The professor welcomes students to an interactive online learning environment and emphasizes creating a relaxed atmosphere for dynamic learning. Students are expected to engage with course material and discussions multiple times per week by posting thoughtful contributions, asking questions, and respectfully considering different viewpoints. The professor will facilitate discussions but not respond to every post, instead allowing open conversation between students. Stress and worrying about grades are discouraged in favor of exploring creatively and having fun through the learning process.

1. Noelle Archambeau Adjunct Professor

2. Welcome

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.

4. Every one of us has a unique viewpoint and level of expertise. I am excited about you opening up new possibilities and challenging assumptions.

5. I’m committed to quality online learning and developing the best learning environment possible.

6. You have the ability to help create this environment through your continued thoughtful participation and insight throughout this course.

7. I urge you to see something different and contribute it to our quest for understanding.

8. Expectations

9. I prefer a relaxed, informal, and fun learning environment.

10. I want each of you to engage in dynamic learning and feel connected to our online community.

11. This requires being receptive to new ideas, immersion but detachment, agreement to disagree, collaboration, understanding and support for each other.

12. I urge you to challenge each other gently, and I will present alternative perspectives and ideas and I encourage you to do the same.

14. Have fun and enjoy your experience

15. Make mistakes and be foolish

16. Explore and break the rules

18. Evaluate and look for relationships

19. Clarify, observe, and interpret

20. Explore positions

22. Take the negative out of learning. Worry, stress, anxiety, and pressure take the creativity out of learning.

23. 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!

24. “I can’t” “I’m not good enough” “I would but” “This will never work”

25. 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.

26. This is new, you are on the frontier. Be proud, be adventurous and realize that change and risk are elements of growth.

27. 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.

28. Discussion Forums

30. Make sure your responses are of high quality.

31. Be pro active.

32. Ask questions.

34. Think non-linearly. This is not a two step process: post, reply, discuss, and keep discussing!

36. 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!

37. If you are an approval junkie and 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.

38. Participation

40. Creating engaging conversations with other learners that enhance the quality of the class

42. Visit your class at least 2-3 times each week

43. Post assignments on time

45. Be respectful and thoughtful

46. Treat other learners with respect

47. No offensive comments or behaviors

49. “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”- Henry David Thoreau