Assignment SummaryThere are assignments and activities associated with each course lesson. Traditional assessment tools, (quizzes, exams, research papers, participation) and alternative assessment measures (projects, activities, group & team projects) are integrated into the course assignments. The assignments are designed to facilitate student learning and to provide evaluation data. Assessment rubrics will be used to evaluate participation, mid-term exam, group projects, and the final research paper so students know the standards for assigning grades.
Links to assignments for individual lessons:
Assignments - Lesson One
Assignments - Lesson Two
Assignments - Lesson Three
Assignments - Lesson Four
Assignments - Lesson Five
100 points total
- Participation, 30 points
- Activities/Assignments, 15 points
- Mid-term Exam, 15 points
- Final Research Paper, 20 points
- Group Project, 20 points
Participation
Participation is a major element of this course and will be weighted most heavily in determining students' grades for this course. A series of weekly discussions focusing on distance education will be a very important component of this course. Discussion questions for each lesson will be posted each Sunday evening by 10:00 pm. The discussion questions will be available for 7 days. The forum will be locked for postings after 7 days. Students are also required to participate in two scheduled Web cam chat sessions with the instructor.
Participation Standard:
Students will be expected to respond to each discussion question. Students will be expected to support their responses with relevant online and/or print sources. Student teams will be responsible for creating and facilitating the discussion board for one series of discussion questions and/or posting questions for guest speakers.
Participation Assessment Rubric:
Criteria Participation in required weekly discussions (per expectations outlined above) Overall quality of contributions
Responses are clear and concise and supported by reading, class discussions, and your own experience or outside resources. Responds thoughtfully and intelligently to postings of other students.Team facilitation of discussion board
Questions are thoughtful and relate directly to the topic. Facilitators respond in timely fashion and make concerted effort to stimulate class discussion.Participation in guest speaker discussions Participation in "real time" chat session with instructor Mid-term Participation Evaluation:
Students will receive a mid-term class participation evaluation. The evaluation is designed to give students tangible feedback on their participation up to that point in the course. This will give students the opportunity to improve their participation grade if they are not meeting the instructor's expectations.
Weekly self-assessment quizzes
To help you determine if you understand the reading, there will be an online quiz associated with each lesson. The most important aspects of the reading will be tested. Each student will be required to take each quiz at least once to receive all 5 points.
Activities/Assignments
Assignments and activities will be required for each lesson. Some assignments and activities will require small group collaboration. Students will be required to participate in outside online seminars that focus on distance education and online learning.
Mid-term Exam
The mid-term will be an essay exam. Students will have a chose to complete four of the six essay questions to answer.Mid-term Assessment Rubric:
Criteria Responses are well developed with examples and cover relevant concepts Responses demonstrate depth of knowledge on the question Responses clearly and appropriately respond to topic Research Paper
The research paper should review, analyze and evaluate a particular topic in distance education. Students can choose from one of the topics covered in class or another area of interest related to distance education. The instructor must approve the precise topic for the paper.
Final Research Paper Rubric:
Criteria Important information covered in logical progression Demonstrates depth of knowledge on the topic Uses varied research sources (books, magazines, journals, online sources, class material) Well developed central thesis with introduction, body, and conclusion Group Project
Group Project rubric:
Criteria Written presentation:
- accurate and includes relevant information
- contains appropriate and specific details on the topic
- clearly and coherently organized
PowerPoint presentation:
- Graphical elements uses appropriately
- Background & text work together
- Covers main topics
Peer Evaluation (see peer evaluation rubric) Peer Evaluation Rubric: Students should apply the following assessment criteria to assign peer evaluation points when evaluating team or group members
Criteria Contributes ideas to the group/team Meets deadlines Willingness to contribute Contributes with written and research materials for the group project How to Submit and Name Assignments:
All assignments should be sent to the instructor as an email attachment. The subject of your email should bear the assignment name and your last name. All assignments must be sent in as Microsoft Word, Word Perfect, html, or rtf formats. Make sure your name and assignment name is also included in the text of the document you are sending.
If you are unable to email your assignment by the due date and time due to technical problems, you may fax a copy to 303/933-4932. However, an electronic copy will still be required as soon as it is available.