Warmups for Dynamic Earth

A Learning Tool

Warmups - A Learning Tool

Web assignments will be an important learning tool in our dynamic earth course. I like to use the "warmup" concept. Prior to many class sessions, questions will be posted on our warmup application, which you can reach through the course index page. These warmup questions will be based on the reading for the next class period, and must be answered by each student and submitted electronically, no later than 8:00 AM on the day the class meets. Course credit will be given to each student for making an honest attempt at answering the questions. (The only exception is the first warmup, which deals with the course syllabus and web page.) All questions must be answered correctly on this first warmup to receive credit). An honest attempt means that each question must be fully and thoughtfully answered. For example, if an essay question asks for reference to specific material, asks you to addres a specific point or points, or has more than one part, you must be complete in your response. If you are not complete, no credit will be given for any part of the warmup. It's either "credit" or "no-credit" for an entire warmup.

Again, an honest attempt means that all questions must be answered, and the answer to the essay question must be complete. If these conditions are not met, then no credit will be given for the entire warmup. No part credit is given for warmups.

Each student is expected to do his or her own work. The statement on academic honesty and cheating, explained in the syllabus, will apply to these assignments. If plagiarism is discovered, all students involved will fail the course.

Student answers will be reviewed by the instructor, and will form the basis for the classroom discussion/lecture session. Oftentimes, answers reveal misconceptions that can be dealt with during the next class. This is your opportunity to influence the course of each lecture. The warmups are also a great opportunity for you to test your comprehension of our course material. You can also use them as a means of review of concepts prior to exams. Please note, however, that the warmup questions are NOT the exam questions. Get in the habit of checking the course web page daily, along with D2L, so that you don't miss warmup assignments.

We will use D2L to complete and submit each warmup. If you have difficulties with D2L, please do NOT contact me. Instead, email elearning@winona.edu.

Note that warmups will not be available for completion after 8:00 AM on the day of the class day for which each is assigned. Do not ask for exceptions in submitting late work. It is your responsibility to complete the work on time.

I strongly recommend that you print each warmup before you attempt the questions, then if you do have an electronic problem, you can, as a last resort, do them by hand. I also strongly recommend that you print the warmup after you have completed the work, so that you have documentation in case it gets lost in cyberspace. Do not, however, expect to turn in warmups through print media. You must submit all of your warmups electronically.

You will not receive credit for any lost warmups without the proper documentation. I cannot simply take your word for it that the work was submitted.