Snyder's On-Line Policy
USING THE WEBSITE:
The home-page (clicking on the heading) for each course doesn't change. It's got the course outline information, major assignment links, and due dates. The "Daily Lessons" page in the drop-down menu is updated daily with current work due and a brief summary of the day's tasks. Get a homework-buddy that you can rely on to keep you up-to-date with notes in case you're ever away. DO NOT interrupt a class (your own or another) to ask me what you missed or to get help with an assignment. Find out what you missed through the website or another student. DO ask for handouts WHEN there are some (which you'll know about by asking another student before class or checking the website). Get help during my MSIP, prep, or lunch.
IF you don't like working from a computer file, or you prefer a paper copy to cue you to do the work, then spend some time in the library printing off all the assignments.
SEEING YOUR MARKS:
All your marks are recorded on an online marksheet. Assignment titles are links to the general assignment, and marks are links to your specific rubric. I also record any extensions granted (in green) and concerns (in red). See this sample for details. Be aware that, if there are any concerns or requests, your marksheet may be shared with your parents, guidance counsellor, and vice-principal. I e-mail links to marksheets in the first couple days of class. If you don't think you got an e-mail with a link, then e-mail me now (marie_snyder@wrdsb.ca) with "please send my marksheet link" in the subject line.
SUBMITTING WORK:
It's YOUR responsibility to make sure I get your work if you send electronically. If you have problems with losing files or sending work to the wrong address, then I'll ask all work to be submitted as a hard copy. Here are suggestions for on-line work:
* SAVE in multiple places. If you use a word document, then save on a stick AND your hard drive every 10-15 minutes. That way, if your computer crashes the night before your work is due, you won't have lost weeks of hard work! If you work on a google doc, also save to your hard drive in case you lose wifi. Losing files isn't just an unfortunate accident, it's entirely preventable. Take necessary precautions. It is YOUR responsibility to prevent your work from being lost or corrupted.
* DON'T e-mail or use google docs for the first time ever for a major assignment! Make sure that you've been successful with your means of sending work with minor assignments BEFORE the big due date!
* It's up to you to MAKE SURE you have my CORRECT e-mail address.
* IF you use google docs, share it with marie_snyder@wrdsb.ca, NOT marie_snyder@wrdsb.on.ca and NOT marie_snyder@googleapps.wrdsb.ca.
* If you want to share a google doc with me, make sure it's set for anyone to EDIT.
* On all files submitted by e-mail, name the file with your first name first, then the type of assignment. Like this: Sally M article 1 - That will help me track your work more easily if I'm downloading many files at once to work off-line.
Because I mark online, you get marked work back as soon as I mark it instead of having to wait for the next class. So, no need to ask if it's marked yet! If work is received on time, I'll typically mark it within 24 hours. BUT, if you haven't received a mark after 2-3 days, please ask me if I've received it. The onus is on you to make sure I've received all your work. If work is submitted late, don't expect it back until the end of the term.
OTHER TECH ISSUES:
Put your cell phone away for the ENTIRE class, and it's best to take notes by hand. See one professor's powerpoint full of evidence (here a list version) that notes should be taken by hand to ensure success!
The facebook group is a great way to send you articles and information - and it's great when people in the class add relevant articles and videos. BUT, it's an extension of the classroom, so please use appropriate language and content.
If you're angry at me (or anyone), and write a message, then go for a walk for an hour or so and re-read it again before you hit send. Think twice, send once. The internet is forever.