Major Assignment 1: Activities and Participation
In this course you will be a very active participant in your learning experience. You will often work collaboratively with partners and in groups. This is to facilitate your learning. The collaborative aspects of this course are quite intentional, and well-planned (not busy work). Learning research has consistently shown that collaborative activities build community and contribute to learning. I am well aware of the pitfalls of working in groups, and have taken steps to avoid these. You will be evaluated on your own merits, not the performance of your group.
Because I think your active participation is very important for your learning, I have made weekly discussion and participation a percentage of the overall course grade. This percentage represents one of several ways I will encourage and reward your active participation.
Weekly activities include class attendance, readings, contributing to discussions, computer and Internet activities, working with partners and groups, and contributing to our class resources (links, etc.). Prepare well for each class meeting. By doing so you demonstrate respect for your fellow classmates and instructor, and you contribute to a professional, scholarly learning environment.
