Online Physical Geography
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I have to use the same textbook edition as the instructor, or can I use a previous edition of the text?
Students are welcome to use a previous edition of the required textbook. Generally, the information in previous editions is the same with a few minor exceptions. However, it is important to note that the page numbers I reference in the online lectures and in announcements will likely not correspond to the page numbers in previous textbook editions. Also, the graphics and tables are obviously more current in the most recent edition.
2. When will grades be posted?
Grades will be posted on Blackboard within one week of an assignment due date on Monday, e.g. grades for the Introductions Assignment (due by Monday, August 25th) will be available on Blackboard by Monday, September 1st. Grades will generally be posted earlier, but it is not guaranteed. Note: The one week grade posting applies only to those materials that the instructor must grade, e.g. discussion boards and assignments that have short answer questions. Grades that are automatically calculated by Blackboard, such as quizzes consisting exclusively of multiple choice questions, should reflect in the Blackboard grade book immediately after an assignment/exam is submitted.
3. Is there extra credit in this class?
I generally do not offer extra credit, though there may be an extra credit opportunity or two if a relevant event comes up that I want to encourage students to attend.
4. If I miss an assignment, will I be able to complete the assignment late for partial credit?
Make up work (including exams) will not be accepted other than for extreme emergencies that can be verified in official written form, e.g. doctor’s note, etc. Students requesting to make up missed work MUST contact me before the assignment deadline (unless the emergency prohibits). It is highly recommended that students give themselves plenty of time to complete the required assignments and exams. Waiting until 11:00 p.m. on the Monday evening that something is due increases the probability that your work will not arrive electronically by 11:59 p.m., and I do not accept late work (that includes work turned in at 12:00 a.m.)! If your computer crashes or some other glitch occurs at the last minute (including illness), it will be too late for me to help you.
5. Will you round up my grade when I am only 1% from an A?
The grading scale for this class is as follows: 90-100=A, 80-89=B, 70-79=C, 60-69=D, 0-59=F. A student’s final grade is determined objectively by how many points he/she earns out of the total possible points. Though I appreciate that a student has worked very hard to earn an A, grades are not determined subjectively. And in fairness to all students it is only ethical to stick to the grading scale.
Here is the link to the very short survey. Sorry I can’t hyperlink it – I’m typing this on my iPad due to technical difficulties with my PC and WordPress.:-(
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3D5LQDS