Meaningful interactions among students and instructors are the hallmark of a successful online class. In Open Web Mapping, we will use Canvas and our course website to communicate in various ways. Please read through these sections even if you think you have seen them before in other courses, as the guidelines for this class are somewhat different.
Communications via Canvas
- Assignments. Some of the assignments are to be submitted as posts or replies on the different discussion forums on Canvas to allow for interaction and exchange between the students. For example, for the term project, you are required to create a video of your project and post a link to it on the "Term project video & review forum" so that your fellow students can comment on and review your project. Likewise, in Lesson 1, you are required to initiate a discussion by posting on the "Lesson 1 assignment forum" on Canvas.
- Questions and technical problems. If you have a question about the lesson materials or you are running into problems getting the assignments to work, please post to the Technical Discussion Forum that I have configured on Canvas.
Email Communications
This course uses the Canvas e-mail system in addition to Canvas Announcements to share important instructions and information throughout the course. I suggest you make a habit of checking your Canvas e-mail once per day.
You can send me e-mail at any time. My goal is to respond within 24 hours during weekdays. However, the Technical Discussion Forum on Canvas is preferred for most technical questions because everyone can see and benefit from them, and you can potentially get help or insight from anyone in the class. I check the forums as often as I check e-mail.
Have questions? Need help?
There are many ways to get the help you need. You can post on the Canvas forums, or email your instructor, or see the "Help!" link in the Resources menu to learn more about the people and resources available to you.