| Participation |
In online courses, as in onground courses, students participate by seeking
interaction with other students and with the instructor. Since there is no face
to face meeting in the online environment, this interaction becomes very
important to effective learning online. Therefore, good class participation is
essential and will account for a significant part of your grade. You should plan
to contribute to every discussion topic with a quality contribution, such
as a response that expresses clear thinking and problem-solving, and that is
relevant to the discussion. This usually requires that you say more than just "I
agree."
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| Email |
Students are free to use the "email the class" feature on the course web site.
Try to keep the messages sent to the whole class related to course content.
Also, when emailing the class, generally it is best NOT to email phone numbers
or addresses unless it is being emailed directly to a specific individual or the
instructor. This helps maintain privacy.
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| Online Conduct |
I believe that the following is probably not very necessary; nevertheless, for
the sake of clarity, please realize that the University and I cannot and will
not be responsible for the content of any personal messages which are sent from
one student directly to another student using the Online email delivery system.
It is expected that all students will adhere to accepted codes of ethical,
personal, and civil conduct when conversing online, using email, or engaging in
any real time online chat sessions. Failure to abide by such codes of conduct
and etiquette may result in withdrawal from the course and a failing grade.
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| Email Attachments |
There are so many different word processing programs that email attachments can
become a problem in online courses if there is no standard policy set for them.
Accordingly, send any paper, that is an attachment to an email, in MS Word 97 or
any compatible format. Formats that are compatible with Word 97 include earlier
Word versions, Microsoft Works, Word Perfect 5 or 6, and Rich Text Format.
Alternately, just compose the work in your word processor and simply cut and
paste it into an email message.
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| Grammar & Spelling |
We all tend to become somewhat lax when posting responses to threaded
discussions or when sending email messages. Grammar and spelling is important to
me. I'm not a fanatic, but I would appreciate your composing threaded discussion
responses or email messages in a word processing where you can check spelling,
edit, and revise your writing. Then you can cut and paste the work into the
threaded discussion or email message. You can do the same for other coursework
and thereby help with NOT tying up Internet Service Provider lines.
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| Technical Problems and
Assignment Delivery |
Let me encourage you to make hard copies of your assignments and communication
with me. Computer crashes and disasters are bound to happen. Keep in mind that I
do not view ISP problems as an excuse for turning work in late. At the first
sign of problems with email, contact your ISP immediately. If your problems
are not cleared up within 12 hours, send in the assignment in one of the
following ways:
1. Fax it to me at 1.203.392.5780
2. Overnight express
hard copy and disk
3. Make arrangements over the phone with
me.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to access the
course on another computer in the event of hardware or software problems. This
can be done with a friend's computer, or one at Kinko's or the Public Library. I
really can't think of any legitimate excuse for missing assignments due to
technical difficulties.
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| Access to Course |
Access to each unit will begin on Monday. All past weeks will remain open for
review, and one-to-two weeks ahead will also be open for anticipatory work. Be
careful to double check things on Monday evenings, however, as I will likely
make last minute changes up until the Monday 6:00 PM EST time. NOTE:
Assignments and threaded discussion responses are to be turned in and
completed by the Sunday before the next unit begins.
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| Personal Involvement and Time |
Students often have the mis-perception that taking a course online is easier
since they don't have to physically go to a classroom. When taking an online
course there are some things that become easier for students. For example, it
becomes easier NOT to go to class. It also becomes easier to get behind. While
this medium gives students flexibility in attending class, remember
that taking a course online is just more convenient, not easier!
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