Internet
One of the most common reasons a test or assignment is missed is due to the internet. Some students wait until the last minute to complete work and if the internet fails, they miss the deadline. With some students this seems to be an ongoing problem. What solutions would you offer those students?
Marie,
Ultimately there have to be consequences as this prepares students for their future professional career - so, if you are giving them a second chance at the test, they should know ahead of time that they will have forfeited some points already. Mention this ahead of each test. Also, set up a test prep schedule with students - Day (date) Action (study page 12) / Day (date) Action (test the Internet connection) and so on until the test date. Check that everyone has the schedule and has taken all the steps. Students will still try and procrastinate but you will likely reach more students than not this way.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Perhaps a different way to submit the assignment would help, like email for instance or through their smartphone in a cafe.
Students have many options for free internet use. Students can access the internet from McDonald's, Starbucks, Barnes and Noble, etc.
Lilia,
Very true - there are increasing locations for access as well as mobile access through phones.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I don't know of any other way than to schedule a make-up test. I agree that there should be some consequences (points subtracted) unless the problem was out of the student's control.
Before I give any real tests I always schedule a practice test which gets the student familiar with the format and also confirms they have the access to take future tests. If they are going to have problems we can work them out at that time. Afterword it becomes the student's burden to maintain their access.
As an online instructor I try to encourage my students to try and complete as much work as they can and if they have the time. For the majority of my student are online they all rely on the internet. If they do not have connection then I just try and work with them to reschedule the test or to give then at least two days to complete al course work for that week.
Breezy,
Yes, it is difficult to imagine any instructional environment today without the Internet. It has completely changed student expectations, the role of the instructor, and the expectations of employers. Therefore, we must maximize the technology in our instructional designs.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
At the beginning of the course I send students my expectation policy. In this document I address this issue. I let the students know that I understand that they are working adults with families and other responsibilities however assignments must be submitted on time and that internet outage is not an excuse. If the students request an extension due to their internet outage and it is their first attempt, I do allow them to submit it and deduct points for the late submission. I also offer some time management tips to avoid this from reoccurring in the future.
