Effort and Time
Sometimes students think that because of the flexibility of an online class, it will not require as much time as a face-to-face class. Actually, any expectation that an online class will take less time and effort than a traditional, face-to-face class is invalid. Most students will need 10-12 hours a week for each 3-credit online class to learn what is necessary. Please schedule this time into your schedule, and plan to log in to the course at least 2-3 times per week.
Success for Online Learners (SŌL) is a tool that helps you prepare to learn online. Work through the module to earn a SŌL Certificate and share it with your instructor.
Student Identity Verification
To meet federal regulations, this online class includes an activity for which you must validate your identity by showing an ID and having your participation in the class activity monitored. Please check the Syllabus to find out how you can participate in this activity.
Netiquette
Everyone is expected to behave and interact with others in their online courses professionally. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Be respectful of each other at all times.
- Choose your words carefully. When communicating online, words can be misunderstood, so make sure to proofread them and to consider how someone else might interpret them.
- Attempt to see things from other perspectives. Be polite and rational when replying to differing opinions.
- Use correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation in all correspondences. Use Standard English in all aspects of the course. Do not use “texting” language/acronyms.
- Be culturally sensitive. Be careful with humor or jokes: you can be funny but be aware that certain jokes can be viewed as being offensive.
- Maintain an environment of constructive criticism when commenting on the work of other students and use supporting and relevant information.
- Don’t flame (personally attack) someone. It is possible to disagree with an idea without flaming the person espousing the idea.
- Don’t use the CAPS lock in online communication. ALL CAPS usually indicate that the writer is angry, and this sets up an aggressive tone.
- Respect other people’s time. Remember that electronic communication takes longer to read and respond. Make sure your online communications are relevant and on point.
- Netiquette for Email
- Always use your Google@UH Gmail account or Laulima Email while communicating.
- Use a clear subject line. For instance, “aloha” is not a clear subject line and your instructor/reader cannot understand the specific question or the course that you are writing about; “Quick question about tomorrow’s meeting” is a better subject line.
- Be careful when using “Reply to All.”
- Always communicate with aloha and begin your message with a personal and/or a positive note.
- Netiquette for Discussion Boards and Chat Rooms
- Take your post and chat seriously: once you post/enter, you cannot take it back.
- Read all other responses/comments before replying to make sure you understand the whole conversation.
- Quote the post you are replying/referring to so others will know which post you are referencing.
- Netiquette for Synchronous Meetings
- Faculty will consider whether or not synchronous meetings are really needed, as pre-recording the lectures is another option.
- Do not take a screenshot of a synchronous class meeting or post the screenshot on social media if videos are on, as that would be a violation of FERPA.
[From Online Netiquette and Privacy Tips by the UH Online Innovation Center. 7/30/2020]
Online Safety and Privacy
- Avoid becoming a victim of a phishing scam or identity theft. All emails that appear to come from a college, university, bank, credit union, credit card company, or similar organization and asks you to provide personal information and/or your account and password, either directly or through a false login screen, should not be trusted. DO NOT REPLY! Never give out your password to anyone!
- Download a free copy of the antivirus software. Keep your PC or Mac safe from viruses by downloading and installing your free copy of McAfee.
- Be aware that everything online can be viewed, shared, or hacked. This is especially important with student data (e.g. full name, location, birthdate, etc.)
- Screenshots can be taken of anything and spread on social media.
- During a recorded live session, refrain from sharing personal identity or information.
- If you are on video, be mindful of what is being captured (e.g. family members, your room, window with a recognizable view, valuables, etc.)
- Be aware that third-party tools can collect your information and share it with other companies. Always read the Terms of Service (TOS), privacy policy, and End-user license agreement (EULA) of all third-party tools you use in your course. There is a browser add-on if you would like to evaluate a tool’s TOS.
- Some tools allow you to use a single sign-on from third-party companies (e.g. Google), which gives the tool partial or full access to the data.
- Always save your files in a secure location.
Academic Honesty
Academic honesty is required of all students, and you are responsible for the content and integrity of all work you submit. Each student is responsible for understanding and following campus policies on academic honesty. Refer to the general policies, academic dishonesty section of the college catalog for more information. You will be guilty of cheating if you:
- Submit or claim the work of others as your own (plagiarism).
- Use or obtain unauthorized assistance in any academic work.
- Give unauthorized assistance to other students.
- Modify a submitted examination or assignment for the purpose of obtaining additional credit.
- Misrepresent the content of submitted work.
Student Conduct Code
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs assists students, faculty and staff with the conduct code and policy enforcement at Kapi‘olani Community College (CC) and its sponsored activities. Our goal is to foster a supportive environment where you are accountable for your behavior and its impact on your educational community.
The Student Conduct Code outlines behavior that conflicts with our community standards and can be found at: www.kapiolani.hawaii.edu/regulations-policies-and-data/student-conduct-code/
My expectation is that you understand and abide by these agreements as a student in this course, including refraining from: cheating, plagiarism, forgery of documents, providing false information, and other acts of dishonesty. Both in person and online behavior that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person, or disrupts teaching and learning, may result in a disciplinary process and sanctions. As a reminder, smoking of any kind, including electronic smoking and vaping devices, is prohibited on campus property.
Students who have a concern about violations of the Student Conduct Code may contact the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at (808) 734-9522 or email kapvcsa@hawaii.edu. You may also report an incident at http://bit.ly/kapcc_reporting. Although your contact information is requested, you may select to remain anonymous.
Student Wellbeing
If you find yourself struggling with your mental, emotional or physical health this semester, please feel free to approach me. My goal as your instructor is for you to be successful in this class and at Kapi‘olani Community College (CC).
Kapi‘olani CC provides a number of free resources to all enrolled students, including The Ka‘au Program. For confidential counseling, linkage and referral to appropriate services, email kapkaau@hawaii.edu or call (808)734-9585.
You may also find the Crisis Text Line to be helpful. At any hour of the day, text the word “aloha” to 741741. You will receive a reply within 60 seconds.
If you feel unsafe on campus, call our 24-hour security at (808)734-9900. If it’s an emergency – Call 911.
Mask Guidance
Wearing a mask is not mandatory; however, it is highly recommended that people wear masks indoors and around people during crowded events, especially for those who are not vaccinated or who are immunocompromised.
Masks may continue to be required in indoor spaces based on recommendations by medical and public health experts. If there are signs requesting masks posted for a space or office, please honor those signs. You may request a mask at the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs in ‘Ilima 205, or at the Office of Student Life in ‘Iliahi 126.
Masking is required for those who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or has contracted the virus. They must wear a mask for the duration of the 10-day isolation period. An infected person may return on day 6 if their symptoms are substantially improved and they have not had any fever in the preceding 24 hours, wearing a mask.
Please respect an individual’s choice to wear a mask. For more info, visit https://www.hawaii.edu/covid19/.