General Policies

This class funtions best when we're all on the same page about who does what, what reasonable expectations of performance should be (for both of us), and what rules I have to enforce to keep things running smoothly and make sure everyone is treated fairly. To that end, what follows is a list of course policies that are SET IN STONE:

  1. The instructor will read and respond to posts in the Help! discussion boards in each module and answer e-mail every few days. Therefore, if you think you're going to need help, post early!
  2. You must know how to use E-Learning thoroughly. If you do not, there are tutorials available at the system's main page and there are training classes available. The instructor cannot provide assistance on using the E-Learning system.
  3. During the course, you should only contact the instructor using E-Learning's Mail feature for questions of a private nature (grades, disability acommodations, etc.). This is for everyone's protection as E-Learning offers an excellent tool for tracking e-mails, responses, and actions.
  4. You must complete your work for this course using services and software packages specified, not alternative ones that you happen to already be familiar with. I will be teaching you industry standards, which you will be able to add to your resume proudly at the end of the course.
  5. You must do original work for this class. I will not accept media created for another course or outlet for any part of any assignment. The point of the course is to learn, and that is best accomplished by practicing. If you submit work done prior to this course, or for another course or outlet during the course, you will receive an immediate zero on that assignment.
  6. You must post your work to E-Learning and other public websites named in the modules. Alternative servers and sites will not be accepted nor graded.
  7. You must try to solve problems on your own. You are encouraged to post questions about the material to the Help! discussion boards in each module, but at least make an attempt to solve your problem on your own first. Students who constantly post questions that are answered in the material will find their fellow students less willing to answer ANY question they post in the future. Yes, the Little Boy Who Cried Wolf' Syndrome is alive and well on E-Learning...
  8. Grades will be posted as they are available. Your Assessment grades will be available immediately and you will have the opportunity to work on your lab assignments until you have them completed perfectly. They build on each other to create a rich blog that you will submit at the end of the course for grading. I cannot review Discussion posts ahead of time, so please be thorough in your answers.

While this might all sound quite harsh, I have found in many years of teaching that it is best to have clear policies rather than to have frustrated students and instructors. Please understand that I want us all to focus our time and attention on teaching and learning. I will do everything in my power to make sure you enjoy this class and learn lots that will be very helpful in your future careers.