This course has extensive utilization of multimedia resources. Some of the important components are briefly discussed below:
Blackboard
Blackboard is the University of Oregon's course management system. It is the central "hub" of our course. It is here that I will post and upload information that is critical to your success in the course. It will also house the grade book where your exam and quiz scores will be posted. Here you will find faculty contact information, course information, supplementary materials for the lecture and labs; including streaming media, precasts, podcasts, and Bodcasts. More about those later.
Each unit we cover will have its own folder in the "Assignments" section of Blackboard. Each Unit Folder will contain subfolders including: Unit Overview/Objectives, Lecture Slides (PDF), Assigned Readings, Additional Reading (optional) and a Streaming Media folder.
Streaming Media
It is my intention to make available to you relevant audio and video streams during this course. As mentioned elsewhere, you should have access to high speed internet to access these most efficiently. Some may be downloaded to an mp3 player (iPod, Zune) or to your desktop computer. If you do not have access to a computer at home please take advantage of one of the many on-campus labs. Staff in the labs are always able to assist you in accessing the various files. Streaming files may include any of the following:
Random Video: I occasionally use video clips in class to illustrate a concept or injury mechanism.... or just for fun. Students often request copies or want a chance to see them again (or gross-out friends and family).
Virage Lectures: These are Learning Units on subjects directly relating to, or supplementing the unit topic. They are presented with a talking head (video of the presenter) and their synchronized slides.
Precasts: These are audio podcasts or enhanced podcasts (audio with synchronized slides). They provide a short (less than 5 min.) discussion of what is to be discussed in lecture and what preparation I think you need to get the most out of the lecture. The will only be available when I think it is necessary... NOT for every lecture. I will also offer a precast exam review before each midterm and the final.
Postcasts: Occasionally I will follow up a lecture with a "postcast" in which I offer additional discussion an illustrative examples on difficult concepts presented. Sometimes I just plain screw up the information and need a means to accurately clarify or correct information. This will be accomplished with postcasts. They will be uploaded as needed.
Bodcasts: These audio podcasts will be of mixed topics and objectives. They may consist of interviews with professionals, special topic presentations, or a recording of the "Uber Office Hours" (more about this in class).
All of these components will be available on Blackboard. I will not be uploading them to iTunes.