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Welcome to Online Learning!

HED 446
Optimal Bone and Muscle Development

Congratulations on joining the group of online students for HED 446 Optimal Bone and Muscle Development, the third course in the four course series leading to a Certificate in Exercise Nutrition. This highly interactive learning environment will offer you a unique opportunity to more thoroughly explore the role of nutrition and exercise on these two essential tissues.

What You Can Expect

One of the exciting advantages of online learning is that you can plan your class time to fit your schedule. However, it is important to balance this flexibility with your new responsibility of scheduling your own learning. Therefore, self-discipline is essential for success in any online course.

• Begin planning now for private, uninterrupted time in your schedule to complete the reading and writing assignments – preferably in one-hour blocks.
• Plan to check in on the course everyday because it can be easy to fall behind.
• Fall 2008: The Fall session of HED 446 is 15 weeks in duration. You will be required to post at least 2 posts per week during the course, beginning Monday, August 25, 2008.

As with the previous two courses in the series, class participation will comprise 50% of your grade. While you may be accustomed to participating in face-to-face classes by attending and speaking up in class, in an online class your participation will consist of writing and posting your thoughts to electronic discussion boards and reading and responding to others’ responses in writing. As a result of the discussion boards, you will be reading and writing more in this class than in most courses. This interaction with your classmates and the instructor will offer a rich opportunity to share impressions of the reading and viewing material and is the cornerstone of online learning. Depending on your reading and writing skills, you should expect to spend a minimum of 9-12 hours per week on this course for the 15 week duration.

The remaining 50% of your grade will consist of weekly quizzes, development of a weblog, and a final examination. All the course materials and discussions will be on the Internet – hosted by software called Moodle.

What You Will Need

The following itemized list illustrates the minimum hardware and software requirements necessary for this course:

1. Access to a computer. Most late model computers (less than 5 years old) have adequate processing capabilities for online courses. For specific questions about the technical suitability of your home computer, contact the HSU Help Desk (707-826-4357 or help@humboldt.edu).
2. Internet access. If you plan to connect from home, an inexpensive option is a 56K modem and phone line. A more expensive but faster alternative is high speed Internet access with a cable modem or DSL. For either connection method, you will need an Internet Service Provider (such as American Online, North Coast Internet, Suddenlink, etc.).
3. Word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word). If you need a word processor, contact the HSU Bookstore for reduced pricing on Microsoft Office (includes Word word processing software).
4. Web browsing software downloaded for free from the Internet (e.g., Firefox or Internet Explorer 5.5 or later).

Buy your required textbooks and software before class begins from the HSU Bookstore, any online distributor, or a bookstore of your choice:

	Nutrition analysis software is required. This online software was designed by ESHA Research, Inc. for college nutrition courses an dis available to be purchased online at www.mydietanalysis.com (a new browser window will open). You can choose either PC or Mac versions. (If you have other diet analysis sosftware already purchased that you've used for another class, you may use that.)
	Khan, K, McKay, H, Kannus, P., Bailey, D., Wark, J., and Bennell, K. Physical Activity and Bone Health, Human Kinetics, 2001. Available from: (new browser windows will open) • The HSU Bookstore • Barnes and Noble • Campusi • Amazon Prices will vary with availability
	Suggested resource: Watkins, R., and Corry, M. E-Learning Companion: A Student's Guide to Online Success, Houghlin Mifflin, 2005 (new browser windows will open) the HSU Bookstore Amazon.com BarnesandNoble.com or Campusi.com Don't forget to check EBay.com!

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Getting Started with Your Online Course

These basic technology skills are essential for successful completion of this course:

1. Use web browsing software (e.g., Firefox or Internet Explorer) to locate URLs and follow hyperlinks on web pages.
2. Use a word processor to create and save documents
3. Send and reply to messages using email.
4. Attach files to email messages.

While not required, keyboarding skill will be a real timesaver!

To Access the Course

• Using either Firefox or Internet Explorer (version 5.5 or later PC only) go to http://learn.humboldt.edu. Internet Explorer or Safari are not recommended for Mac users.
  
  
• To begin, use your HSU user name and password to login. This is the same user name and password you use for other campus-wide network services such as wireless access and using the interdisciplinary computer labs (it consists of your first-middle-last initials followed by a number, e.g., "jdv2"). You should be able to login after the Friday before the scheduled beginning of the course.. If you have registered through Extended Education, you will be able to login within 24 hours after your registration fee has been paid (after the Friday before class begins). If you have problems logging in, contact the HSU Help Desk (707-826-4357 or help@humboldt.edu).

Important Tips for Success in this Class

• Check your email account regularly for updated information. If you prefer a different email account other than your HSU email account, you'll need to change your personal preferences by logging in to WebReg with your HSU ID and PIN.
  
• One of the exciting advantages of online learning is that you can plan your class time to fit your schedule. However, it is important to balance this flexibility with your new responsibility of scheduling your own learning. Begin planning now for private, uninterrupted time in your schedule to complete the reading and writing assignments – preferably in one hour blocks.
  
• Plan to check in on the course at least 5 times a week because it can be easy to fall behind.

For Assistance

If you have questions about

1. Course content or requirements, contact Dr. Kathy D. Munoz (707-826-3840) or kathy.munoz@humboldt.edu).
2. The suitability of your computer hardware or software for online learning, contact the Humboldt State University Help Desk (707-826-4357 or help@humboldt.edu).
3. Activating or accessing your HSU email account contact the HSU Help Desk (707-826-4357 or help@humboldt.edu).

On behalf of the Department of Kinesiology and Recreation Administration at Humboldt State University, welcome to HED 446. We look forward to offering you a fun and rewarding educational experience!