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TeachersCollegeX: INNOVATE1x Innovating Instruction: Reimagining Teaching with Technology

Help and Etiquette

The use of a desktop and/or laptop computer is strongly suggested.
Mobile devices limit access to some of the technology components of the course, which could compromise the full educational experience.

If you have technical questions about the course or the edX platform, they can be answered in the following ways:

  • Use the "Help" tab in the upper left corner of every page. You can also send an email to info@edx.org to ask a question.
  • If you have technical or non-technical general questions, we encourage you to post them in the general questions on the Discussion tab.

EDX ORIENTATION

If you have not used the edX platform before, we encourage you to register for the edX DemoX.1 course to familiarize yourself with the platform and navigation. This self-paced course will provide helpful information you can use in this and any other edX learning experience. There is also a section that explains the edX mobile apps.

Portions of the lesson—edX calls these units—are arranged in a learning sequence, visible at the top of your screen. The top of your screen should look like this:

Top Unit Navigation

The currently active unit within a learning sequence will be highlighted. The units are arranged in order from left to right. 

If you want to learn more about the edX platform, go to the Help button at the upper right of your screen. Or you can go directly to the EdX Learner's Guide.

DISCUSSION ETIQUETTE

One of the most powerful and dynamic components of this edX course will be your contributions. It’s your course, so openly discuss the material. Help each other. Here are some things to consider to help make the discussion forums as engaging and productive as possible:

  • Tone - Tone is a very important part of online communication. Before posting, read your message out loud. Ask yourself if you would say this to a fellow student in your class in a face-to-face discussion.
  • Peer support - Make an effort to understand and support your peers. People have different perspectives - but everyone is here to learn. The more we learn from each other, the better.
  • Disagree vs. attack - Disagreeing with peers in debate and discussion is fine and welcome, but make sure to avoid challenges that may be interpreted as personal.
  • Check previous postings - Take a moment to read previous posts to ensure that the conversation you want to have is not happening elsewhere in the board.
  • Delete the extraneous - When replying to another's post, be specific about the sentence, phrase, or comment that you are addressing. This will help keep the thread focused, and it will make it easier for all of us to understand how the conversation is progressing.
  • Encourage others to share their ideas.