This document outlines the expectations and guidelines for an online course on web design, usability, and visual literacy. The instructor emphasizes creating a relaxed, informal, and fun learning environment where students feel connected. Students are encouraged to think creatively, challenge assumptions, explore new ideas, and move outside their comfort zone. The instructor wants students to actively participate in discussion forums by posting early and often with high-quality responses. Netiquette guidelines should be followed for respectful online discussions.

1. ITM615
Web Design, Usability
& Visual Literacy
Dr. Bobbe Baggio
Director of the Graduate Program
Instructional Technology Management

2. Welcome
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3. As we set out on a new and unique learning
adventure, I’m so pleased you’ve decided to join us.
Realize that our mission is to explore and challenge.
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4. Every one of us has a unique viewpoint & level of expertise. I am
excited about you opening up new possibilities & challenging
assumptions.
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5. I’m committed to quality online
learning & developing the best
learning environment possible.
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6. You have the ability to
help create this
environment through your
continued thoughtful
participation
& insight throughout this
course.
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7. I urge you to see something different & contribute it to our quest for
understanding.
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8. Expectations
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9. I prefer a relaxed, informal, & fun learning
environment.
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10. I want each of you to engage in dynamic learning
& feel connected to our online community.
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11. This requires being receptive to new
ideas, immersion but detachment,
agreement to disagree, collaboration,
understanding & support for each
other.
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12. I urge you to challenge each other gently, & I will
present alternative perspectives & ideas & I
encourage you to do the same.
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13. Reach beyond, think creatively:
 Look for another approach or
answer
 Have fun and enjoy your
experience
 Make mistakes and be foolish
 Explore and break the rules
 Think out of the box
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14. Use your critical thinking skills
 Question and reflect
 Evaluate and look for relationships
 Clarify, observe, and interpret
 Explore positions
 Recognize arguments
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15. Stress & Creativity
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16. Take the negative out of learning. Worry, stress, anxiety, & pressure
take the creativity out of learning.
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17. The number one reason that
people do not succeed at a goal is
because they never start. The
number one reason that they
never start is because they talk
themselves out of it first!
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18. “I can’t”
“I’m not good enough”
“I would but”
“This will never work”
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19. These are self-fulfilling prophecies. These tendencies tend to be more
intense online because we are putting our selves in a new place without
the comfort of social and emotional support that comes from others.
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20. This is new, you are on the frontier. Be proud, be
adventurous & realize that change & risk are
elements of growth.
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21. Move outside your comfort zone and explore. Don’t
succumb to the “ A” syndrome. Relax, have fun and
don’t let grade anxiety paralyze your learning.
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22. Discussion Forums
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23.  Post early and often.
 Make sure your responses are of
high quality.
 Be pro active.
 Ask questions.
 Discuss, don’t take anyone's
answer as the THE answer.
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24.  Be a virtual ‘007’, check out what
everyone has to say.
 Think non-linearly. This is not a
two step process: post, reply,
discuss, and keep discussing!
 Forget all these & overwhelm me
with your creative genius!
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25. I will be in the forums every day & will read every post, but I will not
respond to every post. I prefer to let learners converse, & I will jump
in from time to time.
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26. I will provide feedback and encourage you to reach your highest
potential. However, the purpose of my feedback is to encourage not
limit your learning!
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27. If you are an approval junkie & need to know if you are on track,
you can always email me. If you don’t hear to the contrary, you
are doing just fine.
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28. Participation
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29. You’re expected to participate on a
weekly basis by:
 Completing the readings,
assignments, & discussion topics
 Creating engaging conversations
with other learners that enhance
the quality of the class
 Reflecting on your own
experiences and learning
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30.  Set a weekly schedule for yourself
 Visit your class at least 2-3 times each week
 Post assignments on time
 If you’re having trouble, tell me right away!
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31.  Agree to disagree
 Be respectful and
thoughtful
 Treat other learners with
respect
 No offensive comments or
behaviors
 If you think it’s
inappropriate, it probably is
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32. Please go to the following website and take the quiz on netetiquette:
http://www.albion.com. Read the guidelines, and follow them.
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33. “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.
Live the life you have imagined.”
- Henry David Thoreau
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