Homework Lance
Topic 1 Assignment: Navigating Loud Cloud & Time Management
Purpose of Assignment: To become familiar with the GCU Learning Management System (LMS) Loud Cloud and the GCU website, and to also help you develop time management, an important skill for college and everyday life.
This assignment will be in two parts. In the first part of this assignment, you will be exploring and navigating around the Loud Cloud LMS so that you are more confident in locating items in the online class as well as resources that are available to you as a GCU student. Also in Part 1, you will navigate the main GCU website so you become more familiar with it and can locate information you may need in the future.
In Part 2, you will be tracking and recording your time spent for 3 days to see where and how you manage your time. You will then reflect on your findings and plan strategies to help you maximize your time and help you become a better manager of your life.
Format: Solid academic writing is expected for both Parts 1 and 2.
Grading Criteria: Part 1 will be graded with an instructor answer key; Part 2 will be reviewed based on your data given and presentation of your reflection.
Assignment Due Date: End of Week/Topic 1
Part 1: Navigating the Loud Cloud LMS and GCU Website
Directions: Please locate the correct response(s) to each of the questions below, and then provide your answer found, in one to two sentences, or short answer format. (The spacing can be manipulated if you require more room for your responses. Please DO NOT forget to SAVE once you begin to answer the questions, so you do not lose any information.)
The following questions are directed towards the Loud Cloud LMS:
- After logging into the Loud Cloud classroom, list the main tabs you see across the top of the “home” page of Loud Cloud.
The main tabs I see across the top are, home, calendar, tasks, resources, connect, reports and announcements.
- From the Course Home page in Loud Cloud, click on the TASKS tab and then click on FORUM. Explain the various forums and their purposes.
There are three different types of forums, the main forum, individual forum, and questions to instructor forum.
The main forum has the two discussion questions from the week where you can see everyone’s posts and reply to them.
The individual forum is a message only between the teacher and yourself, for if you need to ask him a personal question.
The questions to instructor forum is if you have any questions that would benefit the entire class, anyone could ask a question and also respond.
Under the RESOURCES tab in Loud Cloud, click on the Student Success Center. List the main tabs you find on the “home” page of the Student Success Center.
In the student success center the main tabs are, home, new student, classroom policies, colleges, tools for success, the writing center and resources.
- Under the RESOURCES tab in Loud Cloud, inside the Student Success Center, click on the Writing Center link and select Style Guides and Templates. What writing style is required for 100- and 200-level courses at GCU?
GCU style guide is the required writing style for 100-200 level courses at GCU.
- Under the Resources tab in Loud Cloud, inside the Student Success Center, click on the Tools for Success tab at the top of the page. What videos are available for students under the Success Webinars section?
Under the Success Webinars section the videos that are available for students are, effective note taking, reading strategies, study skills, test taking and time management.
- From the Course Home page in Loud Cloud, click the REPORTS tab. Click on the GRADEBOOK and explain the steps to find feedback or comments from your instructor.
- To find out your grades and see feedback, once you’re into the gradebook, you can click on each week and see how you did on each assignment.
- Click on the RESOURCES tab in the Loud Cloud classroom. List each resource under the RESOURCES tab and describe what can be found inside each one.
- Under the resource tab you can find, course materials where you can get all the papers and books you need for your class, the syllabus where you can find all your assignments and links to help you do them, classroom policies where there is all the classroom rules, the student success center where there’s a bunch of different links to help student be successful in their classes, the library where you can find books and articles for your assignments, and lastly, tutoring where if you need help in a class you can find a tutor.
- Click on the RESOURCES tab in the Loud Cloud classroom and select COURSE MATERIALS. List the first two resources you find on the page under the Course Contents heading.
- The first two resources under the Course Contents heading is lecture 1 and the textbook to read chapter 1.
Go to http://library.gcu.edu. Click on the Frequently Asked Questions (on the left) link. When Searching for Articles, describe what a student should do if they cannot find a Journal Article on their topic.
If students cannot find a Journal Article on their topic they should first check their spelling, then think of the keywords you are using and if it still doesn’t work after watching the tutorial, you can contact them.
Stay in the CONNECT tab, select and click on the CLASS WALL. This is a place for you to engage in more leisure conversation with your peers in class (this area does not count towards participation in the class). You will be introducing yourself to the instructor and your peers here by placing your Class Wall Bio. If you have not done so already, please open the Class Wall Bio Outline (found in Course Materials), and follow the formatting to prepare your biography and place on the Class Wall and also paste your bio below.
Please also read two other classmates’ biographies and introduce yourself to them once you have posted yours; no response length is required as this is just for you to get to know your peers in class.
Paste your bio here: (The document will automatically fit your bio once you copy onto the document.)
Hi, my name is Ashlee Morgan, I’m 22 years old from Castro Valley, California. This is my first time attending GCU as well as doing online classes. I’m currently on my third year in college coming from Las Positas College. I always enjoy learning new things in class, and look forward to this school year with you guys.
I have been a nanny for the past two years now and I love it. I currently work with a one and a half year old girl named Aubrie. I have always loved kids and loved working with them, and that’s why I very excited to get into teaching. I love seeing kids grow and learn new things every day, it’s such a wonderful thing you get to see as a nanny. I am getting my bachelors in Elementary Education and Special Education and hope to become a Elementary school teacher.
In my spare time I enjoy to doing outdoor activities, walking my dog, hanging out with my family and boyfriend. I like watching movies in my down time also, no preference to a certain genre though. I have always lived in California, but have traveled to some wonderful places like, Hawaii, Italy, Chicago.. and would love to visit many more places.
I’m obtaining my degree because my overall goal is to become an Elementary teacher. I chose Grand Canyon University because I work full time and needed to do online classes and GCU seemed like it matched perfect for me. I am very excited to get going on my future career and obtaining this degree will get me there!
The following questions are directed towards the GCU Website at: http://www.gcu.edu
On the Home Page, locate and click the Spiritual Life tab on the right side of the screen. You will notice a navigation pane on the left side of the screen. Click on Chapel and the Gathering. What information is listed under Chapel and the Gathering?
In the Chapel and the Gathering section it talks about GCU encourages having a relationship with Jesus and they list Chapel services you can attend.
On the Home page, locate and click the Current Students tab on the right side of the screen. Scroll down the page and look on the left side and click on the Learning Resources tab. What information is listed under the Learning Resources section?
Learning resources section offers tutoring to students. They even have video tutorials and it also says you get your first 10 hours for free.
- On the Home page, locate and click on the Resources tab at the top of the screen. Click the Technical Support link listed under the Support Services section. What information can be found on this Technical Support page?
In Technical Support it gives you links to help navigate through LoudCloud or any other questions or problems you’re having.
On the Home page, click on the Contact Us tab, which is located just above the home page footer or as Contact GCU under About GCU in the footer. This is where you can locate phone numbers and addresses of the colleges, the main GCU switchboard, and the Student Services offices. List the phone numbers of the following departments located in the Student Contact Information section:
Career Services-1-602-639-6606
Center for Learning Advancement- 1-602-639-8901
- Academic Advising-1-800-800-9776
Finance Counselors-1-800-800-9776
Office of Academic Records- 1-800-800-9776
Technical Support-1-877-428-8447
On the Home page, notice the icons on the top right header area. What are the other icons listed next to the“” for the GCU Facebook page?
The other icons next to the Facebook one are, Twitter, Youtube and Linkedin.
On the Home page, click the About Us tab located at the top right side of the screen. Explain or summarize in your own words, what the Mission and Vision Statement for Grand Canyon University means to you.
GCU Vision Statement: The Vision Statement explains how it is a Christian College and they are here to lead and serve their students.
GCU Mission Statement: The Mission Statement explains how GCU prepares their students to be critical thinkers, effective communicators, and responsible leaders. They do this all through their Christian heritage. It also goes on to explain how their curriculum helps students.
Stay in the About Us tab; locate and list The Four Pillars of Grand Canyon University.
The four Pillars of GCU are academic achievement, Christian camaraderie, extracurricular activities and wellness and well-being.
Navigate back to the Home page, and go to the Academics tab. Read about Accreditation near the bottom of the page; you will need to click on the Read More to access the full text. What does it mean to be an accredited university?
To be an accredited university means is a higher education, it ensures institutional program improvement. It is reviewed by educational activities, administration, financial stability, admissions, resources, and student academic achievement.
Navigate from the Academics tab to the Student Affairs tab. Locate and click on Bookstore; you should see this option under the Student Resources and Classroom & Community. Click the Online Bookstores link and then through to the Grand Canyon Online Students section. What sort of materials can a student purchase from this site?
On this site you can purchase books or apparel and you can also sell your books.
On the Home Page, click on Majors and Programs. Find the program you are majoring in and write down what class in the program you think looks most interesting and why. *You will need to click on the Course List to view all the courses in your program area.
The class that looks most interesting to me is Algebra because I enjoy math, and haven’t taken it in a couple years so look forward to refreshing up on it.
Part Two: Time Monitoring and Management for College & Life
Directions: There will be two parts to this portion of the assignment, Part A and Part B. Please complete all sections on this document, as this is what you will be submitting for your entire Topic 1 Assignment (Parts 1 and 2).
In Part A, you begin by keeping an informal time log in which you note all your activities for 3 days, from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.(even if your wake-up and bedtime alter from this beginning and end time, please use this time-frame and just place what you are doing during the hours allocated). You will use this information for planning ways to make better use of your time.
In Part B, you will briefly analyze the results from your time log to determine the changes you need to make to your time schedule and how you will manage those changes. After analyzing your data, you will construct a reflective 200-250-word summary of your time-monitoring analysis and identify two main discoveries you found; whether this was positive or negative discovery. You may also wish to consider the information from chapter 4 of the textbook as you complete your reflection, as you may wish to reference to help support your findings.
Note: This portion of the assignment will also help in completing the S.M.A.R.T Goals that will come in Week/Topic 5.
Part A: Time Monitoring Activity/Worksheet
In completing the Time Monitoring, you will need to fill out the Time Monitoring Worksheet found below the following directions. *You may also wish to print one to keep for easier record keeping as you track your time, and then complete the chart here to submit with your assignment.
Monitor your time in hourly increments:
Carry your Time Monitoring Worksheet with you whenever you are awake.
Each hour of the day, starting at 5:00 a.m. and ending at 11:00 p.m., write down what you did during that hour. If you do not get up until 10 a.m., do you record 5:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.? Yes, you will just note that you were “sleeping” during those hours.
Do not overdo the recording; record the primary activity for the hour.
On Day 4, when you have 3 days of time monitored, it is time to analyze your time use. You will need to have your Time Monitoring Worksheet available, as you will need this to review and reflect what you have noted, as well as something to take notes with when analyzing your data.
New college students usually find that most time management issues, fall into three main categories, so this is where you will start the analysis. Brainstorm and organize your data into the areas noted below, and add area(s) where you see necessary. Here are the three main areas students have mentioned when reviewing their data and reasoning:
Making poor judgments about using their time wisely; procrastination would fall under this area or not prioritizing events or tasks wisely.
When stressed, becoming immobilized or shutting down mentally and/or physically.
Giving less than their best efforts when rushed and overwhelmed or when they feel like quitting.
Once you have fully analyzed your data, you will be ready to begin Part B, writing your reflective summary.
Time Monitoring Worksheet
Time
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
5:00 a.m.
Sleeping
Sleeping
Sleeping
6:00 a.m.
Wake up, shower, get ready/dressed
Wake up, shower, get ready/ dressed
Wake up, shower, get ready/dressed
7:00 a.m.
Left for work
Left for work
Left for work
8:00 a.m.
Start work
Start work
Start work
9:00 a.m.
Work
Work
Work
10:00 a.m.
Work
Work
Work
11:00 a.m.
Work
Work
Work
12:00 p.m.
Work
Work
Work
1:00 p.m.
Lunch break
Lunch break
Lunch break
2:00 p.m.
Work
Work
Work
3:00 p.m.
Got home from work, relaxed
Got home from work, took dog on a walk
Got home from work, relaxed
4:00 p.m.
Homework & going through LoudCloud
Homework
Went to the gym
5:00 p.m.
Watched tv
Ate Dinner
Homework
6:00 p.m.
Ate Dinner
Took dog on a walk
Ate dinner
7:00 p.m.
Visited my parents
Did homework
Trained my dog
8:00 p.m.
Visited my parents
Watched tv
Homework
9:00 p.m.
Got home, prepared lunch for tomorrow
Watched tv
Watched a movie
10:00 p.m.
Watched tv getting ready for bed
Watched tv getting ready for bed
Watched tv getting ready for bed
Part B: Time Monitoring and Management Reflection
In reviewing your data and notes, you will now write a 200-250-word summary. Briefly discuss your findings, and if you are utilizing your time wisely or there are areas where you need to adjust to be more successful in college and life. You may also want to consider adding supportive information from the readings in chapter 4 to help express your points in your summary.
Please write your summary in the space provided below. You will be able to manipulate the space if you require more room for your summary.
Important: Once you have completed the assignment, be sure to submit the assignment to the appropriate assignment drop box for Topic 1 Assignment. Please be sure to click on the FINAL submit button, as your assignment will not be submitted unless you do this. Failure to do this could result in late penalties or a zero.
To review assignment grade and feedback, you will go to the same place where you submitted the assignment. Please watch for any important announcements that your instructor may post in regards to assignments and grades throughout the course.
Time Management Summary
When I looked over my Time Monitoring Worksheet, I think overall I monitor my time pretty well. At least I would say for those three days. It’s always easier for me to stay more focused and on top of things during the week instead of the weekend, where I have more free time and use that time for fun activities. For the most part, my day consists of me at work. When I get home from work I usually like to relax for 30 minutes to an hour before doing anything else I need to get done for the day. However, I think if I planned a set hour or two everyday just for homework or school work that would really make me more successful in my academic schooling. In Chapter 4, it suggests to create a daily schedule. I think I’m going to do this every week. I tend to do really well with making lists of things to do and prioritizing them in order of which I need to get done. In the chapter it also talks about “Sticking to your schedule” and saying “no”. I think those are also very important because you can make a schedule but it doesn’t do any good if you don’t stick to it. Overall, I think I manage my time pretty well, however, there is always things we can work on and improve on to make us the best students we can be.
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