My name is Maryam Shirdel Pour, and I teach EDCI 335: Learning Design for Technology-Mediated Environments. I’m looking forward to getting to know each of you as we develop new skills and deepen our understanding of learning design this semester.

In the following weeks, we will explore the principles of learning design and how to create technology-mediated learning experiences for others.

This is an online asynchronous course and can be completed without attending a face-to-face class session. This site is set up to house the course contents. Readings, videos, and other important updates will be presented here. Please make sure to check the site regularly to reach out for class updates.

If you have any questions, need further help, or want to discuss the course and build social relationships, please let me know, and I will set up a meeting. I want you to know that I am here to support you in any way that I can, and please feel free to reach out to me.

Please ensure that you are familiar with the EDCI335 website and how to find our section. All of the material needed for the course will be shared publicly on the website. Anything requiring your personal information will be shared through email or through our Social Spaces page, which is password protected. (You can find the password in the Brightspace welcome announcement).

I have uploaded the course syllabus on Brightspace and made it available on the social spaces page. Once you receive it, you will need to carefully read the outline for our course, ensuring that you can identify the course outcomes and how you will be assessed.

I would appreciate it if you could complete the following task before next week:

We will be using an instant messaging system to stay connected throughout the term both in class and beyond. It is called Mattermost (similar to the Slack messaging application) and will allow us to connect collectively, in small groups, or one-to-one via text. This service is hosted in BC and is specifically available for educational institutions. Please either use your first name & last name (e.g.: maryamshirdelpour) or use your UVic Netlink ID (e.g.: mshirdelpour) when you create your Mattermost user name. Sign up for a Mattermost account using the link on the social space page.

Post an introduction in Mattermost. Tell us a bit about who you are beyond the classroom and what interested you about this subject.

NOTE: this link should only be clicked on a laptop or desktop machine. Using a phone or tablet may throw errors. Once an account is created, Mattermost works well on mobile devices, including apps if you want them.

You can always contact me if you have questions or concerns, and I will reply as quickly as possible. Mattermost will be the quickest way to get a response.