Class,
Update Week Seven: when I teach this class students typically post presentations on time and in an effective manner. This semester a number of students have been M.I.A. (missing in action) on their presentations and that leaves others students who are working hard to keep up in a precarious place.
I thought I had stipulated already, but could not see it in the syllabus, so let me say here that if a student fails to present on time (the Monday of the week assigned), by noon of that Monday, then students who come to post their discussion responses after that point may post two comments in lieu of two discussion question responses and evaluate the presenter as failing.
For example, if a presentation is supposed to be up by Monday and you come on Tuesday to answer the presenter's questions and one presentation is missing, simply post two observations in that essay topic instead. Submit an evaluation indicating that the student failed to post a presentation. If a presenter later posts, you do not have to go back and and respond or evaluate again as that student has missed that opportunity with you. I realize the asynchronous manner of the online course means it is crucial for students to post on time in order to help student during that week respond and if a student fails to help his/her peers, then students who have done the work and are ready to post should be allowed to do so within that week's time frame. Remember, you can always post your presentations early, just not late.
Presenters: I suggest you "pin" your presentation when you compose the thread. Pinning allows your thread to appear first so other students can find it right away. When composing your thread you will see a box you can check that say "pin this posting." Select the box.
If there are any questions or concerns, contact me via email or by phone and I can help clarify. If a student thinks s/he skipped an essay because there was no presenter, I will not deduct points for topics that have had that failed to post. I will deduct points going forward as all students now know the protocol to post two observations and an evaluation. I want students to engage with every assigned reading as these varying essays often create critical contrasts and allow a fuller scope of the issue to come the fore.
I hope all have been able to find the introductory presentation to the chapter I posted in Content and on the course home page. Looking forward to grading your papers on power.
