Melanie Steel
Just another LSCS siteSPCH 1311 Online Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where do I go for technical help?
A: The best place to go for technical help is the “Support module on the D2L home page. There you can access Lone Star resourcees, D2L videos, and even live chat with someone. In addition, you can always call (866) 614-5014 to reach the service desk directly.
Q: How do I get in touch with Professor Steel?
A: I can always be reached at melanie.steel@lonestar.edu and usually respond to emails within
a few hours (always within 24 hours on the weekdays and 48 hours on the weekend). You can also call my office at (281) 290-3906 and leave a message if I am not in at the time. For a video call, you can reach me on Skype at melaniebpsteel (email me to set up an appointment). More of a social media person? You can tweet me at @melanieps.
Q: Do we ever have to come to campus for this course?
A: No. This course consists of weekly online activities, discussion boards, and quizzes. You will also be required to complete a group project and public speaking assignment. Both of these assignments will be completed online with no required on campus component. (These assignments are discussed in more detail in the “Assignments” Module on D2L. Finally you will have a mid-term and final exam that will be completed online.
Q: Help! I can’t find anything!!!!
A: Having trouble navigating D2L? Utilize the support videos on the D2L homepage. If your questions are specific to our course, watch the introduction video on the course homepage that walks you through the site. Still have questions? Email me directly at melanie.steel@lonestar.edu.
Q: When will I see my grades?
A: Typically, grades are posted fairly quickly. For quizzes and exams, they will be graded and updated automatically. For all other activities and discussions, please allow up to one week.
Q: What do we call you?
A: Please feel free to address me as Professor Steel, Mrs. Steel, or Melanie. You can stick to what makes you comfortable – as long as respect is maintained.
Q: How do the online discussions work?
A: Each week students will be assigned to write at least one discussion board post. In addition, students will be required to respond to at least two classmates in order to start a conversation (because we all learn more through this method). Once the weekly due date has passed, you are more than welcome to go back and continue talking about past material on the discussion boards. Unfortuanately, you will be unable to participate in the discussion for a grade once the due date has past. I will also be active on the discussion boards. I may respond directly to individual posts or I may respond to everyone through a group “news” item.
Q: Do we have to stay on schedule or can we jump around and/or get ahead?
A: There is no problem with students going ahead to view upcoming material. Having said that, this course is built around establishing a solid learning community. In order to make that happen, students need to progress together based on the syllabus dates. For that reason, the weekly quizzes will only be open for the corresponding week and all discussion post replies must take place during the corresponding week.
Q: Do you take plagiarism seriously?
A: YES!! Students can visit the following link to learn more about forms of plagiarism as well as the academic penalties: http://www.lonestar.edu/departments/studentservices/academic_integrity_brochure.pdf. Students will be held accountable for any and all proven plagiarism.