SPCH1100
Effective Interpersonal Communication
Online Course

Instructor:     Jeanette Brossmann
e-mail:            jbrossmann@lakelandcc.edu
phone:            440.525.7187
Office hours: TBA

Course Information:

The class Blackboard site will be available starting the first day of class.
Class assignments are due by midnight on Saturday.

Texts:

Beebe, Steven, Beebe, S., & Ivy, D. (2009). Communication principles for a lifetime: Volume 1: Principles of Communication. Boston: Pearson.

Beebe, Steven, Beebe, S., & Ivy, D. (2009). Communication principles for a lifetime: Volume 2: Interpersonal communication. Boston: Pearson.

Beebe, Steven, Beebe, S., & Ivy, D. (2009). Communication principles for a lifetime: Volume 3: Communication in groups and teams. Boston: Pearson.

*Please make sure you bring this information with you to the college bookstore.

Communication with the Instructor:

I prefer communication by e-mail or in person. I will respond to most e-mails within 24 hours. If you need to meet with me, visit or call me during office hours or set up an appointment. All e-mail correspondence must have the SPCH or SPEECH in the subject line or be sent using Blackboard. I check my voice mail during my scheduled office hours.

Assistance with Blackboard:

If you have not taken an online class at Lakeland or want refresher information, please review the handbook for online students at: http://isys.lakelandcc.edu/DistanceLearning/studentHandbook.htm

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Is an online class right for me?

Please note that online courses require a high level of self-discipline. The general guideline is at least two hours out of class preparation per credit hour for a traditional 15 week course. This would roughly be five hours a week for an online class (adding the traditional in-class time). Most students do not spend that much time every week. However, some spend more depending on their individual needs or specific assignments. A lot depends on how fast the student reads and assimilates information. Students who take the course during the summer need to consider that the weekly time involvement is significantly increased due to the accelerated nature of those classes.

The instructor is available by appointment to assist students who are not familiar with Blackboard or who would like to discuss class assignments or the course.

How do I take an online interpersonal class?

The online interpersonal class is similar to other online classes. The students review material, take quizzes and tests, and complete assignments online.

The main difference is that there is a performance component for the interpersonal communication class. Students have two options for the skills portion of the course. One option is for students to come on campus to participate in group and dyad interactions. Students who choose this option, come to campus for one or more of the skills assessment sessions. A second option is for students to video record dyad and group interactions and submit them to the instructor. For this option, students are responsible for securing a time, date, location, dyad member(s) and group members. Students electing this option are also responsible for videotaping the interactions so that the student's verbal and nonverbal communication is clearly documentated. Students will also demonstrate communication skills during one or more phone or face-to-face conferences with the instructor. Ultimately, students have the option of completing the entire class without coming on campus.

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Tips for Success

• Use your Lakeland e-mail account. If you choose another e-mail option, you are responsible for missed or delayed correspondence.
• Review your Lakeland e-mail and class announcements regularly. I will put reminders for upcoming assignments on that page.
• Print a copy of your syllabus.
• Be familiar with the course site. Know where to find the materials you need.
• Check your grades regularly. Most grading will be done within a 48 hour period. If you submitted the assignment using Blackboard, you will see an “!” until the item is graded.
• Read the assignments by the first day of the week that they are due. This will give you time to ask questions and clarify expectations.
• If you do not understand an assignment, review the course materials. If you still do not understand an assignment, contact your instructor.
• Submit assignments early. You are invited to resubmit assignments for additional points if they are submitted at least two days prior to the due date.
  

Approved Options for Skill Submissions

I accept a variety of media for skill submissions. I accept VHS tapes (standard and type C), CD's, DVDs and youtube links. I accept other options if I am able to effectively and reasonably view the submission. I accept submissions in person, in my mailbox, in the drop box outside H102 (only if my office area is closed), and electronically. Due to the large file size, some students have found electronic submission problematic. Back to Top

Login Instructions

1. Go to Lakeland’s web page at www.lakelandcc.edu.
   
2. Click on the Blackboard Link (upper left corner) (Please note there are instructions for login and links on this page to assist you with logging in.)
   
3. Click on (Login).
   
4. You will be prompted to enter your Username and Password. Your Username is found in your Lakeland email account. Your Username is your First name initial + full last name + some number (e.g. jsmith12@mail.lakelandcc.edu has the username of jsmith12). Please refer to your class schedule for your particular username. Your password is your Lakeland Identification Number (LID). This is also found on your class schedule. Enter the Username and Password and hit ENTER.
   
5. You will be at the announcement page.
   
6. To get to the course site, click on SPCH1100 Effective Interpersonal Communication.
   
7. If you have difficulty with this process, please contact the college help desk at helpdesk@lakelandcc.edu, or call (440) 525-7570. Please note that the course site will not be available until the first day of class.
   
8. If you have questions about the actual course, please contact me by e-mail (jbrossmann@lakelandcc.edu), phone (440.525.7187) or by appointment in my office (C2075).
   
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