Warmups for Oceanography

Web assignments will be an important learning tool in our oceanography 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 index page. These warmup questions will be based on the reading for the next class period, and must be answered by each student electronically, no later than noon of the day the class meets. Course credit will be given to each student for making an honest attempt at answering the questions. An honest attempt means that each question must be fully 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. The statement on academic honesty and cheating, explained in the syllabus, will apply to these assignments. 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.

Warmups will be completed using the a special application developed by Winona State's E-learning staff. If you have difficulty accessing the warmups through this application, or difficulty in submitting your answers, please do NOT contact me. Instead, email elearning@winona.edu, or see either Jose De Leon, John Stafford, or Ken Gretz in elearning (second floor of library room 220).

Note that warmups will not be available for completion after noon on the day of the class for which each is assigned. The "submit" option will disappear from the application, and you will only be able to access the questions and the answers that I've posted.. 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, get into the habit of turning in warmups through print media. I strongly prefer that you submit all of your warmups electronically, and expect you to do so with very few exceptions.

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