Participation Agreement: We're so glad you'll be joining us for this online faculty development module component of our face to face course.
While the module is already chock full of great information and ideas, the real learning comes through active participation in the course by all learners.
By registering for this course, you've committed to being part of a community, and other participants are counting on your being there. Please read and sign this brief participation agreement to show that you understand this commitment.Readings Each week, you'll be reading about three hours worth of course content, web articles, and othermaterial. Be sure to set this time aside, in a couple of chunks, so that you can really concentrate on the readings. Many of the readings have already been given to you and this will be an opportunity to discuss them in greater detail.Participation in "Discourse" Online Discussions: A significant portion of the learning opportunity in this course comes from discussions that happen online. Participating in these discussions is not only vital to your own learning, but also to others' experience. Please be sure to post at least two or three reactions each week to the Discourse questions. Also, plan to engage in discussions more deeply by responding to at least two of your colleagues' posts. In general, it's important to be "seen" regularly in the course discussions. Responses with simply "I agree with your perspective" or "I don't agree" are not adequate. Your posts to the discussions should prompt further discussion and bring new ideas to the conversation. Feel free to introduce new questions, beyond the initial prompts posted by the facilitator. Remember, too, that you can play a role in answering questions your colleagues might have--don't simply wait for the facilitator to answer each question.
Staying in Touch Be sure to keep up regular communication with the course facilitator and your classmates about how you're doing. If you're feeling like you're falling behind, if you won't be able to participate for a few days, or if you're having technical problems, be sure to speak up so the facilitators or your classmates can help out. In addition to course-related topics, you'll find two discussion areas in the course site for general conversation and help: "Tips & Help Desk," where you can post technical problems, questions, or tips for your colleagues; and "Faculty Club," where you can post anything you want, from frustrations to celebrations to announcements!Staying On Schedule Use the "Day-by-Day" suggestions on the Start page as a guideline, and build a routine schedule for yourself. You should be logging into the course at least three or four times a week, and spreading work out throughout the week. If all students follow this guideline, the pacing will keep discussions from stagnating or piling up. A schedule will also help you stay on top of your assignments.Assignments You are expected to complete the "Practicum"assignments no later than one week after each course part concludes. Most of these assignments are fairly simple independent work, but a couple of them require that you work with others in the course. If you're concerned about your ability to complete an assignment, be sure to let your teammates (if applicable) and the facilitator know.
Evaluations To help us make sure the course is providing the best possible learning opportunity, the facilitator will ask for your feedback at the end of the course, and perhaps a couple of times throughout. It will be important that you provide an honest evaluation.
Your Commitment By signing below, you indicate that you have read these guidelines and commit to living up to them to the best of your ability. Welcome to the UVM Faculty Development learning community!
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