The following information will help you prepare for your online course. Additionally, please check out all available information on this website and DELO's Distance Learning website.

Blackboard
Blackboard is our course platform. To access your course, please follow this link: <http://ecourses.wku.edu> and click on our course. The university has just upgraded to a newer version of Blackboard. Understandably, there might be some glitches that need to be worked out. If you are experiencing any technical problems, please call the IT HelpDesk at 745-7000 or check out BBHelp.

Learning to Use Blackboard
Both first-time and returning online students need to learn to use the new version of Blackboard. The IT department has created some video tutorials to help your adjustment. They can be viewed at <http://www.wku.edu/infotech/index.php?page=student_videos>. Additionally, you can ask the WKU HelpDesk for assistance by calling 745-7000 or by checking out BBHelp.

Course Books
A list of your course books can be obtained by clicking on your course's website from the instructor's teaching web page entitled Courses Taught. Books can be ordered online from Western's Bookstore. If the latest edition of a course book is not required for your course, you might consider searching other websites such as amazon, half.com, alibris, or other discount bookstores for lower prices.

Additional Course Materials
My goal is to make course information available to you in three different formats: text, audio (podcasting), and video. Providing information that you can access any time, anywhere, and any way will increase your flexibility as an online student and gives you a better chance to learn. For example, you might want to listen to my podcast in a public computer lab, so you will need earbuds or earphones. If you wanted to listen to some information while you were walking in the park or folding laundry, an ipod would be handy. For a complete list of recommendations and advice regarding the technical aspects of the course, please visit the Technology Information and Advice link above.