As a student in the SCI, you’ll be joining your language class via high definition video conferencing. This fall marks the fifth year of the Shared Course Initiative between Columbia, Cornell, and Yale, and we’ve offered 18 languages (40+ classes) through this model. We’ve designed our rooms to provide you with the best class experience possible without being on campus with your classmates. All of our classes take place in real-time, and you’ll be fully integrated into the course. As you start your shared course, here are some basic considerations to keep in mind.

1. Get to know the technology. Since your interaction takes place via the camera and the screen, learning how to control the cameras on both ends will greatly enhance your class experience. During the first week, make sure to get a brief tutorial on the camera control from Chris at the Columbia LRC.

2. Talk to your instructor about the academic calendar. There will be several times throughout the semester when Cornell and Columbia’s calendars vary. Please make an appointment to discuss the calendar with your instructor early in the semester. He or she might ask you to do some work to keep up with the class or make arrangements to take a test or quiz at a different time than the local students. Please be as flexible as you can in keeping up with the class.

3. Use your Course Site. Columbia students in Cornell classes will be fully integrated into the Cornell course environment within the first two weeks of classes. Your course site is where you will find your syllabus. You should also be able to download course materials and upload files for your instructor using the course site. Please speak with your Cornell instructor about their preferred use of the course site.

4. Discuss homework submission. There are multiple ways to submit homework. Many of our distance students use their SmartPhones or iPads to take pictures of their homework and upload it to their course site, or email directly to the instructor. If you need assistance with homework submission or the exchange of materials with your instructor, talk to Steve.

5. SCI Research Initiative. Throughout the semester, the SCI project team will be studying students’ and teachers’ experience, trying to understand and improve language teaching and learning at our three schools and beyond. Your optional participation in a few short surveys and conversations takes little time and is incredibly helpful; some time in the first weeks of class, we’ll visit your class to speak more about this.

6. Reach out for help when you need it.

Your instructor will be your main point of contact throughout the course, and will be available weekly for virtual office hours. However, you also have other resources on hand to help you out if you’re experiencing any problems participating in your shared course.

At Columbia:

• You can contact Chris Kaiser (ck2831@columbia.edu) for issues related to technology and classroom coordination on the Columbia side.

At Cornell:

• In addition to your instructor, if you need to contact the staff at the Cornell Language Resource Center, email Nick LaVerne at njl25@cornell.edu. 

Have a great semester!