• How much computer and Internet experience is required?
• How do I register for this course?
• How do I take exams for this Internet course?
• When does this course start and finish?
• How do I withdraw from this course?
• Who do I contact for general information about this course?
• How do I contact a counselor or advisor about courses on the Internet?
• Will the Internet Speech class be easier than an on-campus speech course?
• What are the advantages of an Internet Speech course as opposed to a traditional speech course?
• What are the disadvantages of an Internet Speech course as opposed to a traditional speech course?
• What should I do if I don't understand something in the course?
• Why do we need to come on-campus if this is an on-line class?
• How often should I check my e-mail while the on-line course is meeting?
• How do I get an "A" in the course?

Computer experience:

It is highly recommended that you have taken at least one beginning course in computers at the college level or have some experience with computers. (top)

Internet experience:

You must be able to access the Internet using Netscape or Internet Explorer. You must know how to use a web browser. You must also be able to send and receive e-mail. (top)

How do I register for this course?

All online students must register for courses and pay tuition and required fees before being considered officially enrolled. To receive current registration information, call Morton College at (708) 656-8000. (top)

How do I take exams for this Internet course?

There will be two exams. Check the Assignments page for more information about the exams as the time draws nearer for you to take the tests. You will take each test in room 105D, the Writing Math Lab, at the Morton College campus. Bring a picture ID and ask the attendant in 105D for a test. When you complete a test, give it back to the attendant. You'll learn your midterm test score in the on-campus class session scheduled after the test date. (top)

When does this course start and finish?

When offered during the spring semester, SPE101 Internet begins in January and continues through May. When offered during the fall semester, SPE101 Internet begins in August and continues through December. (top)

How do I withdraw from this course?

The date of your official withdrawal determines both your final grade and whether you are eligible to receive a refund for the class. Courses dropped during the first two weeks of the semester do not appear on your official record. A withdrawal "W" will be recorded for a course withdrawal after the second week. Tuition and fee refunds will be granted to eligible students. Please see the Refund Table in the Class Schedule. Non-attendance does not count as withdrawal from the class and may result in a failing grade on your record. To drop from a class, follow these steps:

1. Obtain a Drop Form from the Counseling and Testing Center. If you are dropping a credit course before the midterm, two signatures are required.
2. A counselor or advisor must sign the Drop Form, and the instructor must sign the drop form and indicate the last date attended. After the midterm of the course, only the counselor's or advisor's signature is required on the Drop Form.
3. Submit the completed Drop Form to the Office of Admissions and Records for processing.

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Who do I contact for general information about this course?

Contact Steven Ginley at srginley@yahoo.com.

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How do I contact a counselor or advisor about courses on the Internet?

Counseling and Testing Center staff are available to help students with educational planning, career counseling, personal concerns, etc. For an appointment with the Counseling and Testing Center, visit room 203C or call (708) 656-8000 ext. 250. (top)

Will the Internet Speech class be easier than an on-campus speech course?

No. The speech class is a means to an end, not an end in itself. The class's goal is to provide you with the communications skills you'll need to succeed in life. It would be unethical for me to construct a course that doesn't fulfill that goal simply to accommodate an on-line format. For this reason you'll be doing virtually the same work as the on-campus classes. There is only one different speech grade between the Internet and on-campus classes. The Internet class will do the Speech 101 Internet Introduce a Speaker speech instead of the Double Introduction Speech that the on-campus classes will do. They're different methods of experiencing manuscript delivery. (top)

What are the advantages of an Internet Speech course as opposed to a traditional speech course?

The primary advantage of on-line learning is it allows you to have more schedule flexibility. You'll be able to do your Internet class work around such firmly scheduled events as work hours, child care times and other classes. You'll still have to do the work, but when you do it is more up to you. (top)

What are the disadvantages of an Internet Speech course as opposed to a traditional speech course?

Internet courses place more responsibility on the student and require more student self-discipline. Typically, Internet classes have higher drop-out rates than traditional classes because some students lack the self-discipline to stay current with the course assignments. For this reason I've added graded homework assignments due twice each week. This allows me to identify people who are beginning to get behind and intervene before they have a serious problem. Secondly, Internet courses require students who are having trouble with the course material to speak up and contact the instructor. On-line instructors can't look at the faces of the class and see who looks puzzled. You have to assume that responsibility. (top)

What should I do if I don't understand something in the course?

If it's a course-related question, post your question in the Discussion Forum. If it's a personal question that concerns a private matter, e-mail me and I'll respond to you privately by return email. In an Internet course it's up to you to ask the question. My home e-mail address is better than my Morton e-mail address since I can access my home e-mail at Morton and at home. You can also call me on the telephone at Morton. My phone number and office hours are listed on page 1 of the class syllabus. If you're on campus feel free to drop into my office, 319C, during my office hours, slide a note under my office door or put a note in my mailbox directly across the hall from the bookstore. (top)

Why do we need to come on-campus if this is an on-line class?

Public speaking involves speaking in front of an audience. There's no way to simulate an audience over a computer. For this reason we'll come on-campus to present our speeches to an audience. Some Internet speech classes allow students to videotape their speeches. However, this isn't preparing the students to speak to a room full of strangers. These students won't be as well prepared as you will to present a speech after the course is over. (top)

How often should I check my e-mail while the on-line course is meeting?

You should check, and respond to, your e-mail at least once a day during the term. It's very frustrating to send an e-mail and not get a prompt response. I'll respond to your e-mails within 24 hours. Usually, within 12 hours. (top)

How do I get an "A" in the course?

Simple. Earn 1179 points and you'll get an "A". It's impossible to guarantee an "A" for anyone because grades measure successful effort not effort alone. I'd offer some advice that will increase your chances of getting an "A".

1. Do all the homework. Graded homework gives you points. While ungraded homework doesn't give you points immediately, it helps you master the skills you'll need to succeed on your quizzes, tests and speeches. Your quizzes, tests and speeches give you major points.
2. If in doubt, ask. Post course-related questions in the Discussion Forum. Feel free to e-mail me any private questions you have, rough drafts of speeches, etc. I'll always be happy to look over your work. Even if you think you've done it correctly and would just like to be 100% sure, send it to me. I'll look at it and get back to you.
3. Attend all five on-campus sessions. Put those dates on your schedule now. Plan your other events around them. You get extra credit points for attending.
4. Do your class work earlier rather than later. Graded homework and quizzes may be submitted at any time during the week they're assigned. They will not, however, be accepted after the due date has passed.

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