Minnesota State University, Mankato
Technical Communication Program
Student Online Learning Policy and Procedures
By
Gere Hirsch
Monique Davis
Formatted by Patrick Collins
Table of Contents
1.0 Types of Online Learning courses: 5
1.1 Synchronous Online courses 5
1.2 Asynchronous Online courses 5
2.0 Getting Started with Online Learning 5
2.1 What is Online Learning 5
3.0 Admission and Registration Information 6
3.1 Already registered 6
3.1.1 What is my Campus Username? 7
3.1.2 What is my Campus Password? 7
4.0 Program Requirements 7
5.0 Internship Requirement 8
6.0 Technology Requirements 9
6.1 Minimum Standards 9
Computer Software Recommendations 10
Download free programs and players 10
For Mac and Windows users 10
For Windows users 11
7.0 D2L D2L Usage Policy 12
7.1 Technology Requirements 12
7.2 Appropriate Use 13
7.3 Accessing D2L 13
7.4 What is my Campus Username? 14
7.5 What is my Campus Password? 14
7.6 Using D2L 14
8.0 News 14
9.0 My Courses 14
9.1 Course Home 15
10.0 Calendar 15
11.0 Tasks 15
12.0 Content 15
13.0 Discussions 15
14.0 Discussion Board Etiquette 15
15.0 Chat 16
16.0 Dropbox 16
16.1 Multiple submissions 16
16.2 Dropbox Comments 16
16.3 Dropbox Feedback 16
17. Quizzes 17
18.0 Surveys 17
19.0 Grades 17
20.0 Classlist 17
21.0 Groups 17
22.0 Training, News and Clubs 18
23.0 Student Resources 18
24.0 Class Climate 18
25.0 System Information 18
26.0 Succeeding in Online Learning 18
27.0 Students Resources 20
28.0 Library Resources 20
29.0 Purchasing Textbooks 21
Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Technical Communication Program offers classes and online degree and certificate programs for students residing anywhere in the world. Online courses allow a student to work around the limitations of schedule or location, as a way to advance his or her education. Student will excel with the ability to communicate effectively in writing. Online learning requires the ability to be self-motivated, self-disciplined, willing to “speak up” if problems arise. A realistic goal is to be able to commit to 4 to 15 hours per week per course. This will require setting goals and deadlines for yourself. Because classes are conducted entirely online, it is necessary to be computer savvy and have access to a computer with internet connection.
1.0 Types of Online Learning courses:
1.1 Synchronous Online courses
These classes are taught completely online in real time format. Learners are either provided a link to Adobe Connect via a link on the course home page in D2L, or via a link emailed by the instructor. D2L is used to access various course content, such as the course syllabus, assignments, discussion boards, quizzes, assignment drop box, and the class list for contact. Instructors may also require using a variety of tools including email, chat, discussion boards, web pages, and multimedia technologies. Specific technologies employed will vary by course and instructor.
1.2 Asynchronous Online courses
Students do not meet with the instructor at regular scheduled times. Instead, assignments and instruction are posted in the course content section of D2L. Contact is accomplished through email, discussion boards, and the occassional online meeting if necessary. In addition to email and D2L, other technologies may be used such as blogs and wikis.
2.0 Getting Started with Online Learning
2.1 What is Online Learning
Policy
Students are required to understand online learning prior to enrolling in a course. Online learning refers to the use of information and communication technology to enhance and/or support learning.
Procedure
D2L (Desire2Learn) is a Learning Management System (LMS) that provides an integrated tool set used for developing and delivering courses or portions of courses over the Internet at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Student Help documentation can be found at URL:
You can learn more about D2L, including distance education terminology, technical skills expected of e-learning students, study tips and strategies, and information about the support services available for e-learning students. These online resources can give you a better indication of your aptitude for distance education, and help you decide whether a Distance Learning class is right for you.
3.0 Admission and Registration Information
Policy
You will need to be admitted to Minnesota State University, Mankato to register for online classes. There are several admission options depending on whether you are in a degree program or interested in non-degree status.
Procedure
Applicants must submit a one-page personal statement (to the tech comm program director and the director of English graduate studies), describing their background and interests in technical communication. Entrance requirements include at least 28 quarter or 18 semester hours in one or more of the following areas: literature, linguistics, speech, or mass communications.
The GRE is not required as part of the admissions material for this program.
Candidates whose native language is not English must have a TOEFL score of 550 or above.
Application information (including an online application form) is available from the College of Graduate Studies and Research.
3.1 Already registered
Policy
Check your Minnesota State University, Mankato email (MavMail) for instructions and important information about your course. Make sure to login to your online course the first day of instruction.
Procedure
Login at: https://d2l.mnsu.edu/. You will use your campus ID and password to to login.
3.1.1 What is my Campus Username?
Your Campus Username is the same username you use to check your campus email (MavMail). You may look up your Campus Username if you don’t know it.
3.1.2 What is my Campus Password?
Your Campus Password is the same password you use to check your campus email (MavMail). You may set/reset your Campus Password at any time.
Check your Minnesota State University, Mankato email (MavMail) for instructions and important information about your course.
4.0 Program Requirements
Policy
Minnesota State University, Mankato online courses follow a semester format, with learning activities scheduled on a weekly basis. All MSU, Mankato admission and registration deadlines, policies, and procedures apply to students who participate in online courses.
Procedure
Completion of the degree requires designated coursework, an internship, and ONE of the following: a thesis, an alternate plan paper, or the capstone course—all of which include a public presentation. At least 50% of the credits, excluding thesis or APP credits, must be at the 600 level.
Designated coursework:
Thesis Plan: 30 credits
Alternate Paper Plan: 34 credits
Capstone Course: 34 credits
Required Courses: 14 credits
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
| ENG 575 | Editing Technical Publications | 4 |
| ENG 576 orENG 577 | Online DocumentationTechnical Documentation, Policies and Procedures | 4 |
| ENG 673 | Research and Theory for Technical Communicators | 3 |
| ENG 679 | Rhetorical Theory Applied to Technical Documents | 3 |
Elective Courses: 9-16 credits
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
| ENG 567 | International Technical Communication | 1-4 |
| ENG 568 | Document Design & Usability | 4 |
| ENG 569 | Project Management in Technical Communication | 4 |
| ENG 571 | Visual Technical Communication | 4 |
| ENG 572 | Topics in Technical Communication* | 1-4 |
| ENG 573 | Desktop Publishing | 4 |
| ENG 574 | Researching and Writing Technical Reports | 4 |
| ENG 576 orENG 577 | Online DocumentationTechnical Documentation, Policies and Procedures | 4 |
| ENG 674 | Topics in Technical Communication* | 1-3 |
| ENG 676 | Instructional Design for Technical Communicators | 3 |
| ENG 678 | Technical and Scientific Prose | 3 |
| ENG 680 | Proposals | 3 |
*May be repeated under various topics.
Internship: 3 credits
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
| ENG 698 | Internship* | 3-6 |
*Those with industry experience may petition to substitute a 600-level course for the Internship (Eng 698) requirement.
Thesis, Alternate Plan Paper, or Capstone Course
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
| ENG 699 | Thesis | 3-4 |
| ENG 694 | Alternate Plan Paper | 1-2 |
| ENG 696 | Capstone in Technical Communication | 3 |
At least 50% of the credits for the degree, exclusive of thesis or APP credits, must be 600-level credits.
1.5
5.0 Internship Requirement
Policy
Students are are responsible for locating and arranging the internship. Faculty will assist by suggesting promising leads, passing along advertised openings, or providing recommendations. You may complete multiple internships; however, a maximum of 6 credits of Internship (Eng 498 or 698) count toward the BS or the MA degrees. You must register for internship credits during the time you are interning; however, internship duties (research & writing) may extend beyond the time of your employment or work at a particular site.
Procedure
The following internship documents are available as Acrobat [pdf], Word [doc], or Excel (xls) files:
Internship ContractBefore registering for internship credits, you must submit a completed internship contract [Acrobat pdf] [Word doc] to your faculty advisor. The contract identifies the employer, site supervisor, and internship (faculty) advisor and identifies the intern’s principle responsibilities to the employer and to the internship advisor.
Internship TimesheetDuring your internship, record the time spent on your various internship tasks. Append your internship timesheet [Excel xls] to progress reports and to your internship narrative.
Internship NarrativeAt the conclusion of your internship, submit an internship narrative [Acrobat pdf] [Word doc] and supporting documents to your internship advisor.
Internship EvaluationThe site supervisor completes and signs the internship evaluation form [Acrobat pdf] [Word doc] and mails the form directly to the intern’s internship advisor.
Students with industry experience may petition, in writing, to replace the internship with a 600-level course. The written petition must be submitted to the student’s advisor, and the petition will be evaluated by the Technical Communication Program staff.
6.0 Technology Requirements
Policy
Students need to have the necessary technologies in order to access the online environment at the beginning of each semester.
Procedure
Hardware Computer Standards are set by Information & Technology Services. For the latest information, go to: http://www.mnsu.edu/its/started/standards/hardware.html
6.1 Minimum Standards
| Windows | Apple | |
| Basic | 4G RAM80G hdon-board video & audioDVD R | 4G RAM80G hdon-board video & audioDVD R |
| Advanced | 8G RAM, 320G hd512 MB video graphicsAudioDVD R/W | 8G RAM320G hd |
All online classes require a microphone and web camera.
Computer Software Recommendations
Computer Software Recommendations
Before you access your course on D2L, your system and software should meet the following minimum recommendations.
| Type | Components | Recommendations |
| Mac User | Operating System | OS 10.6 or later |
| Office Suites | Microsoft Office 2011 | |
| Windows User | Operating System | Windows 7 |
| Office Suites | Microsoft Office 2010 | |
| Browser | Internet Explorer 8 | |
| Common to both Mac and Windows | Internet | Broadband internet access (Cable, DSL) |
| Browser | Mozilla Firefox 4.x or higher | |
| Browser Plug-ins | JavaAdobe Acrobat ReaderFlash Player |
Download free programs and players
For Mac and Windows users
For Windows users
If you do not own Microsoft Office:
PowerPoint Viewer 2010 — This viewer will let you view full-featured presentations created in PowerPoint.
Excel Viewer — Open, view, and print Excel workbooks, even if you don’t have Excel installed.
Word Viewer — View, print, and copy Word documents, even if you don’t have Word installed.
Visio 2007 Viewer — This viewer will allow you to view Visio drawing and diagrams from within Internet Explorer.
Microsoft Works 6-9 File Converter — The Works 6-9 File Converter allows you to open, edit, and save documents created in Microsoft Works using Microsoft Word.
7.0 D2L D2L Usage Policy
Definition
Desire2Learn is a complete web-based suite of teaching and learning tools that provide course development, delivery and management of online courses. Desire2Learn has been selected by MnSCU as the approved and recommended Instructional Management System (IMS).
Academic and Classroom Technology Services (ACTS) provides support for Desire2Learn.
For more information about Desire2Learn or for assistance, contact Desire2Learn Support, desire2learn@mnsu.edu, 507-389-3295.
7.1 Technology Requirements
Computer
Screen Resolution: We recommend setting your screen resolution to a minimum of 800 x 600 pixels.
System Requirements:
| Microsoft Windows | Macintosh OS |
|
|
| At least one of the recommended PC browsers with Java needs to be enabled. | At least one of the recommended MAC browsers with Java needs to be enabled. |
Note: Windows ME/NT/98/95, iPad, Android, BlackBerry and Linux may work, but support by our technical staff is limited.
D2L Browser Support
Desire2Learn version 10 supports the following browsers:
| Windows | Mac OS | iOS (mobile) | Android (mobile) |
| Firefox 16(recommended) | Firefox 16(recommended) | iOS 6(Safari) | Android 4.0(Ice Cream Sandwich) |
| Internet Explorer 9(recommended) | Safari 5.1 | iOS 5(Safari) | Android 3.2(Honeycomb) |
| Chrome 22 | Chrome 22 | Android 2.3(Gingerbread) |
If you are unsure which browser you are using, click here to identify the browser and version.
7.2 Appropriate Use
D2L is intended to support the teaching, learning and scholarship of Minnesota State University, Mankato faculty, staff, and students. MNSU faculty and staff may use D2L for:
- Teaching distance learning courses
- Creating virtual meeting spaces for MNSU faculty and students
7.3 Accessing D2L
D2L is accessible by logon using the campus “local” credentials created for campus technology services such as email, file sharing and storage, workstations, network access, as well as D2L. Navigate to https://d2l.mnsu.edu/ and logon using the campus username and password.
Alternatively, MyMNSU Toolbar can be installed to enable single-sign-on access to:
D2L
MavMail inbox and calendar
Register for classes
Check financial aid
Student paystub
MavDISK
MavCash
Library
To logon using MyMNSU Toolbar, select https://www.mnsu.edu/nexus2/login.php?mode=check&applicationid=29 logon using the campus username and password.
7.4 What is my Campus Username?
Your Campus Username is the same username you use to check your campus email (MavMail). You may look up your Campus Username if you don’t know it, by clicking “look up your Campus Username” in the D2L login page.
7.5 What is my Campus Password?
Your Campus Password is the same password you use to check your campus email (MavMail). You may set/reset your Campus Password at any time by clicking “set/reset your Campus Password” in the D2L login page.
7.6 Using D2L
My Home
My Home is the main entry page for D2L. It is the first page you see after signing in to D2L. Like the Course Home page, this page contains a News section. However, this News section is controlled by the D2L Support Staff and is used for system announcements. From this central portal, you can:
- View News posted by D2L administrators
- Access your Courses
- View information about Events
- Update and change your Preferences
8.0 News
The News tool to used to read instructor messages, course information, and other news updates.
News items appear in the News widget in the right column of the D2L My Home screen. Instant notifications can be received about postings through email, SMS, and RSS feeds. Refer to D2L Documentation in the Student Resources widget, right column of the D2L My Home screen.
9.0 My Courses
This widget provides access to current courses as well as shows a listing of previous courses.
9.1 Course Home
Instructions, updates and information regarding class assignments and participation are recorded here. It is the student’s responsibility to check the course home on a regular (at least once weekly) basis to keep updated on current course activities and requirements.
10.0 Calendar
When used by the instructor, the calendar is used as a reminder of scheduled activities and assignment due dates.
11.0 Tasks
Students should check the tasks list on a regular basis to keep updated on the latest information regarding course assignments and activities.
12.0 Content
The Content tab is the location for course related documents. This is where the student can view, download and print the course syllabus and course assignments. It is the responsibility of the student to check the content tab on a regular basis for updates.
13.0 Discussions
The Discussion board is an important part of the online learning experience. Each week, discussion threads will be made available for assigned posting and responses. It is the responsibility of the student to post discussion assignments no later than the assigned due date. The student will also be required to respond to other student posts. The number and quality of responses to fellow students’ posts will determine the grade assigned for participation in this portion of the course requirements. Refer to the course syllabus for the number of minimum required responses due for the assigned course.
14.0 Discussion Board Etiquette
Identify acceptable and unacceptable methods for responding to discussion threads.
15.0 Chat
The Chat tool allows students to communicate with both students and faculty in a course. The Chat tool can be used to chat with peers and ask instructors questions during sessions, arrange group conversations, and create your own private chat. In order to participate in a chat, all users must be online at that same time.
16.0 Dropbox
The dropbox will be used to submission of course assignments. Submissions must be made by the deadline indicated in the course syllabus or in the assignment documentation. The dropbox is time-sensitive. Failure to submit an assignment by the deadline will result in a failure for the assignment.
16.1 Multiple submissions
Multiple submissions can be made to the dropbox. Simply add the submission to the dropbox and click the submit button. Each submission is date stamped.
16.2 Dropbox Comments
Comments about assignments are submitted by instructors and can be viewed by students at any time.
- Select “Dropbox” from the toolbar.
- On the Dropbox Folders page, locate, but do not click, the name of the assignment for which you wish to read your dropbox submission feedback.
- Near the right end of that folder’s row in the “feedback” column, click the “View” button (
).
- Your instructor may have left feedback in either or both of the following ways:
- Text Feedback: If your instructor left any text feedback, it will appear under the “Feedback” heading, below the score your achieved on the submission.
- GradeMark Markup: If your instructor left any GradeMark markup, you can view it by clicking the “Markup” button (
).
16.3 Dropbox Feedback
Following the submission of an assignment and the grading, the instructor may leave comments regarding the assignment. Refer to the Dropbox Feedback column to review the grading and instructor comments.
17. Quizzes
Quizzes may be assigned by the instructor. Notification of quizzes can be found in the course syllabus, course calendar and the course home page. Quizzes are timed. Failure to complete a quiz within the allotted time will result in incorrect answers for the unmarked questions.
Only one attempt is allowed for a quiz, unless otherwise notified by the instructor.
18.0 Surveys
The Survey tool allows you to create assessment items such as multiple-choice, true/false, arithmetic, fill-in-the-blank, multi-select, matching, ordering, and long and short answers. The Survey tool allows you to keep a record of the student’s response or makes the survey anonymous.
19.0 Grades
The Grades tool allows you to view your assignment grades for a course. What you are able to see on the Grades screen may vary from course to course as the instructor has the ability to hide grades or withhold grading inform20ation from student. If you have any questions regarding your grades, please contact your instructor directly through the D2L Classlist tool.
20.0 Classlist
The Classlist provides students and faculty with a list of participants currently enrolled in a course. Students names are available with a link to their email address accessible by clicking on the hyperlink name listed. The instructor and students can easily email and/or page other participants.
21.0 Groups
The Group tool is useful for setting up and organizing groups in a course. The use of groups allows the instructor to restrict certain D2L tools on the basis of enrollment of certain groups. The Manage Groups tool helps instructors create groups within a course.
22.0 Training, News and Clubs
For more on D2L training, news and clubs to help students use the program, please feel free to connect to D2L on social media. https://www.facebook.com/Desire2Learn
23.0 Student Resources
D2L is a student resource that encompasses all information compromised in this policy use guide.
24.0 Class Climate
25.0 System Information
D2L system requirements and operation information is contained in the above section marked ‘System Requirements.’
26.0 Succeeding in Online Learning
Policy
Students are required to review each available online feature the course may use. This will promote and ensure the student understands the instructor’s course outline.
Procedure
As an online student, you can have success when completing the following steps to improve your success.
1. Read the course syllabus
2. Set a realistic schedule
3. Set interim goals and deadlines
4. Organize your study schedule
5. Stay in touch with your instructor
6. Take time to evaluate your own progress
7. Plan your time for assignments
8. Connect with your classmates
9. Discuss your progress with your instructor
10.Login to the online environment regularly (At least three times a week) and complete your assignments on time.
Refer to the syllabus for details about textbooks and other supplemental materials required for the course.
Review the assignment calendar in the syllabus.
Communicate with your instructor as needed. Faculty contact information can be found in the syllabus, as well as in the faculty section on the Technical Communication web site. Instructor office hours are posted in the syllabus as well as on the web site. You may also schedule online appointment via email. If you have trouble reaching your instructor, refer to the MSU, Mankato Student Services departmental contact information.
Communication shouldn’t stop with your instructor! Many D2L courses use a discussion board so you can also communicate with the other students in the class. Your instructor may require you to post a certain number of responses each semester or lead discussion groups online. These opportunities allow you to communicate with your fellow students. Active participation in a D2L course is just as beneficial as it is in a traditional classroom environment.
27.0 Students Resources
Students need to take the following steps to access the course via D2L.
Procedures
• First – You need to be a student admitted to MSU, Mankato and registered for a course.
• Second – You need the Campus ID and password. For information regarding the campus ID and password, refer to: http://www.mnsu.edu/its/started/orientation.html
• Third – Login to D2L and select your course.
28.0 Library Resources
Policy
Students are encouraged to access and utilize the online Library resources.
Procedures
Students have access to all online Library services, including web access to numerous online research
databases. You can request materials through the Interlibrary Loan Program. Reference services are available for students, to aid in research. Online chat, email or telephone contact are all available methods for contacting library staff.
29.0 Purchasing Textbooks
Policy
The MSU, Mankato bookstore sells textbooks that are required by instructors for the current sessions.
Procedures
Textbooks may be purchased online at via the Barnes and Noble MSU, Mankato bookstore, or
alternately, students may order textbooks from any online textbook vendor.
DavisCollinsHirschEng577 