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WHY WEBBOARD?
WEBOARD is a way that we can discuss class ideas and issues that we don't
have time for in class. It's also a way of clarifying material, talking about
sensitive topics that might make people uncomfortable to discuss in class,
and give people who are shy about talking a chance to be heard.
Because on-line instruction also counts as "class contact," it allows us
make up for the days that class have no formal class because of prison
trips or my obligations at criminal justice conferences.
Most important, WebBoard is a way of developing our thinking and writing
skills, something extremely useful when applying for a job.
GRADING:
Webboard counts for about 10 percent of your grade. It's an easy way to
gain points!!!
The expections for maximum credit (50 points):
---Two or more SUBSTANTIVE posts a week. A substantive posts is simply
one that makes sense and shows you're involved with ideas related
to the class. Simply saying, "me too," or "that's stupid!!"
aren't substantive. To explain why you think something is stupid
is probably substantive.
---Quality counts more than quantity!! 15 to 20 *solid* posts would
likely get max credit (or close to it). 50 goofy posts won't.
--There must be a consistent pattern of involvement over the semester.
If you post 20 times in the first week and 20 times in the last
week (but skip the 14 weeks in the middle), you're hosed.
If you post little in the first 15 weeks and try to catch up in the
last week with 50 posts, you're doubly hosed.
--Some people can post many times a week, some can't. As long as
there's a general pattern of involvement over the course of the
term, a gap of a week or three usually won't be a problem if you
make up for it when you can post.
Some (even most) people love WebBoard, some hate it. Remember - it's
a way to expand your knowledge and develop your skills!
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Page maintained by: Jim Thomas - jthomas@math.niu.edu