Instructor: 

Sydney Fisher Larson

Sydney-larson@redwoods.edu;

phone: 707-476-4338

Welcome:

Welcome to ECE 9 online. This site is for students who are considering this course or have already registered.

Course Description:

A framework to introduce assessment of children in early childhood settings through observation of children at play, using understandings about children to inform planning.  Anecdotal records, rating systems, and multiple assessment strategies are explored. The course focuses on the appropriate use of assessment strategies to document growth, play and learning to join with families in promoting children’s success. Standards-based assessment is used to inform teaching practice and to ensure developmentally appropriate curriculum. 

Required Textbooks:

Please purchase book prior to the beginning of the semester from either the College of the Redwoods Bookstore or an online vendor. 

Nicholson & Shipstead 2002. Through the Looking Glass: Observation in the Early Childhood Classroom.(3^rd. Ed)

ISBN # 0-13-042080-8

Course Availability:

The course will become available the weekend before CR classes begin on August 25 and remain accessible through final’s week ending December 12.

Instructor Contact:

I will respond to any questions submitted into the course question box (or sent to my email) within 48 hours if the question is sent during the week.  Weekend posts will be answered by 8:00 A.M. Tuesday.You may contact me at the email address listed above. During the academic year. My office phone number is 707-476-4338 where you can also leave a voice-mail message. You can always visit me during the semester at my Eureka campus office in the Physical Education Building across from the Field House (FH101). During the summer and holidays:  I will check my email at least weekly.

On-Campus Requirement:

There are no requirements to attend on-campus meetings. All assignments will be online.

Student Requirements:

Prerequisite:  None

Recommended: ECE 1 and 2 and English 150

Computer Set-Up and Skills

Your Computer Skills: Online courses require adequate computer skills. You should be able to navigate websites, open and download files, use a word processor and be able to convert files into rich text format, and submit files to Blackboard. It is the student’s responsibility to meet the technological demands of the course.  If you are unsure if your computer skills are adequate, please go to http://www.redwoods.edu/Departments/Distance/   and answer the questions honestly.  Do you have the skills, technical knowledge and computer equipment needed to thrive in the online environment?  If you do not feel you are prepared to succeed in an online class at this time, please withdraw from the class to make room for another student who may be ready and waiting to enroll.

Computer Requirements: Most computers and internet providers are adequate. I recommend broadband services through cable, DSL, or satellite providers.  You need to have regular access to the internet a minimum of twice a week for 15 weeks.

Online Commitment: 

Your commitment will require at least as much time as you would dedicate to a traditional class. A typical 3 credit hour class will require about 9 hours per week of your time. You will need to read lecture text files, read textbook chapters, participate in online discussions using a discussion board, complete assignments, write and submit papers online.  Plan to be online at least 2-3 times each week.

Waitlist Policy:

Registration is easiest online using web advisor. I have increased the class capacity for registration but do not have a waitlist. If the class is closed, please do not contact me as I will direct you to web advisor and encourage you to keep trying to add the class. The class will open when Fall enrollment begins and close when it is full. Although the class may be closed you should check periodically as it may open if someone withdraws.

Accommodations:  

If you need accommodations to succeed in this online class you should contact Disabled and Student Services Program at 707-476-4280 and the instructor. This course is designed to be accessible to students who have visual or auditory impairments.

Classroom "Time": 

This online class requires weekly participation consistent with the College’s semester schedule. The class will be available at any hour with no requirements to participate at any given time.

Getting Started: 

On or shortly after the College’s first day of class on August 25, go to the Blackboard login site at http://bb.redwoods.edu/   Username and password instructions are available at this site. After you login you will find a link to the class where you will receive detailed instructions on how to proceed. You must participate fully by the end of the first week (Sunday) or you may be dropped from the class.