Appendix I Course Objectives

Appendix I
Course Objectives

To unravel the logistics of the eClassroom and create technical protocols for eClass interaction
To orient students in online interaction netiquette and culture
To institute ground rules and appropriate behavioral norms
To explore how to create a social presence online
To introduce the process of writing your learning journal

To illustrate the role self-awareness plays in effective interpersonal communications.
To practice appropriate self-disclosure and appropriate feedback.
To demonstrate how fear limits students'' ability and willingness to communicate effectively.
To understand the role fear may play in achieving interpersonal needs or desires.
To explore the skills needed to enlarge each student's, and the whole class's open area.
To articulate observable, concrete, measurable steps to achieve a desired interpersonal goal.

To experience the role of Self-Disclosure in interpersonal trust formation.
To experience how we are more similar than different from each other.
To experience how the awareness of 'being in the same boat' increases the willingness to communicate authentically
To illustrate the roles and rules of Feedback in the communication process.
To commit to the process of increasing the Open Area of the community's Johari Window.

To experience the process of values clarification.
To demonstrate the 'power' of diverse worldviews and to encourage acceptance of others.
To increase awareness of interpersonal choice and response ability.
To explore behavioral communication skills, like Active Listening, as useful tools for enhancing interpersonal connections.
To introduce students to the concepts of problem solving and conflict management.
To illustrate how people 'buy and sell' values.
To practice collaborative behaviors based on accepting and valuing of diversity.

To explore issues in 'Perception' and to demonstrate the impact diverse phenomenological realities may have on interpersonal communications.
To increase awareness of a natural tendency to make interpretations and react 'as if' these assumptions were absolute facts.
To practice 'checking out' assumptions, before reacting to another.
To demonstrate and encourage the acceptance of diversity.

To understand that 'assertiveness' 'aggressiveness' and 'passivity' are a set of beliefs, acquired skills and behaviors based on experience, which can be learned and can be unlearned.
To define 'assertiveness' as:
- The ability to communicate clearly and honestly
- The courage to stand up for oneself without violating one's rights or another person's rights
- The willingness to express one's needs and feelings in ways, which reduce anxiety both for the sender and for the receiver.
To familiarize students with the guide lines for appropriate assertive behaviors
To explore available assertiveness training techniques and behavioral tools.
To practice assertiveness by role-playing real life situations.

To facilitate students in identifying and understanding their own Conflict Management Styles.
To increase awareness of the role emotion and values play in the conflict resolution process.
To provide opportunities which facilitate the practice of collaborative skills building.
To explore the advantages and disadvantages of the varied conflict resolution approaches, with a focus on collaboration and 'win/win' outcomes.
To increase awareness of negotiation skills.
To provide a safe experiential opportunity for practicing Active Listening during a conflict situation.

To link the concepts covered in the course to practical experience.
To provide an opportunity to review and practice the skills covered in the course.
To reflect on the communication skills learned and identify the skills still in need improvement.
To illustrate the roles our emotions and values play in maintaining interpersonal relationship and accomplishing the individuals' goals.
To provide an opportunity which facilitates the practice of collaborative skills building.
To explore the advantages and disadvantages of the varied conflict resolution approaches, with a focus on collaboration and 'win/win' outcomes.