This letter would be for a more formal class, such as the ones taught at University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Welcome to Assessment in E-Learning. This letter will help you navigate the course. Please read it well and print it out so that you can quickly access the information should you need it. First, my name is Cassandra and I will be your instructor during the course. I am also a mental health counselor, a pet owner of 3 cats, a grandmother of 2, and I have a great love for the outdoors and I love to bike, kayak, walk, and play tennis, and of course technology-it is such an adventure, always something new. I am sure you will find this course a great adventure as well and I look forward to working with you during this course. 1.

Assessment in E-Learning-FA13-900C-1659 is a fully-online, internet-based course that begins (date) and ends(date). You may complete all course work from any location as long as you have access to the Internet and are able to master the features of [course management system (CMS)], the university/school's online course management system.

2. Please review the schedule, and please pay careful attention to deadlines. Late assignments will lose points without prior clearance from the instructor. 3. Contacting the Instructor. While this is an online course, I am easily accessible. You are welcome to contact me by email, text or phone. You can find that information at the bottom of this letter. 4. Course Technology. You must use your UW-Stout email account for communicating with me and with other students in the course. There are many technical reasons for this email policy. Please check your email regularly and at least every 48 hours [two days]. I normally check email 2 times per day, and I will respond to your email as quickly as possible. I will, at a minimum, make every effort to respond to email within 24 hours. **If you are new to D2L, participating in the orientation process can be very helpful. The orientation process allows you to access essential information and provides hands-on practice for your academic success.** Desire2Learn (D2L) is a CRITICAL component in conducting the course. All students are expected to regularly use and monitor the D2L site in order to participate in class activities. NOTE WELL: You must use Google chrome to access D2L, Firfox has not been working well. Also: Learn@UW-Stout weekly system maintenance is performed on Thursday mornings from 5 a.m. - 7 a.m. The system will be unavailable during this time. All activities are due at 11:59 pm CST on the dates indicated on the course calendar. If you need more time due to an unforeseen circumstance, please email your instructor immediately.

5.

Please be aware: Beginning on (date), you should have access to the course's D2L site. Check the Content page at least two to three times over the next several days, before the class begins.

At present, there are five items available: 1) a copy of this letter and 2) syllabus 3) class rubric 4) policies 5) class calendar. More course information will be added between now and (date), 2013. 6. Textbooks. A text is not required. Reading materials will be included as e-reserves accessible via the course website. 7. Course Content. The course content will consist of: 1) readings, 2) online discussions which are mainly asynchronous, 3) online assignments and quizzes, 4) collaborative assignments, and 5) reflective journaling. 8. Grading. Your work will be assessed and graded as outlined in the course syllabus. What Should I do first? Review the course syllabus. The syllabus is available on the D2L Content page. Perform a System Check, as described in the course syllabus. The system check link is below the user name and password fields on the D2L log in page. The system check will make sure your computer and web browser meet the requirements for using D2L and viewing course content. Make sure you have a basic understanding of D2L. If you have not previously taken an online class or used D2L, please visit the following website and familiarize yourself with the information provided by the ASK5000 Technology HelpDesk and D2L Leaner Help Guides. If necessary, take a look at the online demonstrations available from the above website. The demonstrations will show you examples of how to navigate through D2L. The ASK5000 Technology HelpDesk is available to help you with any technical questions or concerns you may have. The hours of operation are Sunday Noon-10 PM, Monday through Thursday 7:30 AM-10:00 PM, and Friday 7:30 AM-4:30 PM. They are closed on Saturdays and holidays. **PLEASE NOTE: ASK5000 closes at 4:30 PM the day prior to breaks and holidays. ASK5000 Technology HelpDesk Contacts: Web: http://www.uwstout.edu/lit/ask5000.cfm Phone: 715-232-5000 Submit a ticket: https://helpdesk.uwstout.edu/helpdesk/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fhelpdesk Best Regards for a successful course, Cassandra Gadouas University of Wisconsin-Stout Phone: 727-505-0959 Email: Gadouasc2001@my.uwstout.edu