Things to do at the start of the course¶
There are several things you’ll need to do at the start of the course to get set up with all the technology, accounts, and services we’ll be using. I’ve split these tasks up into several chunks so it’s a bit more manageable. In the first chunk (Before the first class) are the same things that you received through a Canvas Announcement.
Before the first class
There is a good reason for this survey: I want to understand your current learning environments. Since we are all moving online forcibly, many of us may have challenges with available technology/equipment, or access to wireless internet (or power). The more I understand your circumstances (anonymously), the more I hope to do to accommodate everyone in the class.
Again, this is optional but please fill it out!!
Survey link: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cUNzO9CtQ5o29Hn
It is now live on Canvas under the “Course Content” sidebar item.
Within the Canvas course, click the “Ed discussion” menu item on the left menubar - you will be asked to create an account.
The Ed discussion tool is stored on servers outside Canada. When you access this site by clicking on the link through Canvas, you are being transferred to these servers. In order to protect your identity, UBC obfuscates your user ID before it is sent to the site. However, Ed discussion does require you to create an account on their servers. While Ed discussion adheres to strict U.S. privacy regulations (FERPA) and European privacy law (GDPR), UBC cannot guarantee security of your private details on servers located outside of Canada. Please exercise caution whenever using personal information. You may wish to use a pseudonym to protect your privacy if you have concerns, or decline to signup for this tool.
In the first week
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There is an assigned labs the first week to install all the software necessary for the course so that you are ready with everything working next week. All the TAs are available during the lab time to supportyou through the process of installing the software on your home machine.
This lab is based on the material developped by my colleagues in the MDS program, which uses many of the same tools we will be using throughout the course.