Start Here

In our class there are some useful ideas to begin with and refer back to as we move through the course. I try to keep those ideas here and add to them (or delete them) as needed.

Classroom Dynamics & Behavior

I want to take a moment to set the tone for this class. Each of you have come to this class with various goals, but I've found when we come together around a specific set of goals, the whole experience tends to be stronger for all of us.

In this class, we...

• treat one another like family

• laugh

• are vulnerable to each other's thoughts

• take the time to think

For many, this is a new experience. That's great. For some, you're almost done. YIPEEE! But in this classroom, we're on the same footing. We all learn from each other. Perspectives we don't already know, experiences we haven't had - all of those will combine to make this class a richer, more meaningful experience.

Online Netiquette

Online etiquette, often referred to as "netiquette," is essential for life lived in the Internet. As a society, it's oftentimes too easy to use keystrokes as missle attacks against others, and it's oftentimes too easy to mistake someone's keystrokes as personal attacks.

Because of those two elements, we will follow these guidelines:

We Honor Our Differences

• Behind every keystroke is a living breathing soul. They have people who count on them, love them, and trust them. They may have a life story different from ours, but it is our duty to the integrity of the classroom environment to keep our classmates safe. Safe from harassment, safe from bullying, safe.

• When differences arise, use the tools we are learning in this course to ask for clarification. Differences can be anything from personal beliefs to questions about the truth of assertions.

• When differences do arise, take the time to understand the other point of view. In the process, you may change your viewpoint or may strengthen your own argument. Either way, the only way to achieve this wisdom and knowledge is to put forth the effort to listen and understand your classmates.

• Find your voice. Speak with clarity and kindness. Always seek the truth. Question everything. Never make enemies, instead, build allies. If you would not say it to their face, do not type it.

• Your voice is not without a name. A server records your every keystroke. Participate with integrity.

• Even if it is housed on a server, this is a college classroom. Please respect the educational setting just as you would a traditional classroom.

We Honor the Craft of Communication

• In this class, we are learning how to communicate. We will practice that skill in every dimension during our time together. You should be prepared to communicate with your classmates and faculty.

• Online, TYPING IN ALL CAPS IS AKIN TO SHOUTING. Do not shout, please.

• Speaking fluent sarcasm is a gift many have and share when we're together; however, as of yet, there is no sarcasm font. Be cautious when using humor and sarcasm in an online environment. Insulting your audience will dilute your effectiveness as a communicator.

• When possible, check previous postings for content redundancy.

• Edit and review your online writing before submitting it. I use Grammarly to assist my writing.

• LOL, OMG, SMH, and other similar phrases are perfectly fine when texting; however, this is a college classroom. Write as a college-level student. The same thing with emojis. Use your words.

• Know when to use email versus a discussion board. Things to keep in mind:

  • Personal matters = email (i.e., asking instructor a question, finding out information about a campus event, etc.)

  • Class matters = discussion boards (i.e., if will benefit at least three other people in the class)

Grade and Assignments Policies

This online course will rely heavily on assignments completed via this Learning Management System or LMS. At AC, we often call this LMS, Blackboard. Here are guidelines to assist you as move through the course.

• All weekly assignments (discussion boards, papers, preliminary outlines, quizzes, Revel readings, etc.) are due at 11:59 p.m. the Sunday after I introduce the material. I would encourage making time for assignments daily, especially those requiring responses to other students (i.e., discussions). Online classes, please note: initial contributions to discussion boards are due by Thursday evening at 11:59 p.m. Final discussion board postings (where you've replied to two others) are due on Sunday evening.

• When available, I will provide students with grading rubrics when I give the assignment.

• When working in groups, students should take care to work at the pace of the group.

• Group work assignments will earn each participant a different grade. Individual grades are comprised of individual speaking performance critique, as well as, classmate critiques of how well the student participated within the group.

• Discussion boards and low-stakes chapter/concept quizzes (worth fewer than 10 points per quiz) are not eligible for late-work submission.

• High-stakes assignments (speech performances, papers, outlines, tests) are eligible for late-work submission; however, I will approve late-work requests on a case-by-case basis. Make requests via email (cgmilleson@actx.edu) prior to the assignment deadline. On speaking dates the request must be received prior to class time.

• Each student should know the withdrawal deadline for each of his or her courses. Students may find withdrawal deadlines within ACConnect (My Important Course Dates).

• Students who wish to withdraw from the course must request the withdrawal in writing via email prior to the College’s designated withdrawal date. Students may find withdrawal deadlines within ACConnect (My Important Course Dates).

• I rarely give incompletes and I cannot administratively drop you. I suggest you decide prior to the drop deadline whether or not you will be able to complete the course. I am happy to assist you as needed.

Technology

If you are going to use the Google Drive tools (which I encourage you to do), you will need to know how to switch those files into files that are easily accessible by all computers.

Here is a list of all the technical skills you may need to use and/or learn during the term:

• • how to write journals

  • how to submit an assignment

  • how to participate in a discussion board

  • how to participate in a group discussion/assignment

• ability to use access codes (Revel)

• navigation of Google Drive & associated apps

  • how to convert Google Doc to .pdf

  • creation of Google Slides

• Ability to use Canva

  • a tutorial is provided in the course

Here is a video to help you do that: How to download PDFs from Google Docs

Additionally, sometimes students get confused about where to submit the assignment within dropbox. Here is a video to help you with this issue.

Getting Technology Help

If you need assistance to log on to the course, you may obtain technical support as follows:

AC Connect / Blackboard Support Information: For telephone support, call AskAC at 371-5000. For hands-on technical support, visit the Student Help Center. Also, see the AC Connect Student Resources online help.

The Underground is a great place to get help with many technology issues, as well as, the AC Bookstore's

Have computer difficulties? Read about the AC Computer Service Center here.