The total time spent on these tasks should be roughly equal to that spent on comparable tasks in a classroom- based course. Time spent downloading or uploading documents, troubleshooting technical problems, or in chat rooms (unless on course assignments such as group projects) should not be counted. In determining the time on task for an online course, useful information include the following: • the course objectives and expected learning outcomes • the list of topics in the course outline or syllabus; the textbooks, additional readings, and related education materials (such as software) required • statements in course materials informing students of the time and/or effort they are expected to devote to the course or individual parts of it • a listing of the pedagogical tools to be used in the online course, how each will be used, and the expectations for participation (e.g., in an online discussion, how many substantive postings will be required of a student for each week or unit?) Theoretically, one should be able to measure any course, regardless of delivery method, by the description of content covered. However, this is difficult for anyone other than the course developer or instructor to determine accurately, since the same statement of content (in a course outline or syllabus) can represent many different levels of breadth and depth in the treatment of that content, and require widely varying amounts of time.
III. GRADING SYSTEM
Grade
Grade Points Percent
Non-Letter Grade Interpretation AU Audit (Pass) AUF Audit (Fail) CR
A
4.0
100-95
A-
3.67
94-92
B+
3.33
91-89
Taken for credit (Pass)
B
3.00
88-86
NCR
Taken for credit (Fail)
B-
2.67
85-83
INC
Incomplete
C+
2.33
82-80
R.F.
Repeat Course
C
2.00
79-77
VWD
Voluntary Withdrawal (Simple)
C-
1.67
76-74
VWP
Voluntary Withdrawal Passing
D+
1.33
73-71
VWF
Voluntary Withdrawal Failing
D
1.00
70-68
D-
.67
67-65
F
.33
64-0
Interpretation of Letter Grades A grade of “A” represents outstanding academic achievement, both in quantity and quality. It signifies an unusual mastery of the subject, and is a distinguished grade reserved to honor the select few who excel in the fulfillment of requirements. A grade of “B” indicates work and achievement that is superior. The student has intelligently fulfilled all requirements of the course and demonstrated superior understanding of the subject. A grade of “C” is average and indicates satisfactory fulfillment of all course requirements through average scholastic ability and initiative. It is the most common grade achieved in a normal college population. A grade of “D” represents accomplishment that is inferior in quality and/or quantity and demonstrates minimal understanding of the subject. A grade of “F” indicates failure to achieve the minimum competencies of the course. It is indicative of unacceptable work,
A C A D EM I C S
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