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FIRETC-104 - Building Construction for Fire Protection - Keith Kawamoto

Course:Building Construction for Fire Protection
Professor:Keith Kawamoto
Email:keith.kawamoto@canyons.edu
Format:
  • OnlineLive
Course Length:
  • 16 Week

Introduction

Professor Kawamoto

Welcome to Fire Technology 104: “Building Construction for Fire Protection.”  My name is Keith Kawamoto, and I am the Professor for this 16-week “OnlineLIVE” course. 

Please review this “Orientation Letter” to determine whether or not this “OnlineLIVE-format class is for you, and feel free to contact me via email at keith.kawamoto@canyons.edu with any questions.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this class’ format is classified as “OnlineLIVE,” meaning that the class has been converted from the normal “on-campus format” to “OnlineLIVE.”  (This class would have traditionally been taught face-to-face in a classroom, but is now being taught at a distance through the Zoom platform with no physical on-campus meetings.)

This class DOES have synchronous, online meetings/lectures that you MUST attend via ZOOM.   Attendance will be taken during these “live ZOOM broadcasts,” and failure to attend these required online ZOOM meetings will result in you being dropped from the course. 

BEFORE REGISTERING FOR THE CLASS, CHECK YOUR PERSONAL SCHEDULE TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU CAN SHOW UP (online) TO OUR “LIVE BROADCAST” ZOOM MEETINGS during the regularly-scheduled times.

A link to our Fire Technology 104 “ZOOM Room” will be emailed to you the weekend before class begins.

To successfully complete this course, you MUST have…

  • Access to a reliable computer
  • RELIABLE Internet access and a web browser (e.g. Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.)
  • A valid College of the Canyons (COC) email address
  • Applicable Software: Video clips, electronic documents, and various Internet websites will be utilized as part of this course.  Please make sure you have all necessary software (Adobe Acrobat Reader, and a word processing program like Microsoft Word) loaded on your computer.

Course Description

Fire Technology 104 "Building Construction for Fire Protection" provides the components of building construction related to firefighter and life safety.  The elements of construction and design of structures are shown to be key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and operating at emergencies.  This course is designed to help students develop an understanding of modern building construction methods, understand the impact of building construction on fire behavior and building integrity, and recognize the relationship between building construction features and firefighter safety.  After this class, you will never look at a building the same again! 

 

Please refer to the Course Syllabus (available for download from “Canvas” on Day 1 of the class) for all Student Learning Outcomes (SLO’s) and Course Objectives.

What to Expect in this Course

Although this is a “OnlineLIVE” course, you are still required to regularly “attend” class and participate through our LIVE “ZOOM Broadcasts," as well as our class activities (Assignments, Quizzes, Exams, and Projects) on Canvas. 

You ARE required to attend our regularly-scheduled ZOOM meetings/lectures.  Attendance will be taken for each class session.  Failure to show up for class and participate can result in you being dropped from the class.  Each Chapter from the textbook will have an associated “live” ZOOM lecture.

The regularly-scheduled days/times for live “Zoom Broadcasts” are listed when you register for classes.

In order to be successful in this class, you will need to dedicate an 80-minute "time window" twice a week to attend our Zoom sessions.  I will let you know ahead of time which specific days I will be broadcasting our “live” ZOOM lectures.  If you have an emergency or extenuating circumstance, and as a result are unable to watch the “Live Broadcast,” the lecture will be recorded… meaning you can watch the lecture at a later time.

Failure to attend the LIVE Broadcasts can result in you being dropped from the course.

You must also account for additional time (outside of our "Zoom Lectures") for reading; reviewing; studying; completing Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams; watching video clips; and communications.

Just as in a “face-to-face” class, all students are required to demonstrate that they can work co-operatively, behave ethically and professionally, assess and evaluate information, and provide helpful feedback to one another.

All lecture materials (Outlines, Handouts, etc.), Assignments, and Quizzes/Exams are available electronically on the Internet through “Canvas.” Canvas is the College’s electronic learning platform, which is used (in this class) for all announcements, handouts, discussions, grading, Assignment submittals, and taking Quizzes/Exams. 

The link to access “Canvas” can be found on the College of the Canyons homepage: www.canyons.edu

Types of Assessments

Online Quizzes and Exams, Discussions, Assignments, and a “Course Project.” 

All "Assessments" are conducted on the Internet through “Canvas” (the College’s electronic learning platform.)

Textbook Information

“Building Construction Related to the Fire Service” by IFSTA, 4th Edition, ISBN # 9780879395940.

This textbook IS required, and must be in your possession by the first week of class.  Each textbook chapter will be covered this semester. 

Our course is divided into separate “Modules.”  (A “Module” is a grouping of “Chapters” from your textbook.)  As part of each Module, students are required to read the associated textbook chapters to provide a foundation for all lectures, supplemental materials, discussions, Assignments, Quizzes/Exams, and Projects.

Other Relevant Course Information

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Question: How do I take QUIZZES/EXAMS for this “OnlineLIVE” class?

Answer: All QUIZZES/EXAMS for this class are taken online through Canvas from wherever you have Internet access.  QUIZZES/EXAMS are timed, and each QUIZ/EXAM has a specific due date (including a specific time you must finish by).  You must complete each QUIZ/EXAM in the time given, and before the QUIZ/EXAM’S deadline.

 

2. Question: Do I have to come to campus for this class?

Answer: No.  The entire Semester will be conducted through the Internet.

 

3. Question: When is our first "Live ZOOM" session?

Answer: Check the "Course Schedule" on the College of the Canyons website for when our semester begins.  The Zoom link will be emailed to your College of the Canyons email address the weekend before classes begin. DO NOT BE LATE!!!

 

4. Question: How do I watch the LIVE ZOOM Broadcasts?

Answer: We will be meeting “online” using a website called “ZOOM” (www.zoom.us).  ZOOM is an online “video conferencing” interface accessible from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.  Through ZOOM, you will be able to hear my voice and the associated lecture material, and view video clips, pictures, lecture outlines, etc.  ZOOM allows us to interact with one another, ask questions, and converse with your classmates during our “live” ZOOM broadcasts.  The Zoom link will be emailed to your College of the Canyons email address the weekend before classes begin.

 

5. Question: How do I access ZOOM?

Answers:

  • On your computer: Use your Internet browser (like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari),
  • From your cellphone or tablet: Use your internet Browser OR the Zoom App.
  • The weekend before class beings, I will post an Announcement on Canvas, and send an email to your COC email address that includes an Internet URL (website address) to access the ZOOM broadcast specifically for THIS class.  Using this forthcoming Internet link, you will access our “online ZOOM classroom” where you can watch and listen to the “live broadcast.”
  • You WILL need reliable Internet access to view this “live broadcast.”
  • NOTE: I highly recommend reviewing the ZOOM website and familiarizing yourself with ZOOM PRIOR to the start of class. www.zoom.us
  • The Zoom link will be emailed to your College of the Canyons email address the weekend before classes begin.

 

6. Question: Do I need to sign up for a “ZOOM Account” to view the lectures?

Answer: No. To access Zoom, you only need to click on the Internet link (which will be emailed to your College of the Canyons email address the weekend before classes begin, AND posted on Canvas), OR you can enter the special “join a meeting code” and password (which I’ll send to you the weekend before classes begin) on the www.zoom.us website. 

  • I recommend bookmarking the Zoom link and writing down the “join a meeting code” and password someplace memorable for quick access to our “lecture broadcasts.” 
  • (FYI: Each of my “OnlineLIVE” Fire Tech classes has a different "web address UR"L and “join a meeting code” for viewing “live” broadcasts.  If you have me for multiple classes, you will have a different URL to access each separate class.)

 

7. Question: Do I need to show up online (on ZOOM) on the first day of class?

Answer: Yes! Failure to attend our first Zoom session constitutes a “no show,” and you will be dropped from the course.

 

8. Question: My work/home/personal schedule will cause me to miss more than 3 “Live ZOOM Broadcasts.”  That being said, should I register for this particular “OnlineLIVE” version of this class?

Answer: Missing more than (3) “Live ZOOM Broadcasts” can result in you being dropped from the course.  Instead of this particular “OnlineLIVE” section of FIRETC-104, I recommend signing up for a fully-online section of FIRETC-104 (…with zero “live lectures”).

 

9. Question: What should I do before the first day of class?

Answers:

  • Thoroughly read this “Orientation Letter” to determine if this “OnlineLIVE” format is for you. If you would prefer  zero "Live" Zoom lectures, I recommend registering for the "fully-online" version of this class.  (See FAQ #8 for more info.)
  • Set up your College of the Canyons student email account.
  • Familiarize yourself with Zoom.
  • Set up your Canvas access, and log in to familiarize yourself with the Canvas platform. https://www.canyons.edu/academics/onlineeducation/studentsupport/canvasstudentguides.php
  • Purchase or rent the textbook by the first week of class.  Textbook info: “Building Construction Related to the Fire Service” by IFSTA, 4th Edition, ISBN # 9780879395940.

 

10. Question: Professor Kawamoto, I have a question for you.  Can I contact you before the Semester begins?

Answer: Yes.  Send me an email at keith.kawamoto@canyons.edu  Please note that during Summer and Winter break, a response may be delayed. (If I do not respond right away, be patient, as I do not check my email every single day during our Semester Breaks.)


Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 11/21/2021 Sub#: 1140