Course Communication

Even though this is a fully online class, there are lots of opportunities to connect with me, your classmates, and our tutor, and to receive reminders about upcoming content, assignments, and deadlines.

You are going to run into questions in this course. That's expected! We explore concepts and use technology that are undoubtedly new to many of you. I want to make sure you know that I am here to support you, our tutor is here to support you, and you can also reach out to each other for support! Below you'll find the different modes of communication for this course. Please don't hesitate to reach out for help if you need it!

Virtual Office Hours in Zoom

• Virtual Office Hours will be held weekly via Zoom. Hours and details on how to join are found in the Course Orientation Module in Canvas.

• Office hours are times when you can meet with me to discuss course materials or other related interests you have. Course-related discussions include asking for extra help, seeking clarification of material covered in the Canvas modules, and following up on aspects of the class you find compelling. Please come with questions!

Canvas Inbox

• The best way to reach me outside of office hours is through the Canvas Inbox.

  • Check out the following tutorial: How do I use the Canvas inbox as a student?

• Barring extenuating circumstances, I will respond within 24 hours Monday through Friday (usually much sooner!).

Canvas Announcements

• Canvas Announcements will be posted regularly throughout each week. These announcements will outline course content and assignments, due dates, and may share clarifications, course updates, and new or interesting information I've found that I think you might find helpful.

• Announcements will appear at the top of our course homepage when you log in and/or will be sent to you directly through your preferred method of notification from Canvas. It is very important to subscribe to course announcements and read all announcements carefully.

• Check out the following tutorial: How do I add contact methods to receive Canvas notifications as a student?

Feedback on Assignments

• Individual feedback will be provided through assignment comments on all discussions and assignments. Feedback will mostly be written, but may also include audio and video comments. Please just let me know if you'd prefer that I stick to written feedback!

• Barring extenuating circumstances, feedback will be provided within 5 days of the assignment deadline.

• Check out the following tutorial: How do I view assignment comments as a student?

Gentle Nudges

• If you happen to fall behind in the course, you might get a message from me, checking in to make sure you are okay and encouraging you to get back on track. Keep an eye out for these, and if you do need any help, please let me know so we can work together to get you back on track.

• Please check your Canvas messages frequently, and set your notification preferences to be notified right away when you receive a Conversation message through Canvas.

• Check out the following tutorial: How do I set my Canvas notification preferences as a student?

Environmental Science Drop-in Tutoring in Zoom

• Virtual Tutoring Hours will be held weekly via Zoom. Hours and details on how to join are found in the Course Orientation Module in Canvas (see the Meet Your Tutor page).

• Tutoring hours are times when you can meet with our tutor to discuss course materials. Course-related discussions include asking for extra help, seeking clarification of material covered in the Canvas modules, and asking questions about specific assignments. Please come with questions!

It is normal to have questions or need clarification regarding course assignments, expectations or course navigation. Please do not send me messages asking general information about the class. Instead, use the "Ask Here for Help" Discussion Forum that is set up for this very purpose!

Ask Here for Help Discussion Forum

This discussion forum is located at the top of each module in Canvas.

• This is a student-led open forum where you are encouraged to help each other, and can earn extra credit for doing so!

• You can ask general questions about the course, questions about concepts, questions about how to approach an assignment or problem, questions about technology, etc. The more details you provide about your question or problem, the easier it will be to get help!

• I will also monitor this forum to assure that questions are getting answered in a timely fashion.

Canvas Chat

• You can also engage with classmates using Chat. This is an optional way to reach out to your classmates, and will not be regularly monitored.

• Check out the following tutorial: How do I use Chat as a student?