Online+Courses

Student Attendance for NA Report Guidelines
From Catherine Mund (Registrar at HCC): The federal definition of attendance for the purpose of Title IV funding is as follows: Attendance ― academic attendance or ―attendance at an academically-related activity — must be:

Attendance does NOT include—
 * Physically attending class
 * Submitting academic assignment
 * Taking exam, interactive tutorial or computer-based instruction
 * Attending school assigned study group
 * Participating in online discussions about academic matters and/or initiating contact with faculty to ask questions about subject matter


 * Logging into an online course without active participation
 * Academic counseling

Submission of Documentation of Field Experience Hours
Grades **should not** be determined until there has been verification of the **completion of the 15 hours of field experience** using the **Documentation of Field Experience Hours form**. DO NOT rely only on Jean's spreadsheet as that information is not always the most current. Students may initially scan the Documentation of Field Experience Hours form and submit it to the online instructor but an original copy of the form must be mailed, dropped off to the division office, or faxed to the instructor. If the instructor has any concerns about the number of hours completed the instructor should contact Jean to determine how to proceed.

**Submit originals of all items** (Criminal History Self-Disclosure form, Professional Behavior Agreement, Confidentiality form, Documentation of Field Experience Hours form) to **Jean** within **one week of the end of the semester**. These items are stored in a folder in the Teacher Education office for 3 years in case there is a question about a grade or if a four-year college or university requests this information in order for students to get credit for the course.



**Module Exit Tickets** (15): <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;"> Prior to gaining entry into each online learning module, students must earn 80% or better on a Module Exit Ticket. The exit ticket is a short assessment of student understanding of the previous module. The purpose of this assignment is to ensure student comprehension of major course learning objectives before adding an additional load of information. Scores of less than 80% will require the student to review module material and readings until they achieve the 80% passing score.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">**Module exit ticket** due dates will coincide with module discussion due dates. Based on the understanding that a student cannot gain entry into a module without first earning 80% on each module exit ticket, a late submission of an exit ticket will create a disadvantage for completing the discussion on time as well. There is no penalty for late exit tickets, other than the natural consequence of the inevitable late submission of your (three) discussion responses. Plan your time accordingly.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">LATE POLICIES **



//<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Online Course Format //
<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">This course is organized in learning modules with each module covering one topic. Within each learning module there are a variety of activities that provides the student with exposure to the many concepts of this course.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">The learning modules are organized so that you are required to complete the activities in a specific order within the module. Additionally, all items within the module must be completed before you may move on to the next learning module. If you are “locked” from an activity within a module, or from continuing on to the next module, it is likely due to the requirement to complete the items in a sequence.

//<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Modules //
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Instructions and directions for each assignment are posted under “Modules” on our Canvas site.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">A module consists of a warm-up question, textbook chapter and article readings, websites to visit, collaborative activities, and/or video clips to view to prepare you to engage in online discussions.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Most modules will contain an online discussion component that will comprise the majority of your grade for the module.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Modules require you to complete the activities in a specific order. If you are “locked” from an activity in a module, it is likely due to the requirement to complete it in a sequence.

//<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Discussions //
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Online discussions will be included in most modules as a required module activity.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">These discussions are what bring us together as a learning community, and are often what students enjoy most about the online format.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;"> Some guidelines for online discussions are posted on the Canvas site in the first module entitled “Introduction Discussion.” Adhering to these guidelines will foster a safe and comfortable educational forum for all participants.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;"> Students are required to reply to at least two other students' or instructor posts in addition to their original post in response to the prompt. These replies are part of the overall discussion grade each week.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">All three postings must be made by 7:00 p.m. each week on the due date. Discussions will be closed each week following the due date. Just like you would not expect the class to wait for you in a face-to-face class in your absence, we must move on in our online forum.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;"> In an online class, these postings and reactions are how we establish a dialogue in the class, and are a very important part of the course. Plan your time accordingly.

//<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Assignments // //**<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Online Course Format **// <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">The course is divided into Modules that correspond to a particular topic and specific information from the readings. You must complete each module before you have electronic permission to move on to the subsequent module. Each activity in the module will indicate whether you must view the page or submit an assignment. Each submission will indicate the due date (due dates are also found in this syllabus).
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;"> Assignments are described through the Canvas website, and listed on the Weekly Schedule of Assignments.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Assignments must be submitted on assigned due dates, unless you and I have agreed upon an alternate due date.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Late assignments (except discussions) will be accepted up to one week after the due date and lowered one letter grade. Assignments submitted more than one week late will receive a score of 0.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;"> Please read that last part again.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Assignments will be accepted through the course Canvas site through the “Assignments” feature.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;"> Students are subject to the Howard Community College Code of Conduct for behavior and academic integrity/honesty.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">The modules contain important information and links to resources that will allow you to learn the content and deepen your understanding of the relevant issues related to the content of this course. You should read and engage in the activities, discussions, video clips, and other links provided to substitute for lectures, interactions, and hands on projects for which a face-to-face class would allow.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">The face to face class has been replicated electronically in this online class and all activities and assignments mirror those students would encounter on campus. The module activities, whole class and group discussions, and assignments are all linked to the content found in your readings and online viewing materials. They are aligned to the course objectives for this course. The scoring rubric for each assignment contains at least one, and in some cases, several course objectives represented by that assignment. You do not need to directly address the objectives because your performance on the other parts of the scoring rubric determine whether you are meeting those course objectives.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Class Communications: What to Expect from Your Instructor
<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;"> Other assignments will be graded and returned within 1 week.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">I will check the course site a minimum of three days per week, typically on _, _ and _. All communications received in between those days will be reviewed and returned on those days only.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">I can be contacted by email through the Canvas website or at me@howardcc.edu. I will respond to all messages within _ hours, _ through _.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">In person meetings are available by appointment.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">I will read discussion forums/resources and provide comments/responses within 3 days.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Attendance
<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Your participation through sharing of your ideas, knowledge, and experiences is critical to this class. Students are expected to participate in all class discussions on time. Even in an online course, your attendance is important! In this course, an absence is defined as a failure to contribute to the warm-up question and at least the required number of postings to the weekly discussion by the due date. Please let me know if you'd like further clarification.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">More than one unexcused absence will be subject to a four-point loss per absence from your final grade. In addition, frequent lateness to the discussions will also have an adverse effect on the final grade. If you accumulate more than three unexcused absences, you will not pass this course.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Communication is key: let me know if you are sick, injured, or experiencing a personal emergency so that, together, we can develop a plan for your success in this class.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Student Responsibility

 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Students are responsible for backing up their assignments (flash drive, computer, online storage, etc) in case of the need for re-transmission.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Students are responsible for keeping the instructor informed in the event of emergencies or unusual circumstances leading to extended absence from class participation. Please remember to check sent messages to ensure that attachments were sent and files were note corrupted; failure to attach "clean" assignments to messages cannot be accepted as an excuse for late work.



<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Guidelines for Positive Contributions to Our Learning Community
//**<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">The Basics: **// <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;"> Specifically address the discussion prompt in your posts. Refer to specific content you encountered in the module to support your responses. Remember to refer to the scoring rubric as that is how your work will be evaluated (graded). When replying to peers, please address your response to them by name. This makes it feel more like a conversation and is easier for all readers to engage in the discussion.

//**<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;"> Tone and Courtesy in Writing: **// <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;"> The "tone" is a very important part of electronic communication. When you read your message out loud, does it sound the way you would speak to another student in the classroom?
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Think through and re-read your comments before you post them.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Be nice. Refrain from inappropriate language and derogatory or personal attacks.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Make a personal commitment to learning about, understanding, and supporting your peers.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Assume the best of others in the class and expect the best from them.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Disagree with ideas, but avoid challenges that may be interpreted as a personal attack. Support your counterpoints with meaningful information or perspectives.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Be open to be challenged or confronted on your ideas in the spirit of healthy debate.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Respectfully challenge others with the intent of facilitating growth.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Encourage others to develop and share their ideas.

//**<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;"> Me, Too, I Agree!: **// <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;"> The "me-too" post certainly is a frustration in the online environmentand does not add any depth to the discussion or learning. I'm not making this up: in a study by Stodel, Thompson, and MacDonald (2006), “Learners got frustrated with the constant agreements and comments such as ‘Good point’ and ‘I agree’; feeling it made the conversation overly positive and fake.” Therefore be sure to post substantive ideas and avoid the "I agree" postswhich just clutter up a discussion board. This expectation is actually reflected in our discussion rubric. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Grammar, Spelling and Fonts: <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;"> The Discussion Board is part of a college course, so your writing style should conform to the rules of standard English. Here are some guidelines for all messages posted to the course's Discussion Board and course-associated emails:
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Avoid conversational slang.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Don't curse. (I know YOU would never do that, but I have to say it anyway.)
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Text-speak is best saved for phones. Please use standard spelling:
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">you (not u)
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">are (not r)
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">to or too (not 2)
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">you're (not ure)
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">right (not rite)
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">I (not i)
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Use the spell check. It's a great habit to get into if you're not already doing it in your emails and professional writing.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Please keep your font size to 12-14 pt.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">DON'T WRITE THE ENTIRE POSTING WITH YOUR CAPS LOCK ON. IT'S REALLY ANNOYING TO THE READER.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">There. Now that we've got that covered, I'll see you on the discussion boards!

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;"> Adapted and used with permission of: <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;"> Lehmann, Kay and Lisa Chamberlin (2009).[|Making the Move to eLearning: Putting Your Course Online], pp. 141-145. Rowman & Littlefield Education Publishers. (Available in hard back, soft cover, and Kindle)

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;"> Other Sources <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">[Thanks to Erin Coleman for sharing this with the Education department.]
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Small Urban & Rural Transit Center
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">University of Oklahoma, Mythology and Folklore course
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Oregon State University Extended Campus
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">A Website for Beginning Online Learners - eModerators
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">Hunter College