Critical Thinking 

I am looking forward to meeting you and working with you to reach your educational goals.

In order to succeed you are responsible for all of your homework assignments and they must be turned in on time. NO LATE WORK IS ACCEPTED. Life happens, I understand this, but I do not accept late work. Having said that, if you come to me with a compelling reason as to why you may need to turn in the assignment after the due then I will undoubtedly allow for an extension--once. the compelling reason must be something other than "I am tired," or "I am busy." We will begin this class working from the premise that we are all tired and busy, this is not an excuse, it is merely a state of being. Weeks run from Monday 8:00 am to Sunday 11:00 pm. Weeks close at Midnight.  I teach in a collaborative learning environment; therefore, we are only as strong as our weakest link.  Everyone is expected to enter into conversation during the group forum discussions.  It is most important to me that your voice be heard.  You also need to participate on peer editing forums which means when you submit  a rough draft you must also be prepared to edit a peer’s rough draft.  You will also be given 1-2 essays which will model what I am asking you to do for each paper.  You will write a 1 page typed response for each posting (200-250 words), and keep a reading and writing portfolio. 

The benefits of taking online courses are many: no more early morning classes, no more parking woes, no more rescheduling at work.  But with these benefits come some responsibilities different from those of the traditional classroom.  In order to be successful in this course, you must above all else want to learn.  In any class, learning is reciprocal. The teacher cannot implant the information in your brain; you must open yourself to it.  In an online environment, this exchange is even more important.  In short, you must be motivated.   If you are the kind of student who has trouble completing assignments, or who needs face-to-face interaction with your instructor and/or other students, this may be harder for you.  But, if you are self-motivated, if you like the idea of a class that will allow you to work whenever you are at your best while still meeting deadlines, and if you are open to exploring new ways of communication with your instructor and classmates, this is the place for you! Another advantage: You can track your grades under the Grades Tab.

P.S.  More details about this can be found in the Home Page of our Canvas course and in your welcome email.