This page contains answer to general questions students have asked when taking classes with me. If you do not find the answer to your question you can simply email me at singhsukhjit@fhda.edu.
I require students to take classes on-campus for all of my distance learning class. If you cannot come to campus or live out of town then you can contact a faculty of technology courses in your local college (or a testing center) and have them proctor your exam. You can send me contact information of the person who would proctor your exam and I will make arrangements for you to take the exam.
I generally tend to be pro-active and will give you an add code early. Add codes generally work on the first day of class. Kindly try it then and you will be able to add the class.
If you want to remove yourself from the java mailing list you can simply do so by logging into googlegroups.com and click on "Edit my membership" link and make the necessary changes as you see fit. You might consider doing so at the end of the quarter.
If I find that your work is similar to labs submitted in the past, then you will automatically be assigned an F at the end of the quarter. It is not worth the effort to cheat.
Focus on objectives of each session and watch the lectures. Part take in online discussions, Take quizzes (if given), Do the labs and ask for help as needed.
Get your textbooks, review the generic syllabus, install the language tools you will be working with and read through the first chapter of your text. Take a long walk, talk to yourself and ask yourself - Why am I taking this course?
Create a learning plan for entire quarter. Start by figuring out total weeks you have for completing the course and the total number of topics, quizzes, lab assignments and exams you have to cover.
Write down the date you will watch the lectures, do the quizzes, lab assignments etc. Exams have firm dates so please write those down first.
Plan your work and then work the plan
Keep your eye on the ball - There will be emergencies, moments of relaxation or just "life happening" that will lead to delays in executing your plan. You will then have to decide what to work/not work on. Look at which effort will produce the maximum return and work on it. You can also work on creating a "very creative" excuse for me and ask for more time. If your story is convincing, I may even grant you some extra time. I usually have heard so many of these stories that I can figure out good ones from the bad ones. You have a better chance to getting my flexibility if you are outright honest with me.
You work alone with your computer that is connected with a fast DSL/Cable Connection. With your computer connected you may feel a little connected. This will only happen if you choose to communicate and collaborate with others. Taking a distance learning class doesn't mean you distance yourself from others or your instructor (me) for that matter. You will need to take initiative to read the material more than once, ask question in discussion group or ask a question to the instructor. Online courses are not just about watching video lectures, taking online quizzes, doing labs and taking exams - It is about
- Getting help from others (your instructor and classmates) when you need it.
- Working independently without distractions from anyone.
- Having a flexible schedule - going to the class when you choose to versus a fixed time and location.
- Saving money you might spend on gas if you are driving from a distance.
- Saving commute time and spending that time studying.
- About listening to the same lecture over and over if you need repetition on the material.
- Being persistent in getting things done.
- Sharing what you know with others so other will share with you.