session 1 audio

Everyone was present at our first class, but if you are interested you can download the live audio recording. This is a simple MP3 file and is about 54 Mb in size. In addition, all of the learning materials for Session 1 (syllabus, optional books, good research journals list, etc.) can be found at the same Overview page in the Learn section:

session 1 learning materials

welcome

Welcome to the Motivation course website. We'll be using this website extensively throughout the Fall 2008 semester. You'll be able to read about key issues, download a wide variety of learning materials (including PDFs for all the research articles read in class), and interact via the Virtual Office, the Knowledge Digs section, commenting in the News section, and by creating (in a group) Blogs on a specialized topic.

Before our August 23rd meeting I expect everyone to read all of the entries in this News section. There are only 7 entries so it's not a big reading task. Some of the entries, to be fair, give you links to some additional information to read/download.

I've found that where students have the biggest problems is in the very beginning of the course when they take too long to get used to the website structure. Become familiar right way, let me know about any confusions or problems in a timely manner, and then there should be no problems with you getting a great jump start on the new semester.

I'm looking forward to a great semester. The course incorporates some new learning tools that I'll be trying out for the first time. These tools hold the potential for substantially helping the depth to which students can explore topics. I'll also be using some other learning tools that have been very helpful in previous courses.

getting started

Class hasn't started. But you're at this website, and you haven't a clue about how to start. The first step is to be familiar with the structure of the website. Here are some simple steps for getting ready for the Motivation course.

1. Read all the entries in this News section. Most entries are about how the website is structured. It's important for you to have a basic understanding of the website as soon as possible.
   
   
2. Check out the Learn section (see the tab at the top). The general Learn section page provides short but important information. Read it.
   
   
3. You'll notice there are sub-page links in the Learn section. Each sub-page corresponds to one of the 9 class sessions we have during the semester.
   
   
4. Visit, read, download all the materials for the 1 Overview class session on August 23rd (at 9 a.m. to be exact).
   

You should always check if you can download course learning materials for Session N+1 before coming to Session N. That way if you have any problems you can simply bring a laptop or a USB key to class and I'll transfer the materials to your computer or USB drive.