Welcome to the Introduction to Insects course!

Before you start the course, we'd like to talk about some important items that will make the course go more smoothly for you.

The course you are about to take is probably going to be much different than courses you have taken in the past. There will be no lectures. You may get up and move around whenever you want! You may even eat during class-just try not to get the keyboard greasy.

You are being asked explicitly to take control of your learning in this class. This can be difficult if you're used to being a passive learner. But you have two major resources on your side: the Learning Journals and the instructor. The Learning Journals sections is where you interact with other members of this class and the instructor. You'll learn more about that later in this introduction.

One of the easiest things to do when taking a distance learning course is to procrastinate. I URGE you not to do this. In fact, that is why we have a test every week. It helps to keep you on track. You'll find the class much easier to manage if you work steadily throughout the week rather than cramming at the end.

The class schedule is posted on the website (click the logo at the top left of this page to go there). Note that we have a test every Friday.

Disabilities

If a student has a disability that qualifies under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and requires accommodations, he/she should contact the Disability Resources (DR) office for information on appropriate policies and procedures. DR is located on the main floor of the Student Services Building, Room 1076, phone 515-294-7220.

Checklist

Tasks you must complete to start the course:

• Get an Iowa State University NetID
• Write down the dates for Ent 201 exams on your calendar
• Arrange for an exam proctor
• Establish your Learning Journal
• Get your textbook

Read on for details.