Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONS
Q: If I have a question about the course, how do I get a hold of you?
A: First, make sure this question isn't already answered in the Syllabus, Discussion Guidelines, or posted in the "Announcements" section at the top left side of the "Home" page. If you have read all of these documents and still have further questions, I will be more than happy to answer them! My email address is cichanskimarek@fhda.edu.
Q: I emailed you a question, and you referred me to a document and/or to the "Important Announcements" forum instead of answering my question directly in the email. Why is that?
A: In an online course such as this one, it is vitally important that you should read everything provided to you. This is my only real way of letting you know what is expected of you in this online course. If your question gives the impression that you haven't read a document or message (or haven't read ALL of it) from me to the class, I will refer you to that document or to the "Announcements" forum to make sure you have read everything provided within that document or message (not just the answer to your question). Naturally, if you have further questions at that point, I will be more than happy to answer those!
Q: I need to find the "Academic Calendar" for the campus as a whole. Where can I find this?
A: Here is a link: Academic Calendar (external site) Links to an external site.
DISCUSSION ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS
Q: How do I get started?
A: You need to read the "Discussion Guidelines & Rubric" first and foremost.
Q: What is the difference between a thread and a post?
A: A thread is a new topic that someone has started. A post is any written communication in the discussion, whether it be the start of a thread, or a reply to a thread.
Q: How do I reply to a thread (topic)?
A: Find a topic you are interested in replying to, click the "Reply" button below the post, then type your reply in the text box provided. Once finished, click the "Post Reply" button at the bottom right of the text box. Do not leave the page immediately. Wait for your post to submit properly. It is your responsibility that all your posts submit properly.
Q: How do I pick a topic to start?
A: First and foremost, your post must be a topic in Astronomy, planetary science, or planetary exploration. From there, many students will write about a current event in the news, such as an ongoing or upcoming space mission, or a recent discovery. There are always many of these to choose from. Some students will have watched an Astronomy documentary on their own, and will share questions or insights from that as well.
Q: Am I required to start threads (topics) to have a chance of receiving an A?
A: No, you can reply to other peoples' threads/posts all quarter long and receive an A for this assignment, so long as you follow the instructions.
Q: Is there a difference in points between starting my own thread vs. replying to someone's topic?
A: No, you can just reply thoughtfully to threads all semester long and never start your own thread (or vice versa) and still potentially receive a perfect score each week.
Q: What do you mean by "reply thoughtfully"?
A: Your reply should add substance to the discussion. For example, if someone posts about what they learned from watching a film, your reply should not be limited to: "That was a great film. I learned a lot, too!" In addition, you should add what you also personally learned.
Q: Can I copy and paste a good article as a Discussion post?
A: No. I need to grade your own words, not another person's work. Copying and pasting with little or no content from you personally will earn you no credit from that post.
Q: I replied to a thread and did not receive credit for my post. Why is that?
A: You most likely replied to a thread that was off-topic (biology, politics, etc...). Remember it is always your responsibility to make sure the thread you are replying to is ON-topic.
Q: Is there any way to make up missed points in the Discussion?
A: No, but the lowest Discussion grade is dropped from your final grade.
Q: Do you have any good suggestions on getting a Discussion thread started?
A: Popular topics for threads include current events and discoveries in astronomy and planetary exploration. There are a number of good, reliable sources for these kinds of news stories on the web, and it's my hope that you'll be able to find a number of these good sources during the first weeks of the quarter. PRO TIP: If you learn something interesting from a good, reliable, detailed source, you can either post a description of what you learned, OR ask a question about the topic, hoping that one or more of your classmates will find the source you did.
Q: Are there any examples of threads (that have been started) I can look at?
A: I usually start a few example posts within the first few days of the semester. From there, many students will post great examples as well, and I will comment via email to everyone that the posts generally look good (or not). Pay attention to my emails to the class! They also give a lot of great hints to get you started!
GRADES
Q: When will Module Activity grades be available for each activity?
A: Once the grace-period deadline has passed, which is one week after the due date for most activities.
Q: When will Discussion grades be available?
A: Usually within 5 days after that particular discussion closes. If it will be later than this, I will email the class with a new anticipated date.
Q: If I turn in an activity during its grace period, can I use the grace period again for other activities without penalty?
A: Yes, you can. However, I do not recommend this, since using a grace period means you are behind in the class. That's never a good situation to be in.
Q: When will final grades be available to students?
A: I usually submit final grades to the registrar within 3 days of my releasing grades to students on Canvas. However, it usually takes a week or two longer for the registrar's office to be able to release the grades to students themselves. The exact date varies from quarter to quarter.