received on Day One includes a table of all files and where to find them.
The Course Calendar lists the topics for each meeting, the reading assignments that support the days’ activities, as well as written assignment due dates. You are expected to keep up with the textbook readings as well as the corresponding readings in the Study Guide and are encouraged to use a 3-ring binder for organizing class notes and handouts.
Classroom activities will follow the Course Calendar . Some lectures will be given using the classroom's built-in computer projection system. All Power Point presentations are available to you; we recommend you look over them in advance of the class they’ll be used.
The Classroom Atmosphere & Your Behavior In a course such as this, discussion often becomes vigorous but you are expected to treat everyone in the class with respect at all times. While it is perfectly acceptable to disagree with a position that one of your classmates takes, it is not acceptable to ridicule them. There will be ample opportunities for everyone to participate in discussions, but you are expected to do so politely and with self control – that means not blurting out responses every time a question is asked.
036b1a78a08635554095a043a652ad98.doc page 13 of 16 The “Big No–No's"
Coming to class unprepared Successful IDS 1107 students keep up with their readings so that when they come to class, they’re prepared for discussions and the technology lessons. They’ve printed out ,read and have copies of the files listed in the Overview & Calendar as (P/B) – Print & Bring – when they come to class. Students without the listed (P/B) files may not remain in class that day and will be marked as absent. You must also have your flash drive with you at each class meeting.
Food & drinks are not allowed in Wolfson Campus Classrooms To help keep the classroom clean and to keep local insect population growth under control, please do not bring food or drink of any kind into the classroom.
Cell Phones Are Not Welcome in Class! … if they go off during class. Each time your cell phone goes off in class, we will deduct 5 points from your course total. So, turn them off, or keep them on a soundless setting if you are expecting a critical message. However, if you leave the classroom to answer that critical call / page, you may not re-enter class that day. Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a respectful classroom atmosphere!
Course Ethics Cheating in any fashion will not be tolerated, including but not limited to plagiarizing or stealing another’s words, work or ideas on a written assignment, changing responses on graded papers, or falsifying records. And, as an Tools for Success student, you are obligated to report any ethics’ violations to your instructors.
However, while you are encouraged to work and study together on specific designated in-class assignments you are personally responsible for answering any questions about any course activity or written assignment. If you are suspected of cheating, plagiarism or any other acts of academic dishonesty (as outlined in College Procedure 4071), you will be subject to procedural due process (as outlined in College Procedure 4074) which can include dismissal from the Tools for Success Program and / or Miami Dade College.
036b1a78a08635554095a043a652ad98.doc page 14 of 16 A Final Word About Responsibilities:
Ours... As your Instructors, each of us is here to help you begin a successful college journey – providing whatever assistance you may need to help you grow as a person and student. We will always attempt to explain course material to you; we will answer as many questions as possible and we will keep your informed of your progress. We consider each of your questions as if it is the most important one in your studies, so don't be afraid that your concerns or questions seem to be foolish - they are not! Just as we expect you to submit your work according to the deadlines for the semester, you can expect us to respond in a timely manner to your questions and concerns. …and Yours You have made a decision to participate in a challenging and critically important course. Therefore, you are responsible for successfully completing the course as directed in this Syllabus. Contact your professor immediately if you do not fully understand instructions or the topics that have been covered; don't wait until the day when an assignment is due. Please have specific questions on assigned material when you discuss these concerns in person, by phone, or email. Be sure to read this entire Syllabus package carefully and ask for clarification of anything you do not completely understand. Remember that we expect you to be to be an active participant in this class and am happy to help you move another step closer to graduating and meeting your life goals.
“The goal of education is not knowledge, but action.” - Herbert Spencer
036b1a78a08635554095a043a652ad98.doc page 15 of 16 Miami Dade College General Education Outcomes adopted September 22, 2006
Purpose: Through the academic disciplines and co-curricular activities, General Education provides multiple, varied, and intentional learning experiences to facilitate the acquisition of fundamental knowledge and skills and the development of attitudes that foster effective citizenship and life-long learning.
As graduates of Miami Dade College, students will be able to:
1. Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. 2. Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data. 3. Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning. 4. Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information. 5. Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical perspectives. 6. Create strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic, and social responsibilities. 7. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in society. 8. Use computer and emerging technologies effectively. 9. Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities. 10. Describe how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans on the environment.
Note that the Outcomes in bold are specifically addressed in this course.
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