A student sent me the following e-mail regarding discussion points in an online course:“From: janedoe@yahoo.com
Sent: Sun 8/31/2008 11:20 AM
Sent: Sun 8/31/2008 11:20 AM
Subject: I do not see any DB points for week 2?
I know I posted to the forum.
Jane Doe”
A few thoughts:
We, as faculty, focus our time, effort and energy on giving you an experience that is best able to prepare you for success in your chosen career. We constantly put ourselves in your shoes as we plan and present what is in your best interest towards your being able to find success upon graduation. So put yourself in our shoes before you send this type of message. Remember that we often teach more than one course, have many students and we can’t read your mind. Additionally, remember that these careers demand specifics to back up positions or arguments and anything less is insufficient. Finally, as you read my response below, note that above all else we appreciate effort. If you give the effort we ask but struggle on occasion to get the desired results, we’ll do all we can to get you where you need to be.
My response to Jane:
“Jane,
Your message should include which course and which section of that course you are enrolled in. Next, you should include a definite statement that you had met both requirements for the discussion rubric expected for each forum from last week, providing the date and time of each post. The law and this profession require specificity. Beyond that, your conclusion that you "know" you posted isn't supported by the facts, at least not the facts required for posting twice in each forum and the expectations clearly noted in the syllabus regarding course discussions. If I miss a post, and with a normal course load of at least 3 online courses and hundreds of discussion posts a week that's not out of the realm of possibility, I make the correction and apologize for my mistake. On the other hand, I'm not appreciative of these types of messages any more than a lawyer will be if you sent such a message in response to his or her feedback regarding your work product in a case or on a particular task.
We ask a lot of our students in these programs, no doubt about it. We do so because the employers in these careers demand and ask a lot of you. Be diligent, thorough and complete in your tasks and communications and you'll be far more successful both in class and after graduation.
Sincerely,Tom Higgins
“Jane,
Your message should include which course and which section of that course you are enrolled in. Next, you should include a definite statement that you had met both requirements for the discussion rubric expected for each forum from last week, providing the date and time of each post. The law and this profession require specificity. Beyond that, your conclusion that you "know" you posted isn't supported by the facts, at least not the facts required for posting twice in each forum and the expectations clearly noted in the syllabus regarding course discussions. If I miss a post, and with a normal course load of at least 3 online courses and hundreds of discussion posts a week that's not out of the realm of possibility, I make the correction and apologize for my mistake. On the other hand, I'm not appreciative of these types of messages any more than a lawyer will be if you sent such a message in response to his or her feedback regarding your work product in a case or on a particular task.
We ask a lot of our students in these programs, no doubt about it. We do so because the employers in these careers demand and ask a lot of you. Be diligent, thorough and complete in your tasks and communications and you'll be far more successful both in class and after graduation.
Sincerely,Tom Higgins
Professor, Criminal Justice/Paralegal”
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