Welcome to ChAD 195

This course is designed for seniors in Child Development to promote an integrated understanding of the discipline and to examine the significance of research in child development. The emphasis is on assisting the student in developing the ability to evaluate critically the methods, problems, and findings of research in the field.

Technology and Skill Requirements

Convenient and dependable access to the Internet is required for enrollment in the class. Also, you must have basic computer skills. At a minimum these include the ability to use a word processor (MS Word is required!!), send and read e-mail, download files, conduct Internet searches, and scan photos.

Course Orientation

The class uses WebCT for assignments and discussions. This is not a complicated system and is easily learned in a relatively short period of time. The course WebCT shell will open on January 24 and we will have an online orientation period during January 24-February 2. During that time, we will review the course requirements as well as specific logistical issues related to taking an online class. You will also be required to complete your first assignment. Course content instruction will commence the following week. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the WebCT environment during the Orientation period so that you are prepared to begin your work according to the course syllabus.

Student Commitment

Students should be prepared to spend a minimum of 9 hours per week on this course. (Yes, that is the same requirement as for standard class instruction!) Although there will be some flexibility regarding the completion of course requirements, reading assignments and participation in online discussions are important aspects of this class and will typically be required on a weekly basis. Additionally, all work must be turned in on time in this course. There will be no on-campus meetings for this course.

Course Readings

Most of the readings will be available for students to download directly from the Internet without any charge. These will be linked from the reading list for the seminars in which they are required. There are, though, four books that we will also be reading, Growing Up Empty: How Federal Policies Are Starving America's Children by L. Schwartz-Nobel, East Side Stories: Gang Life in East LA by J. Rodriguez, R. Martinez, and L. Rodriguez, and Failure to Connect: How Computers Affect Our Children's Minds by J. Healy, and Caught in the Crossfire:Kids, Politics, and America's Future by L. Grossberg. These are available online through sources such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble as well as at Spartan Books.

Starting the Class

Many students are turned away each semester from this course due to space considerations so please be considerate and let me know if your plans change and you intend to drop. (All students must LOGIN AND START WORKING by Friday, January 26@ 9:00AM, otherwise, I will assume they plan to drop the course and their place will be given to a student on the wait list.)

I am delighted you are taking this class and I look forward to an interesting and productive semester with you.

Mary McVey

mailto:MMcVey@aol.com


	ChAD 195 -- Senior Seminar in Child Development (Spring 2007) Welcome to ChAD 195 Welcome to ChAD 195 This course is designed for seniors in Child Development to promote an integrated understanding of the discipline and to examine the significance of research in child development. The emphasis is on assisting the student in developing the ability to evaluate critically the methods, problems, and findings of research in the field. Technology and Skill Requirements Convenient and dependable access to the Internet is required for enrollment in the class. Also, you must have basic computer skills. At a minimum these include the ability to use a word processor (MS Word is required!!), send and read e-mail, download files, conduct Internet searches, and scan photos. Course Orientation The class uses WebCT for assignments and discussions. This is not a complicated system and is easily learned in a relatively short period of time. The course WebCT shell will open on January 24 and we will have an online orientation period during January 24-February 2. During that time, we will review the course requirements as well as specific logistical issues related to taking an online class. You will also be required to complete your first assignment. Course content instruction will commence the following week. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the WebCT environment during the Orientation period so that you are prepared to begin your work according to the course syllabus. Student Commitment Students should be prepared to spend a minimum of 9 hours per week on this course. (Yes, that is the same requirement as for standard class instruction!) Although there will be some flexibility regarding the completion of course requirements, reading assignments and participation in online discussions are important aspects of this class and will typically be required on a weekly basis. Additionally, all work must be turned in on time in this course. There will be no on-campus meetings for this course. Course Readings Most of the readings will be available for students to download directly from the Internet without any charge. These will be linked from the reading list for the seminars in which they are required. There are, though, four books that we will also be reading, Growing Up Empty: How Federal Policies Are Starving America's Children by L. Schwartz-Nobel, East Side Stories: Gang Life in East LA by J. Rodriguez, R. Martinez, and L. Rodriguez, and Failure to Connect: How Computers Affect Our Children's Minds by J. Healy, and Caught in the Crossfire:Kids, Politics, and America's Future by L. Grossberg. These are available online through sources such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble as well as at Spartan Books. Starting the Class Many students are turned away each semester from this course due to space considerations so please be considerate and let me know if your plans change and you intend to drop. (All students must LOGIN AND START WORKING by Friday, January 26@ 9:00AM, otherwise, I will assume they plan to drop the course and their place will be given to a student on the wait list.) I am delighted you are taking this class and I look forward to an interesting and productive semester with you. Mary McVey mailto:MMcVey@aol.com