Course Communication

Clear communication is an important part of succeeding in an online course, and there are several ways we will stay connected throughout the semester.

Ask Here for Help Discussion Forum

The Ask Here for Help discussion forum is the official location for general course questions about assignments, deadlines, technology, study strategies, and course concepts. I monitor this forum regularly to ensure questions are answered accurately and promptly.

For the fastest support, always begin there.

Canvas Inbox

I generally respond within 48 hours, Monday through Friday. Messages sent late Friday or over the weekend may not receive a response until Monday.

Please use the Canvas Inbox rather than email. Canvas identifies your course and section and helps keep course communications organized. Email messages are more difficult to track and do not identify your class unless you include that information.

Optional Office Hours

Online office hours are available through Zoom for students who would like additional help or would like to discuss course material in more depth. Information about reserve office hour appointments is provided on the Meet Your Professor page in the Course Orientation Module in Canvas.

Announcements and Reminders

Regular announcements and reminders will help guide you through weekly content, assignments, deadlines, and important course updates. Please check Canvas and your Canvas Inbox messages regularly.

Assignment Feedback

Feedback is an important part of learning in this course. I provide assignment feedback to help you understand your progress and continue improving.

Gentle Nudges

If you begin falling behind, you may receive a check-in message from me through the Canvas Inbox, encouraging you to get caught up and making sure you are okay. These messages are meant to support your progress and help keep you connected to the course.

Collaborative Discussions

Collaborative discussions are a major part of this course and help build both scientific understanding and community in our online classroom. Through discussions and peer replies, you will regularly interact with classmates by sharing ideas, asking questions, and providing feedback.

Canvas Chat

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

Please remember that respectful communication and professionalism are expected in all course interactions.

Because much of our course communication occurs online, we are all responsible for maintaining an atmosphere of respect and openness. Everyone should feel comfortable sharing ideas, and others should read and respond thoughtfully. Differences of opinion are welcome, but personal attacks, discriminatory language, harassment, and disrespectful comments will not be tolerated.

Before sending course communications or submitting discussion posts, please review The Core Rules of Netiquette.