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Regularly check your university-issued email account for important information about assignments, reminders, updates and notifications from D2L and your instructor. This email was assigned to you based on the institution through which you enrolled in your first dual-credit course, so it may not be a jacks email. If you do not know what your university-issued email address is, contact the dual credit coordinator immediately.

For course activities, such as creating shared documents and accessing library resources, you will need to use your ������Ƶ Jacks credentials. Even if your university-issued email account is not a jacks/������Ƶ email account, you do have assigned ������Ƶ credentials that you can access by contacting the ������Ƶ Support Desk (605-688-6776). �į

CMST 101 uses an ebook through First Day Access. This means that by enrolling in the course, your textbook fee is billed to your tuition. You will receive an email to your university-issued email address from the University Bookstore one week before the course begins with instructions on how to access the text. 

If you have questions or concerns, please contact your instructor prior to the start of the course. 

In an online course, you will need regular, reliable access a computer to complete all assignments. Some computers, especially school-issued computers, restrict access to certain websites or programs; verify your access to necessary programs, information and materials before assignments and activities are due.

Deadlines may fall outside of school hours, including on weekends, so if you do not have a computer and/or internet access at home, plan accordingly by completing assignments before the weekend or making arrangements to gain access to a computer.  

To record speeches, you will need to use a webcam and recording software or application. Most students use a laptop or tablet and the program built into their device to create these files. If you are using a school-issued device, you may need to work with your school's technology professional to determine an acceptable recording program. You should not plan on using a phone to record your speeches.

If this is your first online course, you will be enrolled in a D2L course titled Orientation and Resources for Online Learners. You may use this resource prior to the beginning of your course to familiarize yourself with D2L and the online learning environment. 

When you log in to D2L, look for a “Start Course Here” introduction that will orient you to the layout of your class. Also look for the Course Syllabus and Course Schedule, which are both crucial documents that you should read and print on or before the first day of the course. It is imperative that you follow the Course Schedule document, not the Course Schedule tool under Content. There are assignment deadlines most weekdays, but almost all assignments can be completed in advance of due dates. You should plan on logging into the course daily to read Course News.

You should always feel free to contact your instructor with questions and concerns. We are all here to learn, and your instructors are here to create a meaningful educational opportunity. In addition to communication via email, your instructor can also arrange video conferences via ZOOM and/or phone calls. Your instructors are passionate about the subjects they teach and are eager to work with you, so don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.   

Remember that your online communication demonstrates your attitude about the course and your learning but also influences the relationship you establish with your instructor and peers. Thoughtful, precise communication will create a strong impression and demonstrate your maturity and intelligence.  You should write emails formally by addressing the professor properly. When composing emails and discussion posts, edit your writing before sending or posting.