Instructional Methodology

This asynchronous course is fully online without regular class meetings or ‘live’ instruction. You complete coursework as fits your schedule but still meet weekly deadlines, a format that offers you flexibility. Weekly Blackboard Discussion Boards use asynchronous video, audio, and text-based interactions among students to promote a sense of community in our virtual learning environment. Video recorded answers to Discussion Questions, a Paraphrase, and a Speech are submitted to Blackboard using Panopto Student Video Submission. Students are expected to coordinate schedules with classmates and select a mutually agreeable day and time to video record one virtual Group Discussion in Zoom (a tool for recording a virtual meeting video integrated in Blackboard) (requires a free ACCgmail student account).

Course Rationale

Developing communication skills can give students a competitive edge in their professional and academic career. Not only are communication skills highly valued in the workplace, communication courses taken at ACC transfer to all colleges and universities in Texas. Communication skills are essential to personal and professional success. Yet, for many people, communication skills are often some of the hardest skills to develop. Introduction to Speech Communication provides an overview of communication as a discipline. By taking this course, students will develop skills to confidently and competently communicate with individuals, groups, or audiences.

Course Description

Introduction to Speech Communication explores the theories and practice of speech communication behavior to promote communication competence in interpersonal, small group, and public speaking situations. Skills: E (Credit Hours: 3; Contact Hours per Week: 3)

Online Learning Readiness

You have enrolled in an asynchronous course section of SPCH 1311. Asynchronous courses do not have regularly scheduled class meetings or “live” instruction. Complete work by 11:59pm CST deadlines. You are expected to:

• Read the textbook
• Watch Instructional Videos
• Watch Videos for Discussion
• Use Panopto Student Video Submission (a tool for recording / uploading videos integrated in Blackboard)
• Submit video recorded answers to Discussion Questions to Blackboard Discussion Board
• Submit Typed 3CQ Replies to Classmates' videos to Blackboard Discussion Board
• Submit video recorded Skills Demonstrations to Blackboard Assignments
• Submit a Speech Outline with Works Cited Lists to Blackboard Assignments
• Submit Blackboard Tests
• Students are expected to coordinate schedules with classmates and select a mutually agreeable day and time to video record one virtual Group Discussion in Zoom (requires a free ACCgmail student account)

In addition to the 3-contact hours (time typically spent in a face-to-face class), college students should set aside 2-3 study hours for every credit hour of class. In other words, you may need 9-12 hours (or more) per week to complete the coursework for this 3-credit hour course.

Students who are most successful in this type of distance learning course have:

• Strong reading skills

• Strong writing skills

• Proficiency navigating and using interactive online platforms

• Ability to self-start and complete work by established deadlines

• Ability to manage time and multitask

Course Assignments and Weights

1. Orientation (Complete or Incomplete): Successful completion of all FIVE (5) orientation tasks as instructed and as scheduled is required to maintain enrollment in this course (see list below). Orientation tasks are accessed and submitted in Blackboard. Orientation tasks are due as scheduled but may be submitted prior to due date. Detailed instructions and links posted in Blackboard. Follow instructions carefully to avoid mistakes that could result in being dropped. Contact Dr. Lyn for assistance.

   1. Task #1: Earn 100% on Orientation Test

   2. Task #2: Sign-Up for a Lifeboat Group Discussion

   3. Task #3: Submit a Self-Introduction video to Module 0 Discussion Board using Panopto Student Video Submission

   4. Task #4: Submit Typed 3CQ Replies to two (2) Classmates in Module 0 Discussion Board

   5. Task #5: Send ACCgmail to Dr. Lyn with the required message
       

2. Tests (250 points = 25%): One test per module (each worth 25 points) completed in Blackboard. If you complete all 12 tests you can earn up to 50 ‘extra credit’ points (12 x 25 = 300 pts). Each 25- question test covers one Learning Module. Tests automatically submit at 30 minutes. Tests are due as scheduled but may be submitted prior to due dates. Instructions and links in Blackboard

3. Discussions (250 points = 25%): One Discussion Video and two Typed 3CQ Replies to Classmates per module (each worth 25 points) submitted to Discussion Board using Panopto Student Video Submission. If you complete all 12 discussions you can earn up to 50 ‘extra credit’ points (12 x 25 = 300 pts). Discussions include analysis of communication theories in media, self-reflection, and feedback to classmates. Discussions are due as scheduled but may be submitted prior to due dates. Instructions, grading rubrics, and links posted in Blackboard.

4. Skill Demonstrations (500 points = 50%): The Paraphrase & Informative Speech are recorded/uploaded to Blackboard Assignment links using Panopto Student Video Submission. The Informative Speech requires submission of an outline that cites expert sources, a Works Cited List, and use of digital visual aids. Students are expected to coordinate schedules with classmates and select a mutually agreeable day and time to video record one virtual Group Discussion in Zoom (requires a free ACCgmail student account). Skills are due as scheduled but may be submitted prior to due dates. Instructions, grading rubrics, and links posted in Blackboard. FREE FEEDBACK provided when requested one week before the due date. ACCgmail the text of your paraphrase or an outline of your speech to Dr. Lyn.

• Paraphrase Communication Skill Demonstration (100 pts)
• Group Discussion (200 pts)
• Informative Speech with Outline (200)

Course Textbook & Supplies

This is a ZTC section (Zero Textbook Costs). The textbook is a free Open Educational Resource (OER): "Communication in the Real World: An Introduction to Communication Studies". Textbook chapters are posted as PDF documents in Blackboard Learning Modules. There is no hard copy of this text. You may print copies but are responsible for costs.

Students will need:

• Access to a computer or laptop with a keyboard

• Reliable consistent, internet access

• Access to a webcam & mic

• Student electronic devices must be compatible with Blackboard System Requirements (see Blackboard Student Support Browser Checker).

A laptop or desktop computer with Internet access is required for full functionality in Blackboard courses.

Mobile devices are not recommended as the sole device for accessing and participating in Blackboard courses. Not all Blackboard content or features are available on mobile devices.

This course uses the following platforms integrated into Blackboard for students to submit coursework:

• Panopto (a tool for recording / uploading videos integrated in Blackboard) 
• Zoom (a tool for recording a virtual meeting video integrated in Blackboard)

Fall 2024

SPCH 1311 #92379

1st 8-week Schedule

Schedule changes may occur during the semester.
Any changes will be posted as a Blackboard Announcement and sent to your ACCgmail.

General Education Outcomes

Communication Skills: Develop, interpret, and express ideas and information through written, oral and visual communication that is adapted to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.

Critical Thinking Skills: Gather, analyze, synthesize, evaluate, and apply information for the purposes of innovation, inquiry, and creative thinking.

Personal Responsibility: Identify and apply ethical principles and practices to decision-making by connecting choices, actions, and consequences.

Social Responsibility (Civic and Cultural Awareness): Analyze differences and commonalities among peoples, ideas, aesthetic traditions, and cultural practices to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.

Teamwork: Consider different points of view to work collaboratively and effectively in pursuit of a shared purpose or goal.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Apply the techniques of communication competency in a variety of settings.

• Develop skills in selecting and using a variety of communication strategies and responses based on situational contexts, goals, and human needs.

• Integrate self-monitoring strategies to increase personal communication competence.

• Analyze the role of perception in communication and employ various perception checking methods to enhance competency.

• Recognize the power of verbal and nonverbal messages and adapt messages effectively.

• Evaluate listening habits and practice effective listening skills.

• Identify the dimensions of cultural diversity and their influence on communication.

• Examine the influence of using communication technologies on human interaction.

• Identify, analyze, and apply effective interpersonal communication skills.

• Recognize personal conflict style and demonstrate effective conflict management.

• Engage in and evaluate the dynamics of small group communication.

• Develop, research, organize and deliver a formal public speech

Course Skill Levels

In accordance with H.B. 2183, students who enroll for ACC Speech courses are expected to demonstrate competent English speaking and listening skills: “Competence in speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion and audience.” “Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken communication.”