Beyond the Internet Syllabus
Methods to Enhance Classroom Learning on the World Wide Web
Sponsored by the Teaching and Learning Cooperative at Mt. Hood Community College

Michael A. Russell
(503) 491-7348 mike.russell@mhcc.edu
February 28, 2000


This paper outlines the methodology created to enhance classroom learning using the World Wide Web (hereafter "Web"). Dynamic methods include JavaScript self-graded tutorials (Section One), the Discus bulletin board system (Section Two), and a "Drills and Practice" set of problems (Section Three). Other methods to enhance student learning on the Web are discussed. The formatting and posting of handouts, quiz answers, etc. using Microsoft Word on the Web is explained (Section Four). A method of accepting, grading and returning papers and laboratory reports using Microsoft Word 97's editing protocols and electronic mail is discussed (Section Five). Finally, for students with limited exposure to the Internet, a sample "introductory laboratory assignment" is provided which initiates novices to the myriad wonders of the on-line world (Section Six).


Note that this document may be viewed on the World Wide Web:
 http://www.gst-d2l.com/TLC


 Table Of Contents:

Page 2
Page 3
Page 7
Page 9
Page 11
Page 16
Page 19
  • Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 Page 20
Page 21
Page 24
Page 28
Page 30

 

The presentation today will cover Section One and Section Five in greater detail. For additional information, please view the accompanying website, http://www.gst-d2l.com/TLC.

 

 Michael A. Russell, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry mike.russell@mhcc.edu
Mt. Hood Community College mike.russell@mhcc.edu
Gresham, Oregon USA http://www.gst-d2l.com
97030 503.491.7348

Paperless Grading: Configurations for Word 97 / 98
Requirements for Electronic Submissions

blank formatting spaceYou must be using Microsoft Word 97 (Windows) or Microsoft Word 98 (Macintosh). Newer versions of Word? Save as a Microsoft Word 97 file. No other word processing programs (WordPerfect, etc.) can be supported at this time. In addition, you may not use red text, blue text or the green highlight color in your paper - these will be necessary for grading.

 
What May Be Submitted Electronically

blank formatting spaceAll labs, class presentation papers and extra credit presentation papers may be submitted electronically. Homework, quizzes, etc. may not be submitted electronically unless given permission by the instructor.

 
Configuring Microsoft Word for Electronic Submissions

For Windows Computers:
blank formatting spaceSelect "Tools - Options - View", then make sure the "Show Screen Tips" and "Highlight" buttons are selected.
blank formatting spaceSelect "Tools - Options - Track Changes". Under "Inserted Text", select "Mark: Underline" and "Color: Red". Under "Deleted text", select "Mark: Strikethrough" and "Color: Blue". Under "Changed lines", select "Mark: Outside Border" and "Color: Violet".
blank formatting spaceSelect "View - Toolbars - Reviewing" if it is not selected already. The reviewing toolbar has a highlight button - select the light green color (top row, second from left).

For Macintosh Computers:
blank formatting spaceSelect "Tools - Preferences - View", then make sure the "Show Screen Tips" and "Highlight" buttons are selected.
blank formatting spaceSelect "Tools - Preferences - Track Changes". Under "Inserted Text", select "Mark: Underline" and "Color: Red". Under "Deleted text", select "Mark: Strikethrough" and "Color: Blue". Under "Changed lines", select "Mark: Outside Border" and "Color: Violet".
blank formatting spaceSelect "View - Toolbars - Reviewing" if it is not selected already. The reviewing toolbar has a highlight button - select the light green color (top row, second from left).

 
How to Submit Papers Electronically

blank formatting spaceSave your paper in Microsoft Word as a Word Document. The preferred method to submit a paper electronically is to copy the file to a floppy disk (PC or Macintosh) and turn it in to me.
blank formatting spaceYou may also submit it over the Internet using electronic mail. Email the paper to mike.russell@mhcc.edu. The paper must be in my electronic mailbox by 5 PM; if the Internet is down, your paper will be late.

 
What you will see in your returned paper

blank formatting spaceYour returned paper will have comments made by me. Yellow highlights indicate a comment - merely run your mouse over the yellow comment to see my notes. Green highlights indicate emphasis by me. You may see words in blue crossed out followed by red words - these are changes I have made to your paper. Finally at the end you will see a score in red which will be your grade. If you have any questions, please let me know.

An example of a "corrected" lab may be obtained on the TLC web page; the address is:

http://www.gst-d2l.com/TLC/Corlab.doc


Note that you must have Word configured correctly to view the corrected document in its entirety.

 

For more information regarding paperless grading, see: http://www.gst-d2l.com/TLC/Sec5.html


JavaScript Tutorial: A Two-Question HTML Example
 blank formatting spaceFor more information, see: http://www.gst-d2l.com/TLC/Sec1.html
blank formatting spaceTo see this tutorial: http://www.gst-d2l.com/TLC/QuesEx.html

<html>
<head><title>Sample JavaScript Tutorial</title>
<SCRIPT LANGUAGE="JavaScript">
function check1(input,x) {

if (x==0) {
input.result1.value = 'Select one of the choices, then press this button.';} if (x==1) {
input.result1.value = 'Correct answer!';} if (x==2) {
input.result1.value = 'The sky on Mars is red; what is the color of the sky on Earth?';} if (x==3) {
input.result1.value = 'Think of the sky color you see on a nice, clear, warm day...';} }
function check2(input,x) { if (x==0) { input.result2.value = 'Select one of the choices, then press this button.';} if (x==1) { input.result2.value = 'Trees are green.';} if (x==2) { input.result2.value = 'Correct answer!';} if (x==3) { input.result2.value = 'Most trees are green.';} }
</SCRIPT>
</head>
<body BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF TEXT=#000000>
<center><h2><font color = "#ff0000">Sample JavaScript Tutorial</font></h2><p>
This is a sample tutorial with two questions. Enjoy!<br>
<i>Your answers to these questions will not affect your grade... relax and good luck!<br>
Feel free to contact <a href="mailto:mike.russell@mhcc.edu">me</a> if you have any comments or questions regarding this tutorial example.</i></center>
<p>
<hr>
<h3><font color = "#003300"><u>Review of Essential Information</u></font></h3><p>
Remember these concepts:<p>
<ul>
<li>The <b>sky</b> is blue<br>
<li>The <b>trees</b> are green<br>
</ul>
<br>
<hr>
<h3><font color = "#003300"><u>Test Yourself on Common Concepts</u></font></h3><p>

1. The color of the sky is:<p>
<Form name="questn1">
<ul><li><input type = "radio" onClick="answer=1">blue</li>
<li><input type = "radio" onClick="answer=2">red</li>
<li><input type = "radio" onClick="answer=3">green</li>
</ul>
<INPUT TYPE="button" VALUE="Check Answer" onClick="check1(this.form,answer)">
<INPUT TYPE="reset" VALUE="Clear" onClick="answer=0">
<INPUT TYPE="text" NAME="result1" size="70">
</form>
<br><br>

2. The color of a tree is:<p>
<Form name="questn2">
<ul><li><input type = "radio" onClick="answer=1">indigo</li>
<li><input type = "radio" onClick="answer=2">green</li>
<li><input type = "radio" onClick="answer=3">red</li>
</ul>
<INPUT TYPE="button" VALUE="Check Answer" onClick="check2(this.form,answer)">
<INPUT TYPE="reset" VALUE="Clear" onClick="answer=0">
<INPUT TYPE="text" NAME="result2" size="70">
</form>
<br><br>

<center><i>Last modified:</i> January 9, 2000<br></font></center></BODY></HTML>

Questions about this material should be addressed to the author,
Dr. Michael A. Russell,
Professor of Chemistry at
Mt. Hood Community College
Gresham, Oregon

Last Updated on February 27, 2000