Important
Points and FAQs
Here are some general points and questions that usually come up at the beginning of a term:
1) It is very important that you stay on task for the entire term. There is a great deal of work. Students who have fallen behind in the past have not done well.
2) This is a history course that uses a computer; it is not a computer course. I know how to operate well within my system; conversely, I do not know your system (nor do I want to). It is expected that you are proficient in the use of your computer.
3) In respect to the above point, AOL has been very problematic for some students. CTDLC, the organization that coordinates much of the online learning in Connecticut, strongly advises against using the AOL internet service provider (ISP). As an ISP: AOL censors what pages you can look at; will not load all the material on some pages; and frequently kicks users off line during timed exercises (all of which have happened to students in this course). In a nutshell, AOL is not recommended for this course.
4) Most online courses are best suited for students who have good time management skills and good study skills. This course is no different. It is also important that you have good writing skills as a significant part of your grade is by essay. There are very limited opportunities for help; email is a stilted tool when it comes to extensive and comprehensive communication. Online help is available from the TRCC TASC Center.
5)
Yes, the
deadlines are real. All work must be
completed by the assigned date. Each
online test has an opening and closing date.
6)
Late papers will
not be accepted. The date given is a
drop-dead date. Make sure your paper is
in (well) before that.
7)
In respect to the
previous two points, DO NOT wait until the last
minute. Issues with technology are NOT
an excuse for not getting your work done.
8)
The material for
the course is available all day, every day (as long as servers stay
online). That is one of the nice things
about distance learning. I, however, am
not available all day, every day. I will
be checking and responding to your emails every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
mornings. This course is really
structured for you to advance on your own, staying as a group within certain
parameters for discussion purposes.
It is important to have all of these points understood
before the semester begins. It will save
a lot of questions in the future. Having
said all the above, I am looking forward to the semester. It should prove interesting.