Distance Learning: Technology Requirements

The most important resource to familiarize yourself with for any Distance Learning course at UALR is the UALR Blackboard Student Support web site. Please visit the site now, http://ualr.edu/support/blackboard/ and take time to read "Getting Started" and "Tutorials" as well as Blackboard FAQ. You must make sure your computer is configured properly, and you must have high-speed internet access, in order to take Piano Pedagogy & Literature via distance-learning.

Distance Learning means that you use a computer to take the course via Blackboard while logged on to the WIMBA Live Classroom server from home, rather than attending the class in-person on campus. If you choose this option, take care to use your time wisely, and regularly log on to the WIMBA Live Classroom server at least twice per week. It is strongly recommended that you do so synchronously, at the time the class meets. On occasions when that is not possible, you may listen to the archived recordings of the weekly lectures on WIMBA Live Classroom. In order to keep up with the course, you must regularly access course content on Blackboard. This is the electronic equivalent of attending the course regularly in-person.

Students who take the course face-to-face, on-campus, are also required to regularly use a computer to access course content on Blackboard, to turn in assignments on Blackboard using the Assignments tool, and to take quizzes, the mid-term and final exam on Blackboard using the Assessments tool.

Prerequisite Student Technical Skills

• Proficient with word processing software. MS Word is preferred. Must be able to save files as .doc, .rtf, and .pdf
• Proficient with internet research, using a browser and search engine (e.g. Google). Use your browser Help files for additional assistance
• Proficient with downloading files, and attaching files to turn in assignments on Blackboard
• Reliable high-speed internet access; must be able to check Blackboard and UALR email at least every other day
• If internet access from home is interrupted, the student is responsible for finding alternative resources when necessary, such as the student computer lab in Ottenheimer Library
• In order to deliver your two Oral Reports to the class via distance-learning, you must have either a headset or a built-in mic on your computer in WIMBA "Live Classroom"

Here are directions for accessing my lectures on the internet:

Wimba "Live Classroom" Information:

I will be using WIMBA "Live Classroom" for all UALR Piano Pedagogy lectures. This program includes document sharing, desktop sharing, and the ability for me to record the lecture so that you can play it back at a later time. Best of all, people with Macintosh, Windows, and even Linux can participate in the same room using Internet Explorer, Safari, and FireFox web browsers. With all these features, there are a few more computer requirements, but the Live Classroom Wizard will walk you through the steps and assist you in getting everything set up. In addition, UALR provides Blackboard Student Support at http://ualr.edu/support/blackboard/

If you plan on using the audio features to speak to the instructor and the students in the class during class time, a headset/microphone combo is best. By using a headset, the sounds produced by others and your computer are not picked up by your microphone resulting in a better experience for everyone (as opposed to using the built-in mic on your computer). Headsets prices start around $20 at stores such as BestBuy and Walmart. You may also use "Chat" to communicate during class time with the instructor. It is essential that you have either a headset or a built-in mic on your computer in order to deliver your two Oral Reports to the class via distance-learning.
 
WIMBA Live Classroom is located on the Blackboard shell for our course. Log on to Blackboard, and look for the Live Classroom icon at the bottom of the Course Content page. The list of audio archived lectures appears at the bottom of the page after you click on the Live Classroom icon, with a date stamp.

If you have trouble accessing WIMBA Live Classroom, take steps immediately to report the problem to Blackboard Student Support. Email is the quickest resource. bbhelp@ualr.edu
Additional information about Help Desk support for students regarding Blackboard is available online at http://ualr.edu/support/blackboard/index.php/home/contact/

On the Discussions tool, I have provided two threaded discussions under the heading "Miscellaneous" to facilitate discussions outside of class.

• "Questions for Further Discussion ~ lecture follow-up" as a group forum
• "Piano Teaching Questions ~ from the trenches" as a group forum

If you have questions specific to your individual work on an assignment or exam, please contact me via email at LRHolzer@ualr.edu rather than using the Discussions tool. Threaded discussions for general follow-up to lectures are public, a group forum for students enrolled in the course. Email is private.

It is exciting to be able to make use of new technology for teaching and learning. Occasionally there may be technical problems. But with planning, patience and persistence, we'll be able to move forward.