This document provides information for students taking an online course about Hawaii Island. It discusses that the course will cover significant geological features and cultural sites of Hawaii Island. It emphasizes that effective communication is important for online students to succeed. Basic computer skills are required like creating documents, downloading files, and participating in online discussions. It provides information about resources available for students like tutoring services and computer labs on campus. Students are advised that the grade and knowledge gained will reflect the effort put into the course.

1. WELCOME TO HWST 100! G. M ā lama Chong

2. Hawai`i Island is indeed a beautiful place, rich with history. In this course, you will learn about some of the things that make Hawai`i island unique, including significant geological features, wahi pana, and much, much more! ALOHA!

3. I understand that many of you have chosen to take this course online for various reasons – work schedules, personal responsibilities, geographic restrictions, upcoming trips, etc. Please note that due to the widespread use and availability of Internet access throughout the world, I will not grant extensions or give alternate assignments to those who may have to miss class because of a trip.

4. Since this is a non-traditional class setting, effective communication is vital to your success in this class. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask because often times someone else in the class will have the same question! By asking questions, we can all help facilitate each other’s learning and growth. COMMUNICATION IS KEY

5. Please keep in mind that while I am proficient in using the computer, I am by no means an expert. It is my job is to help you explore the beauty of our island, not teach you how to use a computer. As such, you must have a basic working knowledge of how to use the computer and navigate the internet in order to be successful in this course. BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS NEEDED

6. BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS NEEDED At a minimum, you need to know how to create a word document, save a file, download files, upload files, participate in Discussion threads, navigate the Internet, send and receive emails, and use your voice recording software.

7. FINANCIAL AID VERIFICATION FORMS If you have a verification form (financial aid, scholarship, etc) that I need to sign, please notify me via Private Messages. When you send me a private message, please notify me which option you have chosen from the list below: 1) Drop off the form at my office. If you leave a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE), I will mail it to you after signing. If you do not leave a SASE with the form, I will simply leave it in my office box for you to pick up at a later time. Please note that I do not keep regular office hours, therefore I will not know that a form is waiting for me if you do not notify me in advance. 2) Make an appointment to meet with me to sign the form. Please note that I am usually unavailable until after 3:30 pm. 3) Mail the form to me at 445 Kupuohi Pl. Hilo, HI 96720. Include a SASE to mail the form back to you.

8. I OLA HĀLOA If you live in Hilo, please note that I Ola Hāloa: Center for Hawaiʻi Life Styles is a wonderful resource at the HawCC Manono campus. Services offered include: Tutoring in ʻōlelo Hawai'i (by appointment) Use of computers (computers are equipped with Hawaiian fonts & voice recording software) Printers available to print reasonably sized reports Use of in-house library collection for research Information on Financial Aid and scholarships Peer Advising

9. I OLA HĀLOA Location: HawCC Manono Campus, Building 380-34 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Contact the I Ola Hāloa Office at 808-974-7602 for more information or to schedule a language tutorial.

10. Be advised that you can expect no more from this course than you put into it. If you expend no more than a minimum effort, you can expect no more than an average grade and you will have gained a minimal knowledge of Hawaiʻi Island. Once again, if you have any questions, please feel free to email me. I look forward to a productive semester with all of you. ʻO wau iho nō, G. Mālama Chong HWST 100 Instructor