Q: I did the orientation, does that count as one of my semester contacts?

A: The orientation is different from a contact assignment. In addition to the orientation, you need to do two contact assignments by the deadlines listed on your syllabus.

Q: Do I need to purchase the Telecourse Study Guide?

A: It is not required that you purchase the Telecourse Study Guide, but it will be very helpful for exam preparation.

Q: Will you really add five points to my grade on each test for meeting the exam deadlines?

A: Yes.

Q: Are there any other options for extra-credit?

A: No.

Q: Do I receive the extra-credit points for retests?

A: No, the five points are only given for taking the original test by the deadline.

Q: I took the exam after the grace period ended because _________ (list your excuse in this spot), shouldn't that excuse me from the five point penalty?

A: No excuses, waiting until the last minute has its drawbacks and you have just discovered one.

Q: I took the exam after the grace period ended because ACC closed down because of an emergency, shouldn't that excuse me from the five point penalty?

A: No excuses, waiting until the last minute has its drawbacks and you have just discovered another one.

Q: How do I find out if any changes are made in the class?

A: Have you checked Blackboard yet?

Q: You mentioned during the orientation that there were study guides on the class web site but I am still living in the 1980s and the only web I know about is Charolotte's.. How can I get a copy of the guides?

A: You can go to any ACC library (or any library for that matter) and log onto the class web site. Then you can print them out. A librarian can help you if you have trouble.

Q: Libraries are so depressing. It's so quiet and all people do is read and study. Are there other ways I can pick up your study guides?

A: Yes, you can request a copy via postal mail.

Q: If I have questions can I email you any time?

A: Yes, I check my email often so you should receive a reply from me within two to three business days.

Q: I called your voice mail number in the morning and you hadn't returned by call by the afternoon, are you ignoring me?

A: Maybe, but in all likely-hood, no. My voice mail phone doesn't "ring" anywhere and it is not even a real phone; it is simply a voice mail box in digital land. Since I don't check it daily, you may have to wait three or four business days for me to return your call. The quickest way to reach me is to send an email.

Q. I sent you an email in the morning and you hadn't replied back by the afternoon, are you ignorming me?

A. Maybe, but in all likely-hood, no. While I usually try to respond within 24 hours, I ask you give me two or three business days to reply.

Q: How much time should I plan on spending on this course?

A: Hard to tell. A general rule of thumb, is that for any quality three credit hour college level course at a respectable college or university you should spend approximately 120 hours. So, for an on-campus class you would spend about 40 hours in the classroom and another 80 plus hours reading, studying and doing your out-of-class assignments. With this course you spend about 14 hours in the "classroom" (the videos) and should plan on an additional 100 hours of reading and studying. Generally, you should plan on spending one to two hours on the videos (viewing and taking notes) and about five to eight hours reading and studying each week. If you are not making the grade you want, my first recommendation is usually increase study time.

Q: In some of my other Open Campus courses I skipped the videos and still made a good grade in the course. Can I do that in this one?

A: Did it snow in Austin last summer?

Q: If I need to see you personally are there times we can meet?

A: Probably. I realize everyone's schedules are hectic and full and I will try to accommodate you in any reasonable way realizing that my schedule is hectic and full as well.

Q: How do I find out my exam scores?

A: The easiest way is to log into Blackboard about seven to ten days after you take the exam and check the Grade Book listed under Control Panel. You may also leave a self-addressed stamped envelope with your exam in the Testing Center.

Q: How long does it take for you to grade the exams?

A: Usually within a week to ten days after you take the test.

Q: Do you ever curve exam grades if the class does poorly?

A: Yes. Usually there is a curve on exams one and two. There is rarely a curve on exam three since by then the lazy or weak students have usually withdrawn.

Q: I don't understand the purpose of the contact assignments?

A: This is an opportunity for you to tell me what you find interesting and thought-provoking in the readings and in the videos and then explain why. These short essays (total four, two for each contact) requires a bit of philosophical reflection and then explanation. For example, maybe you never thought about free will and found the material in either the readings or the video thought-provoking. Your essay would essentially be your explaining why you find this thought-provoking. The same topic can not be covered in both the reading and the video.

Q. I forgot about doing the Contact Assignment, what can I do?

A. Nothing. What's done is done.

Q. I missed the Contact Assignment deadline by one day, what can I do?

A. Nothing. What's done is done.

Q: This seems like it would be a better class to take in the classroom, is that true?

A: Both Distance Leaning classes and Traditional classes have their pros and cons. DL classes requires a bit more maturity, responsibility, and self-discipline or motivation, than most traditional ones do, but it also offers much more flexibility and to some extent the ability to learn at your own speed. The biggest perk, of course, is that you have me as your teacher - ha ha, just kidding.