See the complete syllabus below for additional information.

SKILLS REQUIREMENT

Reading and writing proficiency as determined by the COMPASS or ASSET test, or by the statewide THEA test, or by providing an official transcript from another college.  If you do not meet these requirements, you may be withdrawn from the course

COURSE GRADES

Summary of Grading Criteria:

            Online discussion group (5 units @ 15 pts/unit)        =          75 points

            Homework assignments (5 @ 15 points each)          =          75 points

            Exams (5 exams @ 100 points each)                        =          500 points

            Total number of points                                                =          650 points

See below for more information about exams, online discussion groups, and homework.

Grading Scale:

Final grades for the course will be based on these percentages:

                                    A - 90-100%                (585 to 650 points)

                                    B - 80-89%                  (520 to 584 points)     

                                    C - 70-79%                  (455 to 519 points)

                                    D - 60-69%                  (390 to 454 points)

                                    F - below 60%             (0 to 389 points)

There are no curved scores and no additional projects for extra credit other than the extra credit described in the syllabus (see page 9). Since there are extra credit points for every unit, grades will not be curved. Your grade is based solely on the points you earn from exams, homework, and participation in your online discussion group. If you have a borderline grade (such as 79.6%), I look at your grades. If you took all exams, completed all homework assignments, substantially participated in all unit discussion groups, and took the optional final, your grade would be a B. Otherwise, your grade will be a C. This decision will be solely at the instructor’s discretion.

Online Discussion Boards

Students are expected to participate in online discussion boards in Blackboard.  You will be assigned to a discussion group during the first week of class by the instructor. The discussion board for Unit 1 will be available on the first day of the semester. If you have added the class during adds and drops, please send me an email so I can add you to the discussion board. (Please note: It can take Blackboard up to 24 hours to add you to the class after you have registered for it.)

To find your discussion group, look in the frame on the left side of the course Blackboard site.  You will see “Discussion Board” listed there.  Click on this to get to a list of discussion groups.  There will only be one group that you can click on – that is your group.  Once you have clicked on your group, you can add your posts to the threads (topics) for the unit discussion board.

At the beginning of each unit, a set of discussion topics will be available for discussion. (See page 15.)  You will find the discussion topics for each unit in the “Course Content” folder, under “Unit Course Content” folder.  For the first unit, click on the “Unit 1 Course Content” folder and then click on the “Discussion Topics for Unit 1” folder.  Some of these questions include study guide material.  Other questions may require you to look at other online sources. There is also a grading rubric in this folder, so you can see how the points are assigned for posting.

Your group needs to get through all discussion topic questions in each unit.  You will be tested on all discussion topics for the unit, whether your group discussed them or not.

General Guidelines for Discussion Boards:

1.     I expect you to participate in your group discussion forums at least five times during each unit.  To earn full credit, you are expected to make at least one post on three different days of the unit.  (Note: the minimum number of posts per unit is five.) Example: a student could make one post on a Wednesday, two posts on a Sunday, and two posts on a Thursday.

2.     At least two of your five required posts must be a reply to another group member. I expect you to read and respond to the posts from other group members. You must respond to another group member at least twice during the unit to earn full credit. 

3.     Your posts must be meaningful and about the subject material.  Read what other group members have written about a topic before posting. If your post repeats what has already been said by another student, then you are not adding anything new to the discussion. If you are concerned your posts are too short, post several short posts in different topic areas. 

        There are multiple ways to post. We are a diverse group of people, and we all have our own individual viewpoints and ideas. It’s okay to discuss your personal opinions, reactions, or add extra information.

        If you are responding to someone else’s post, you should add additional information about   their posts. Don’t just reply with “I agree” or “Thanks for posting”. You can add additional details, make a personal comment, restate something to clarify the meaning, or share a link to a helpful video.

4.     Be polite to each other.  It is okay to disagree with someone else’s opinion or interpretation, but disagree politely.  Remember that people may not be able to tell if you are being sarcastic or witty when they are reading your posts.  Be careful and considerate! 

5.     When you post about a discussion topic, especially if you are the first one to respond, please do not answer every question.  Leave some room for other group members to share in the discussion.  Allow opportunities for other group members to contribute to the discussion. Each unit has multiple topics, so everyone should have an opportunity to post. It's okay to answer one question and leave the others for other group members. In your notes, you want to answer every question because this material will be covered on the exam. However, you do not have to post every answer or turn in your answers to the instructor. Your group should answer all questions during the unit and post them to the discussion board.

6.     Remember, these are discussions!  It helps if you ask questions as part of your post. This can make it easier for other students to reply.  Put your questions at the end of your post.

7.     Please do not use abbreviations in your posts.  OMG, LOL and other texting shortcuts are not appropriate in the discussion forums.

8.     What do you do if you feel like there is something inappropriate happening in your group? If you are uncomfortable, please contact the instructor and explain what is happening immediately. If necessary, the instructor can remove a student from your discussion group for inappropriate postings. When students are removed, their grades for any remaining discussion topics will be zero (0). These students will not be given alternate assignments.

        Depending on the nature of the case, offending students may be reported for Title IX or student conduct violations.

9.     Discussion forums start on the first day of the unit (12:00 am) and end at 11:59 pm on specific dates. Any posts made after the due date will not count for credit. Please see the schedule for discussion board deadlines on page 10 and the course schedule on page 15.

10.   There will be 5 units of discussion topics posted by the instructor for your group. You will receive a grade for your participation in the group discussion board.  Each unit will be worth 15 points (5 units x 15 points = 75 points total).  Material from the discussion topics will be on the exams. 11.5% of your grade comes from participating in the discussion board.  If you do not participate, it will affect your grade. 

Unit discussion grades will be assessed using the following general criteria:

(a.)  Did you contribute at least five times on three different days of the unit?  Remember that a post that repeats what another group member has already posted will not count for credit. (Please note: This does not apply to posts that were made almost at the same time.)

(b.)  Did you post in a timely fashion?  Your posts must be submitted within the deadlines in order to earn credit for posting. 

(c.)  Were your posts relevant to the discussion topic?  Were your posts meaningful? 

(d.)  Did you read and respond to postings of your group members at least twice during the unit?  You must respond to another group member.  Responses to yourself will not count.

Students are encouraged to post often.  That way, you are reviewing the materials and others have a chance to correct any mistakes or misconceptions.   

These unit discussion boards are an important part of the class.  If you do not participate in these unit discussion boards, your grade will suffer. In the past, some students who did not participate in the discussion boards have found themselves lacking 10-20 points to pass the course.  At that point, it is too late to wish that you had not thrown away the 75 points by not participating. There will be nothing you can do at that point to improve your grade.  This is an uncomfortable position to be in, so don’t put yourself in this position!

Homework

You will be given a homework assignment for each unit. These assignments provide you with a chance to practice using specific unit concepts to prepare you to take unit exams. You will find the homework assignment in the “Unit Course Content” folder for each unit. Each homework assignment is worth 15 points.  Most homework assignments will require Internet access.  Exams will include questions over homework materials. (See page 10 for homework deadlines.)

You will submit your homework through Blackboard. There is a paper-based set of instructions that explains what you need to do for the homework quiz. This includes the questions that you need to answer.  After completing the instructions, use your answers to work through the Blackboard-based homework quiz.  When you finish the Blackboard-based quiz and submit your answers, you have submitted your homework. You will only have one chance to submit the Blackboard-based assignment for credit. No credit will be given for the paper-based instructions.

There will be a deadline for turning in homework for each unit.  (See page 15.) After the deadline, the Blackboard-based homework quiz will not be available, and your grade will be zero (0).  There is no credit for late homework.  Please do not wait until the last minute to do your homework. 

After submitting your homework in Blackboard, you will be able to check immediately to see if your answers were correct.  Also, you can access the graded homework by going into My Grades, clicking on the homework assignment (highlighted in blue) and then clicking on the blue highlighted grade.  You will be able to see your homework, your answers, correct answers, and feedback. 

11.5% of your grade comes from homework and this material is tested on exams.

Practice Questions

Each unit has a set of practice questions, short self-assessment quizzes so you can check your understanding of certain concepts and prepare for the unit exam. You will find them in the “Practice Questions” folder for each unit. The quizzes do not count towards your grade. You can take the quizzes multiple times. You can check your answers for correctness. 

Exams

There are five required unit exams and an optional comprehensive final.  Exams are only available on specific days. Exams must be taken online using Respondus LockDown Browser with Monitor.

Unit Exams

Each unit exam is worth 100 points.  Each unit exam has two parts:

(1)  Objective questions (multiple choice or true-false).  Each objective question will be worth 2 points.  For most exams, there are 45 questions, worth 90 points total.

(2) Short answer questions.  Exam 1 has two short answer questions, worth 10 points each. The other unit exams have one short answer question, worth 10 points.

(3) Extra credit questions.  There will be two written extra credit questions, worth 2 points each.

You may be tested on any material covered in the study guide, homework, practice questions, and discussion topics. You are responsible for concepts covered in previous units. In addition to your ability to remember facts and definitions, you will also be tested on your ability to apply what you have learned to new situations, identify relationships, and analyze situations using the facts and terms you have learned. I have included a copy of Bloom’s taxonomy, a method of classifying different levels on learning, on the Blackboard site.  While most of your learning falls under knowledge (1.00), you will also have to use comprehension (2.00), application (3.00) and analysis (4.00).  See the Bloom’s Taxonomy Document in the Syllabus section of Blackboard.

There are no retests or makeup exams in this course for the five required exams.  However, you can use the optional comprehensive final exam (discussed below) to replace your lowest non-zero exam grade.  The final will not substitute for a required exam that you did not take.

Optional Comprehensive Final

An optional comprehensive final will be available during the last few days of the semester.  The final covers all the material in the five units.  The final consists of 53 multiple choice questions, each worth two points.  Three of the questions are extra credit.  Your grade on the comprehensive final will be used to substitute for your lowest required exam grade but will not be used to substitute for an exam that you did not take.  If your grade on the comprehensive final is lower than your lowest required exam grades, it will not be counted.  The final cannot hurt your grade; it can only improve it.  If you have a borderline grade, take the final!

Extra Credit

Each exam has two written extra credit questions, worth up to 2 points each. The optional final has up to 6 extra credit points. This means you can earn between 20 to 22 points of extra credit. There are no other extra credit options.   

Preparing for Exams

Review your study guide materials, including information from the lectures and video episodes. Review homework, discussion topics, and practice questions. Check homework and practice question answers in Blackboard for correctness. You will be tested on all unit materials.

Taking Online Exams (Brief Summary)

This course requires the use of Respondus LockDown Browser with Monitor and a webcame and microphone for online exams. The webcam can be built into your computer or can be the type that plugs in with a USB cable. Students with ChromeBooks must use a Chromebook-specific app. Chromebook users can either download the Chromebook version of Respondus Monitor here Respondus Monitor ChromeBook or make alternate arrangements to use a different computer. 

Please read the details about taking online exams, located at the end of the syllabus in “Online Testing Information.”

Taking Exams for SAS Accommodations

Students with disabilities must contact an SAS office if they need special testing accommodations. Before making accommodations, I must first receive your letter of accommodation from SAS. Accommodation letters must be received by the instructor no later than 5:00 pm on Monday, September 9, to make arrangements for the first exam. 

Missed Exams and Late Work Policy

Missed Exams:  Under normal circumstances, there are no makeup exams in this course for the five required exams.  If you have a documented reason which is accepted by the instructor, such as a medical emergency, get in touch with your instructor to see if you can arrange to take the exam at another time. If you miss an exam, please contact the instructor with your documentation.

Late Work Policy:  I do not accept late work except for documented medical problems.

See the complete syllabus below for additional information.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS

You will need the following items:

1.     Living Planet: Concepts and Questions, 14th edition, July 2021 by Speer, Maxim, Strong and Froehlich. The study guide is not sold in any bookstore.  You can download and print a copy from this course’s Blackboard site. (Available as an Adobe PDF file.)  It is free to students registered in the class.

2.    LIVING PLANET episodes (video programs) available on the course’s Blackboard site as free streaming videos (Panopto).  DVDs are sometimes available for purchase online.

3.    Discussion board topics, available in the “Unit Course Content” folders of the course Blackboard site, in the folder labeled “Discussion Topics.”

4.    Homework assignments, available in the “Unit Course Content” folders of the course Blackboard site, in the folder labeled “Homework”.

5.    Practice questions over course concepts are available in the “Unit Course Content” folders of the course Blackboard site, in the folder labeled “Practice Questions”.

You are responsible for all materials covered in the study guide, narrated lectures, video episodes, discussion topics, homework, practice questions, and online videos & activities.  

Photo ID:

You must have an ACC photo student ID, passport or driver’s license to take exams.

Please see the complete syllabus below for more information.

Course Schedule by Unit

BIOL 2306 Living Planet (ONL)

Fall Semester 2024, 12 Weeks

“Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement and/or email through Blackboard.

DEADLINES AND IMPORTANT DATES

Mandatory Orientation Deadline

You MUST complete your orientation, including your e-mail to me, by 11:59 pm on Sunday, September 29, 2024.  I must receive your signed and completed student information sheet by this date and time.

Discussion Board Deadlines

Homework Deadlines

Please note: These are also the deadlines for completing the practice questions for each unit, if you use them to help you prepare for the unit exam.

Other Important Dates

Other Important Dates

            Complete Respondus Monitor Practice Quiz             Wednesday, October 2, 2024

            Last Day to Withdraw without a W:                            Thursday, October 3, 2024

            Last Day to Withdraw with a W:                                 Thursday, November 21, 2024

            College Closed ACC Staff Meeting:                           Friday, November 8, 2024

            College Closed for Veterans Day:                              Monday, November 11, 2024

            College Closed for Thanksgiving Break                     Thursday, Nov 28-Sunday, Dec 1

What Happens If You Miss a Deadline?

            Miss Mandatory Orientation Deadline:                              Dropped from the class.

            Miss Discussion Board Posting Deadlines:                      No credit for late posts.

            Miss Homework Deadlines:                                                 No credit for late homework.

Miss Respondus Monitor Practice Quiz Deadline:  If you do not take the practice quiz by the deadline, you will not receive feedback on your environmental video or exam video. If you do not have an acceptable environmental video or exam video, your exam grade will be zero. If you do complete the practice quiz, you will receive feedback and suggestions for improving your environment and exam videos before you take the first exam.

            Miss Exam Deadlines:                     

            If you miss a deadline, you will get a 0 on that exam and you will not be able to use

            the final to replace it.  You do not want to miss these deadlines!  Remember, in this course, the deadline is the last day to take the exam in a timely fashion. You should try to take the exam before the deadline.  In the case of a serious documented medical problem or unavoidable conflict with a deadline, get in touch with me immediately to make alternate arrangements, if allowed.

Mandatory Exam Deadlines

You must take your exams by the deadlines below.  The deadline is the last day to take the exam in a timely manner.  To avoid problems, try to take your exam before the deadline.  Unless there is a documented medical emergency, I will not accept any exams taken after the deadline and your grade will be zero. 

The exams indicated must be completed by the deadlines. It is your responsibility to complete the exams by the deadlines. If there is a problem, please contact your instructor immediately. Please contact your instructor if there are any problems with technical issues. Please contact your instructor in advance if you need to make alternative arrangements.

When do the exams open and when do they close?

            Unit 1 exam opens Monday, October 7 and closes at 11:59 pm on Wed, October 9.

            Unit 2 exam opens Tuesday, October 22 and closes at 11:59 pm on Thursday, Oct 24.

            Unit 3 exam opens Wednesday, November 6 and closes at 11:59 pm on Sat, November 9.

            Unit 4 exam opens Thursday, November 21 and closes at 11:59 pm on Sat, Nov 23.

            Unit 5 exam opens Tuesday, December 10 and closes at 11:59 pm on Thursday, Dec 12.

            The final exam opens Thursday, Dec 12 and closes at 11:59 pm on Saturday, Dec 14.

See the complete syllabus below for additional information.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES & GENERAL EDUCATION COMPETENCIES

Student Learning Outcomes, Course-Level for Living Planet:

Specific skills and competencies expected of students who complete this course include:

• Ability to explain ecological concepts, using several examples to illustrate

• Ability to apply ecological concepts to new examples

General Education for Living Planet:

As a Core Curriculum course, students completing this course will demonstrate competence in:

• Critical Thinking - Gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating and applying information. 
• Interpersonal Skills - Interacting collaboratively to achieve common goals.
• Quantitative and Empirical Reasoning - Applying mathematical, logical and scientific principles and methods.
• Written, Oral and Visual Communication - Communicating effectively, adapting to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.

DEPARTMENTAL COMMON COURSE OBJECTIVES

The ACC Biology Department has specified the content for this course in the departmental common course objectives.  The departmental objectives are located under “Course Information” at:  Biology Department Common Course Objectives. Specific learning objectives for introductory material and material related to each video episode of Living Planet are outlined in the Living Planet study guide and on Blackboard.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

This course is a three-hour lecture course.  This section is taught as an ONL (online) distance learning class through the Blackboard learning management system. This class does not meet in a classroom.  Contact between the students and professor is achieved through e-mail, discussion groups, and the class Blackboard site.  Students will take video-proctored exams online using Respondus LockDown Browser with Monitor.

The information above is an abbreviated version of the material covered by the syllabus.  The complete syllabus for Living Planet (BIOL 2306) can be found below.

SYLLABUS FOR BIOLOGY 2306 - LIVING PLANET (ONL)

BIOL 2306-003 (89216)

Fall 2024, 12-weeks Semester

This syllabus is your guide for taking BIOL 2306 Living Planet.  It is a very long document, but the answers to your questions about the course are covered in it.  To help you find what you need, here is a brief table of contents.

ORIENTATION

Completing the course orientation by 11:59 pm on Sunday, September 29, 2024, is mandatory.  You must: (1) read the syllabus, (2) go through the Student Orientation video, (3) fill out and return your signed student information sheet in a printable format, and (4) send me an e-mail using your ACC email account to complete orientation.  After I receive your e-mail and signed student information sheet, I will send you a confirmation e-mail.  Your orientation is not complete until you receive the return confirmation e-mail from me.

You must complete your orientation by 11:59 pm on September 29, 2024, or you may be dropped from the course.  I must receive your signed orientation papers by this date and time.

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:

Instructor:                 Bernice Speer

Office Location:       RRC3, Room 3322.00 and online in Zoom

Office Hours:           Mon/Wed     8:00 am to 8:45 pm (Zoom online)

                                   Mon/Wed     12:00 pm to 12:30 pm (Zoom online)

                                   Mon/Wed     1:30 pm to 2:45 pm (Zoom online)

                                   Other hours by appointment (email me to set up meeting on Zoom or at RRC)

Office Phone:           512-223-0323 (with voice mail; please leave your name and phone number)

e-mail:                       bspeer@austincc.edu.  (This is the best way to get in touch with me.)

ACC Student Information:  Catalog and Student Handbook

GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION

Course Description:

• Credit hours: 3
• Classroom contact hours per week: 3

 A survey of major biomes of the world, environmental interactions of species, populations and community dynamics, and impact of humans on the world around them.

Skills Requirement:

Reading and writing proficiency as determined by the COMPASS or ASSET test, or by the statewide THEA test, or by providing an official transcript from another college.  If you do not meet these requirements, you may be withdrawn from the course.

Course Rationale:

This course was designed for students who are non-science majors, although it is also appropriate for science majors. The central underlying theme of the course is ecology. The course examines characteristics of major communities (such as deserts, tropical rainforests, coral reefs, etc.). Problems faced by organisms in different environments and their adaptations to these problems are emphasized throughout the course.  Reoccurring themes include biogeography, symbiosis, nutrient cycles, and food chains.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES & GENERAL EDUCATION COMPETENCIES

Student Learning Outcomes, Course-Level for Living Planet:

Specific skills and competencies expected of students who complete this course include:

• Ability to explain ecological concepts, using several examples to illustrate

• Ability to apply ecological concepts to new examples

General Education for Living Planet:

As a Core Curriculum course, students completing this course will demonstrate competence in:

• Critical Thinking - Gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating and applying information. 
• Interpersonal Skills - Interacting collaboratively to achieve common goals.
• Quantitative and Empirical Reasoning - Applying mathematical, logical and scientific principles and methods.
• Written, Oral and Visual Communication - Communicating effectively, adapting to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.

DEPARTMENTAL COMMON COURSE OBJECTIVES

The ACC Biology Department has specified the content for this course in the departmental common course objectives.  The departmental objectives are located under “Course Information” at:  Biology Department Common Course Objectives. Specific learning objectives for introductory material and material related to each video episode of Living Planet are outlined in the Living Planet study guide and on Blackboard.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

This course is a three-hour lecture course.  This section is taught as an ONL (online) distance learning class (DIL) through the Blackboard learning management system. This class does not meet in a classroom.  Contact between the students and professor is achieved through e-mail, discussion, and the class Blackboard site.  Students will take video-proctored exams online using Respondus LockDown Browser with Monitor.

Blackboard Site for This Section:

You will be using Blackboard extensively throughout this class to access course materials and graded online discussion boards.  You will also use Blackboard to take all exams, post to your discussion boards, and submit your homework assignments.  Announcements and grades will be posted on Blackboard.  I will also use Blackboard to send e-mails to the class. To get started on Blackboard, go to the login site at: Blackboard  and click on the “Student Guide – Getting Started with Blackboard” link.   This will help you set up your Blackboard account and get you to the course site.  You are expected to check Blackboard regularly.  Announcements clarify course materials, remind about deadlines, correct problems with websites, and give hints about difficult concepts. 

Distance Education:  This course is an online course. It uses a study guide, narrated lectures, and streaming videos to deliver course materials. If you are new to online science courses, please be aware that online courses typically take more time and effort to complete than face-to-face classes. Please review Online FAQs. Students must work more independently and keep track of deadlines. Time management skills are crucial to success. Online learning is a successful way to learn, but it requires you to spend significantly more time studying than traditional face-to-face courses. Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, accessing lecture and lab materials, submitting assignments, and collaboration.

Student Technology Support

Austin Community College provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. If you need better bandwidth, you can use drive-up WiFi or go to an ACCelerator or ACC Learning Lab. Additional details are available at Student Technology Services

Students who do not have the necessary technology to complete their ACC courses can request to borrow devices from Student Technology Services. Available devices include iPads, webcams, headsets, calculators, etc. Students must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course to be eligible. For more information, including how to request a device, visit Student Technology Services.

Student Technology Services offers phone, live-chat, and email-based technical support for students and can provide support on topics such as password resets, accessing or using Blackboard, access to technology, etc. To view hours of operation and ways to request support, visit Student Technology Services.

If you have trouble accessing a web page, make sure that pop-ups are not blocked on your computer, or try a different browser or a different computer.  If you still have problems, contact the ACC Help Desk at Student Services Help Desk or call 512-223-4636. 

Technology Requirements and Problems

You are required to have the following equipment to use Respondus Monitor to take exams: Windows (10, 11), Mac (OS X 10.13 or higher), iPad (iOS 11.0+) with compatible LMS integration, web camera (internal or external) & microphone, and broadband internet connection. Respondus Monitor uses a Chromebook-specific app. Chromebook users can download the Chromebook version: Respondus ChromeBook or you can arrange to use a different computer or check out a loaner iPad from ACC. (See Student Technology Support.)  Mac or iOS users may need to use Google Chrome or Firefox instead of Safari.

If you have trouble accessing a web page, make sure that pop-ups are not blocked, or try a different browser/computer.  If you still have problems, contact the ACC Help Desk at Student Services Help Desk or call 512-223-4636. 

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS

You will need the following items:

1.     Living Planet: Concepts and Questions, 14th edition, Fall 2021 by Speer, Maxim, Strong

        and Froehlich. The study guide is not sold in any bookstore.  You can download and print a copy from this course’s Blackboard site. (Available as an Adobe PDF file.)  It is free.

2.    LIVING PLANET episodes (video programs) available on the course’s Blackboard site as free       streaming videos (Panopto).  DVDs are sometimes available for purchase online.

3.    Discussion board topics, available in the “Unit Course Content” folders of the course Blackboard site, in the folder labeled “Discussion Topics.”

4.    Homework assignments, available in the “Unit Course Content” folders of the course

       Blackboard site, in the folder labeled “Homework”.

5.    Practice questions over course concepts are available in the “Unit Course Content” folders of           the course Blackboard site, in the folder labeled “Practice Questions”.

You are responsible for all materials covered in the study guide, narrated lectures, video episodes, discussion topics, homework, practice questions, and online videos & activities.  

Photo ID:

You must have an ACC photo student ID, passport, or driver’s license to take exams.

COURSE FORMAT

► The course is divided into five units. 

► These units must be completed in order.  Course materials become available during each unit.

► There is a study guide that is central to the course. The study guide includes some text that    explains major concepts for each section and guides you through the video episodes that are

     available as streaming videos. The study guide is essential to the course. Start each unit with             the study guide.

► There are narrated lecture videos prepared by instructors for each unit. These are optional.

► Each unit will have one graded homework assignment and several practice questions which you        will complete and submit through Blackboard. Paper-based homework instructions will not be            accepted for grading. See more information on pages 7-8.

► Every unit, discussion topics will be posted for students to discuss online.  You will be graded             on your participation. Discussion topics will be covered in exams. (Discussed on pages 5-7)

During each unit, you will need to:

1) Go through the narrated lecture videos for the unit.

2) Read the material in the study guide. Answer all study guide questions.

3) Watch video episodes of Living Planet.  (Note: There are no video episodes for Unit 1.)

4) Do your homework assignment and turn it in through Blackboard on time. Review your answers          for correctness.

5) Prepare materials for posting to the discussion board and make your posts. (See pages 5-7)

6) Do the practice questions. Review your answers for correctness.

7) Study everything you have done, including the homework, discussion topics, and practice       questions. Use these as study tools for the unit exam.

8) Take the exam over these materials online using Respondus LockDown Browser with Monitor.

Please be aware that these exams are proctored by video.

COURSE GRADES

Summary of Grading Criteria:

            Online discussion boards (5 units @ 15 pts/unit)       =          75 points

            Homework assignments (5 @ 15 points each)          =          75 points

            Exams (5 exams @ 100 points each)                        =          500 points

            Total number of points                                                =          650 points

See below for more information about exams, online discussion boards, and homework.

Grading Scale:

Final grades for the course will be based on these percentages:

                                    A - 90-100%                (585 to 650 points)

                                    B - 80-89%                  (520 to 584 points)     

                                    C - 70-79%                  (455 to 519 points)

                                    D - 60-69%                  (390 to 454 points)

                                    F - below 60%             (0 to 389 points)

There are no curved scores and no additional projects for extra credit other than the extra credit described in the syllabus (see page 8). Since there are extra credit points for every unit, grades will not be curved. Your grade is based solely on the points you earn from exams, homework, and participation in your online discussion boards. If you have a borderline grade (such as 79.6%), I look at your grades. If you took all exams, completed all homework assignments, substantially participated in all unit discussion boards, and took the optional final, your grade would be a B. Otherwise, your grade will be a C. This decision will be solely at the instructor’s discretion.

Online Discussion Boards

Students are expected to participate in online discussion boards in Blackboard.  You will be assigned to a discussion group during the first week of class by the instructor. The discussion board for Unit 1 will be available on the first day of the semester. If you have added the class during adds and drops, please send me an email so I can add you to the discussion board. (Please note: It can take Blackboard up to 24 hours to add you to the class after you have registered for it.)

To find your discussion group, look in the frame on the left side of the course Blackboard site.  You will see “Discussion Board” listed there.  Click on this to get to a list of discussion groups.  There will only be one group that you can click on – that is your group.  Once you have clicked on your group, you can add your posts to the threads (topics) for the unit discussion board.

At the beginning of each unit, a set of discussion topics will be available for discussion. (See page 15.)  You will find the discussion topics for each unit in the “Course Content” folder, under “Unit Course Content” folder.  For the first unit, click on the “Unit 1 Course Content” folder and then click on the “Discussion Topics for Unit 1” folder.  Some of these questions include study guide material.  Other questions may require you to look at other online sources. There is also a grading rubric in this folder, so you can see how the points are assigned for posting.

Your group needs to get through all discussion topic questions in each unit.  You will be tested on all discussion topics for the unit, whether your group discussed them or not.

General Guidelines for Discussion Boards:

1.     I expect you to participate in your group discussion forums at least five times during each unit.  To earn full credit, you are expected to make at least one post on three different days of the unit.  (Note: the minimum number of posts per unit is five.) Example: a student could make  one post on a Wednesday, two posts on a Sunday, and two posts on a Thursday.

2.     At least two of your five required posts must be a reply to another group member. I expect you to read and respond to the posts from other group members. You must respond to another group member at least twice during the unit to earn full credit. 

3.     Your posts must be meaningful and about the subject material.  Read what other group members have written about a topic before posting. If your post repeats what has already been said by another student, then you are not adding anything new to the discussion. If you are concerned your posts are too short, post several short posts in different topic areas. 

        There are multiple ways to post. We are a diverse group of people, and we all have our own individual viewpoints and ideas. It’s okay to discuss your personal opinions, reactions, or add extra information.

        If you are responding to someone else’s post, you should add additional information about   their posts. Don’t just reply with “I agree” or “Thanks for posting”. You can add additional details, make a personal comment, restate something to clarify the meaning, or share a link to a helpful video.

4.     Be polite to each other.  It is okay to disagree with someone else’s opinion or interpretation, but disagree politely.  Remember that people may not be able to tell if you are being sarcastic  or witty when they are reading your posts.  Be careful and considerate! 

5.     When you post about a discussion topic, especially if you are the first one to respond, please do not answer every question.  Leave some room for other group members to share in the discussion.  Allow opportunities for other group members to contribute to the discussion. Each unit has multiple topics, so everyone should have an opportunity to post. It’s okay to answer  one question and leave the others for other group members. In your notes, you want to answer every question because this material will be covered on the exam. However, you do not have to post every answer or turn in your answers to the instructor. Your group should answer all questions during the unit and post them to the discussion board.

6.     Remember, these are discussions!  It helps if you ask questions as part of your post. This can make it easier for other students to reply.  Put your questions at the end of your post.

7.     Please do not use abbreviations in your posts.  OMG, LOL and other texting shortcuts are not appropriate in the discussion forums.

8.     What do you do if you feel like there is something inappropriate happening in your group? If you are uncomfortable, please contact the instructor and explain what is happening immediately. If necessary, the instructor can remove a student from your discussion group for inappropriate postings. When students are removed, their grades for any remaining  discussion topics will be zero (0). These students will not be given alternate assignments.       

        Depending on the nature of the case, offending students may be reported for Title IX or student conduct violations.

9.     Discussion forums start on the first day of the unit (12:00 am) and end at 11:59 pm on  specific dates. Any posts made after the due date will not count for credit. Please see the schedule for discussion board deadlines on page 10 and the course schedule on page 15.

10.   There will be 5 units of discussion topics posted by the instructor for your group. You will receive a grade for your participation in the group discussion board.  Each unit will be worth 15 points (5 units x 15 points = 75 points total).  Material from the discussion topics will be on the exams. 11.5% of your grade comes from participating in the discussion board.  If you do not participate, it will affect your grade. 

Unit discussion grades will be assessed using the following general criteria:

(a.)  Did you contribute at least five times on three different days of the unit?  Remember that a post that repeats what another group member has already posted will not count for credit.  (Please note: This does not apply to posts that were made almost at the same time.)

(b.)  Did you post in a timely fashion?  Your posts must be submitted within the deadlines in order to earn credit for posting. 

(c.)  Were your posts relevant to the discussion topic?  Were your posts meaningful? 

(d.)  Did you read and respond to postings of your group members at least twice during the unit? You must respond to another group member.  Responses to yourself will not count.

Students are encouraged to post often.  That way, you are reviewing the materials and others have a chance to correct any mistakes or misconceptions. 

 These unit discussion boards are an important part of the class.  If you do not participate in these unit discussion boards, your grade will suffer.  In the past, some students who did not participate in the discussion boards have found themselves lacking 10-20 points to pass the course.  At that point, it is too late to wish that you had not thrown away the 75 points by not participating.  There will be nothing you can do at that point to improve your grade.  This is an uncomfortable position to be in, so don’t put yourself in this position!

Homework

You will be given a homework assignment for each unit. These assignments provide you with a chance to practice using specific unit concepts to prepare you to take unit exams. You will find the homework assignment in the “Unit Course Content” folder for each unit. Each homework assignment is worth 15 points.  Most homework assignments will require Internet access.  Exams will include questions over homework materials. (See page 10 for homework deadlines.)

You will submit your homework through Blackboard. There is a paper-based set of instructions that explains what you need to do for the homework quiz. This includes the questions that you need to answer.  After completing the instructions, use your answers to work through the Blackboard-based homework quiz.  When you finish the Blackboard-based quiz and submit your answers, you have submitted your homework. You will only have one chance to submit the Blackboard-based assignment for credit. No credit will be given for the paper-based instructions.

There will be a deadline for turning in homework for each unit.  (See page 15.) After the deadline, the Blackboard-based homework quiz will not be available, and your grade will be zero (0).  There is no credit for late homework.  Please do not wait until the last minute to do your homework. 

After submitting your homework in Blackboard, you will be able to check immediately to see if your answers were correct.  Also, you can access the graded homework by going into My Grades, clicking on the homework assignment (highlighted in blue) and then clicking on the blue highlighted grade.  You will be able to see your homework, your answers, correct answers, and feedback. 

11.5% of your grade comes from homework and this material is tested on exams.

Practice Questions

Each unit has a set of practice questions, short self-assessment quizzes so you can check your understanding of certain concepts and prepare for the unit exam. You will find them in the “Practice Questions” folder for each unit. The quizzes do not count towards your grade. You can take the quizzes multiple times. Check your answers for correctness. 

Exams

There are five required unit exams and an optional comprehensive final.  Exams are only available on specific days. Exams must be taken online using Respondus LockDown Browser with Monitor.

Unit Exams

Each unit exam is worth 100 points.  Each unit exam has two parts:

(1)  Objective questions (multiple choice or true-false).  Each objective question will be worth 2 points.  For most exams, there are 45 questions, worth 90 points total.

(2) Short answer questions.  Exam 1 has two short answer questions, worth 10 points each. The other unit exams have one short answer question, worth 10 points.

(3) Extra credit questions.  There will be two written extra credit questions, worth 2 points each.

You may be tested on any material covered in the study guide, homework, practice questions, and discussion topics. You are responsible for concepts covered in previous units. In addition to your ability to remember facts and definitions, you will also be tested on your ability to apply what you have learned to new situations, identify relationships, and analyze situations using the facts and terms you have learned. I have included a copy of Bloom’s taxonomy, a method of classifying different levels of learning, on the Blackboard site.  While most of your learning falls under knowledge (1.00), you will also have to use comprehension (2.00), application (3.00) and analysis (4.00).  See Bloom’s Taxonomy Document in the Syllabus section of Blackboard.

There are no retests or makeup exams in this course for the five required exams.  However, you can use the optional comprehensive final exam (discussed below) to replace your lowest non-zero exam grade.  The final will not substitute for a required exam that you did not take.

Optional Comprehensive Final

An optional comprehensive final will be available during the last few days of the semester.  The final covers all the material in the five units.  The final consists of 53 multiple choice questions, each worth two points.  Three of the questions are extra credit.  Your grade on the comprehensive final will be used to substitute for your lowest required exam grade but will not be used to substitute for an exam that you did not take.  If your grade on the comprehensive final is lower than your lowest required exam grades, it will not be counted.  The final cannot hurt your grade; it can only improve it.  If you have a borderline grade, take the final!

Extra Credit

Each exam has two written extra credit questions, worth up to 2 points each. The optional final has up to 6 extra credit points. This means you can earn between 20 to 22 points of extra credit. There are no other extra credit options.

Preparing for Exams

Review your study guide materials, including information from the lectures and video episodes. Review homework, discussion topics, and practice questions. Check homework and practice question answers in Blackboard for correctness. You will be tested on all unit materials.

Taking Online Exams (Brief Summary)

This course requires the use of Respondus LockDown Browser with Monitor and a webcam and microphone for online exams. The webcam can be built into your computer or can be the type that plugs in with a USB cable. Students with ChromeBooks must use a Chromebook-specific app. Chromebook users can either download the Chromebook version of Respondus Monitor here: Respondus Monitor ChromeBook or make alternate arrangements to use a different computer. 

Please read the details about taking online exams, located at the end of the syllabus in “Online Testing Information.”

Taking Exams for SAS Accommodations

Students with disabilities must contact an SAS office if they need special testing accommodations.   Before making accommodations, I must first receive your letter of accommodation from SAS. Accommodation letters must be received by the instructor no later than 5:00 pm on Tuesday, October 1, to arrange accommodations for the first exam.

Missed Exams and Late Work Policy

Missed Exams:  Under normal circumstances, there are no makeup exams in this course for the five required exams.  If you have a documented reason which is accepted by the instructor, such as a medical emergency, get in touch with your instructor to see if you can arrange to take the exam at another time. If you miss an exam, please contact the instructor with your documentation.

Late Work Policy:  I do not accept late work except for documented medical problems.

What’s On the Exams?

DEADLINES AND IMPORTANT DATES

Mandatory Orientation Deadline

You MUST complete your orientation, including your e-mail to me, by 11:59 pm on Sunday, September 29, 2024.  I must receive your signed and completed student information sheet by this date and time.

Discussion Board Deadlines

Homework Deadlines

Please note: These are also the deadlines for completing the practice questions for each unit, if you use them to help you prepare for the unit exam.

Other Important Dates

Other Important Dates

            Complete Respondus Monitor Practice Quiz             Wednesday, October 2, 2024

            Last Day to Withdraw without a W:                            Thursday, October 3, 2024

            Last Day to Withdraw with a W:                                 Thursday, November 21, 2024

            College Closed ACC Staff Meeting:                           Friday, November 8, 2024

            College Closed for Veterans Day:                              Monday, November 11, 2024

            College Closed for Thanksgiving Break                     Thursday, Nov 28-Sunday, Dec 1

What Happens If You Miss a Deadline?

            Miss Mandatory Orientation Deadline:                              Dropped from the class.

            Miss Discussion Board Posting Deadlines:                      No credit for late posts.

            Miss Homework Deadlines:                                                 No credit for late homework.

Miss Respondus Monitor Practice Quiz Deadline:  If you do not take the practice quiz by the deadline, you will not receive feedback on your environmental video or exam video. If you do not have an acceptable environmental video or exam video, your exam grade will be zero. If you do complete the practice quiz, you will receive feedback and suggestions for improving your environment and exam videos before you take the first exam.

            Miss Exam Deadlines:                     

            If you miss a deadline, you will get a 0 on that exam and you will not be able to use the final to replace it.  You do not want to miss these deadlines!  Remember, in this       course, the deadline is the last day to take the exam in a timely fashion. You should try to       take the exam before the deadline.  In the case of a serious documented medical problem    or unavoidable conflict with a deadline, get in touch with me immediately to make alternate arrangements, if allowed.

Mandatory Exam Deadlines

You must take your exams by the deadlines below.  The deadline is the last day to take the exam in a timely manner.  To avoid problems, try to take your exam before the deadline.  Unless there is a documented medical emergency, I will not accept any exams taken after the deadline and your grade will be zero. 

The exams indicated must be completed by the deadlines. It is your responsibility to complete the exams by the deadlines. If there is a problem, please contact your instructor immediately. Please contact your instructor if there are any problems with technical issues. Please contact your instructor in advance if you need to make alternative arrangements.

When do the exams open and when do they close?

            Unit 1 exam opens Monday, October 7 and closes at 11:59 pm on Wed, October 9.

            Unit 2 exam opens Tuesday, October 22 and closes at 11:59 pm on Thursday, Oct 24.

            Unit 3 exam opens Wednesday, November 6 and closes at 11:59 pm on Sat, November 9.

            Unit 4 exam opens Thursday, November 21 and closes at 11:59 pm on Sat, Nov 23.

            Unit 5 exam opens Tuesday, December 10 and closes at 11:59 pm on Thursday, Dec 12.

            The final exam opens Thursday, Dec 12 and closes at 11:59 pm on Saturday, Dec 14.

COURSE POLICIES

ATTENDANCE/CLASS PARTICIPATION POLICY

Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class. Students are expected to post every unit to their discussion boards, complete assignments and take exams by the stated deadlines. 

IS DISTANCE LEARNING THE RIGHT FORMAT FOR YOU OR NOT?

If this is your first distance learning class, you may be wondering whether distance learning is the right format for you or not.  Here are some resources that may help you answer that question.

Ø First, take the learning style survey at: Am I Ready for Distance Education?  This survey will help you decide whether your learning style matches up with distance learning.

Ø Then, take the technical skills checklist at: Technical Skills Checklist     This will help you see if you have the technical skills needed for an online course.

Ø VARK is another good resource for any student.  Taking a VARK questionnaire can help you   discover how you learn.  Once you know your personal learning styles, there are many useful        techniques that can help you study more efficiently.  First, take the questionnaire here: VARK.             After you submit the questionnaire, you will see your score and be directed to more information            about how to study effectively with your specific learning styles.

WITHDRAWALS

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he/she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date (see below).  The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises. Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veteran’s benefit, or international student status. Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count towards this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals. You can find more information about the “Rule of Three or Third Course Attempt” at Third Attempt.  Information about the “Texas Six Drop Rule” can be found at Six Course Limit

The last day to drop the class without a W on your transcript is October 3, 2024.  If you withdraw by this date, you do not have to worry about the six-course withdrawal rule.

The last day to withdraw for the semester (the Final Withdrawal Date) is November 21, 2024.  If you withdraw between October 4 and November 21, you will get a W on your transcript, and it will count toward the six-course withdrawal limit.

Student-initiated withdrawal:

If you decide to withdraw from the class, you will complete this activity through Online Services.

Instructor-initiated withdrawal:

You may be withdrawn from the class by the instructor if you do not complete the orientation on time. To complete orientation, you must send me a completed and signed orientation form and send an e-mail confirmation, by 11:59 pm on Sunday, September 29, 2024.

At my discretion, I may also drop students who miss one or more exams.

These course policies apply to all students, even those who are repeating the class or those who added the class during late registration.

If you are dropped for these reasons, you will not be reinstated.  Retroactive withdrawals will not be given in this class.

INCOMPLETE GRADE POLICY

An incomplete (grade of I) will only be given for extenuating circumstances. What constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the instructor’s discretion. If a grade of I is given, the remaining course work must be completed by a date set by the student and professor. The date may not be later than two weeks prior to the end of the following semester. A grade of I also requires completion and submission of the Incomplete Grade Form to be signed by the faculty member (and student if possible) and submitted to the department chair.

Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant. The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not. The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade.

1.       Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date. This meeting can occur virtually or in person. (For this class, it will be a virtual meeting.) The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.

2.       The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name), and then email it to the student. The student will then complete his/her section (by typing in name and any other required information) and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement. A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits by the end of the semester.

3.       The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above. This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.

4.       Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.

5.       When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F.

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.” Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.  Please be aware that incomplete grades are rarely given in this class.

Course Schedule by Unit

BIOL 2306 Living Planet (ONL)

Fall Semester 2024, 12 Weeks

“Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement and/or email through Blackboard.

COLLEGE POLICIES

College policies can be found on Blackboard. See the folder called “College Policies and Student Support Services.”  You are responsible for this information so please read it carefully.

Additional Information about Academic Integrity

ACC values academic integrity in the educational process. Acts of academic dishonesty or misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include but are not limited to: plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources. Read more about the Academic Integrity Process.

In this class, I want students to use the course materials, such as the study guide and textbook, to first learn the concepts and then apply those concepts to course assignments and activities, including homework, discussion topics, and practice questions. I especially expect students to answer the questions in the discussion topics in their own words. Answering the questions in your own words allows you to consolidate the information as you work through the scenarios and other questions and explain those concepts as best as you can. This should be an individual process, not a group effort. Your work should not be copied from another source or generated by a generative AI Chatbot.

Additional Information about Use of ACC email

All ACC instructors can communicate with students only through the official ACC e-mail addresses.  I cannot respond to an e-mail from another address.  It is important that you set up and check your ACCMail account regularly.  By ACC policy, I cannot respond to a student e-mail sent from another e-mail address.  If you send me an e-mail from a non-ACC e-mail account and I respond by mistake, you accept responsibility for any possible breach of student privacy, and you cannot hold the instructor responsible for your actions.

Additional Information about Use of the Testing Center

This course will use Respondus LockDown Browser with Monitor to proctor all exams. This is monitored by video recordings, which are then reviewed by the instructor. Since this is an online course, you are not allowed to use the Testing Center to take your exams.  Students must download Respondus LockDown Browser and follow the instructions, as explained on pages 17-20 of this syllabus. In the Exams folder of Blackboard, there is a document that provides other testing options for students who are concerned about their privacy while testing.

ACC Policy Concerning Copyrighted Materials

All class materials provided on ACC web pages, electronic reserves, on diskette, and in printed form are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the copyright holder. This may be the instructor, ACC, or a publisher.  Reproduction consists of photocopying, scanning, and copying files, or posting on a server or web site.  For more information about ACC’s policy on copyright material, go to Copyright   Students registered for this section have permission to print course materials for personal use. No permission is given for posting any materials online.

BIOL 2306 Living Planet - ONL Testing Information

Be sure to review this entire document. You are responsible for all information in this document. Please be aware that you cannot take an exam on a smartphone.

I.          Taking Your Exam with Respondus Monitor

We will use Respondus LockDown Browser with Monitor for online exams. This requires a webcam and a working microphone. The webcam can be built into your computer or can be the type that plugs in with a USB cable. Watch this short video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the webcam feature. A student Quick Start Guide is also available.

LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted. Monitor will record your audio and video while you take the exam. The video records until you submit your exam.

Technical Requirements for Respondus Monitor:

• You will need a web camera with a minimum of 640x480 resolution, a working internal or external microphone, Windows 10, 8, 7 OR Mac OS X 10.12 or higher OR iPad 10.0+ with LMS integration, 1024 MB of RAM, and a broadband internet connection.
• Respondus monitor does not work with smartphones.

⇒ DO THIS NOW: Download Lockdown Browser

• On a computer, download and install LockDown Browser from this link: Download Respondus LockDown Browser
• If using an iPad, you must download the iPad Edition of "LockDown Browser" (available from the Apple App Store).
• If using a Chromebook, it requires a Chromebook-specific app. Download the Chromebook version of Respondus Monitor here. If you do not want to download Respondus Monitor, you can arrange to use a different computer or check out a loaner iPad from ACC.  How do you request an iPad from ACC?  Fill out the Student Technology Form: Technology Request Form immediately. Please be aware that you may not be able to get a loaner iPad before the first exam and will have to make other arrangements.

II. Testing Guidelines

When taking an online exam using Respondus Monitor, follow these guidelines:

• Ensure you’re in a location where you won’t be interrupted
• Turn off all other devices (e.g. tablets, phones, second computers, smart watches) and place them outside of your reach
• During exams, you may not wear headphones or smartwatches.
• Clear your desk of all external materials not permitted: books, papers, notes, other devices
• When you open Respondus Monitor using Lockdown Browser, you will run through a ‘Startup Sequence’. You must perform a thorough environment check.
  • Watch this YouTube video that explains how to do a good Respondus environment check: Respondus Environment Check Tutorial
  • During your environment check you need to show your full workspace including the desk or surface where you are taking the exam and the walls surrounding your workspace.  Your environment video must show the area immediately in front of your computer.
    • If your computer or webcam is fixed and you cannot easily show the workspace in front of your computer, you can use a mirror to show the workspace.  Students have also used their phone camera to show that area. Just make sure you show the mirror or phone to the webcam.  Double-check the environment video to make sure the mirror or phone worked.
  • To get a good environment check video, please take time for your webcam to focus. Make sure you are not showing the ceiling or the floor. I must see your workspace and the surrounding environment. If you do not have a good environment check video, the exam may receive a grade of zero and you cannot retake the exam.
  • You can watch your environment check video before continuing with your exam. If it is not a good environment check video, you can redo it at this time.
• Before starting the test, make sure you have allotted enough time to complete it. You should allow a minimum of one hour to take exams for this class and it may take longer. You must complete the exam in one sitting.
• Remain at your computer for the duration of the test. You cannot walk away from your computer while taking the exam. If you do leave, your exam will be terminated at that time and you will not receive credit for any questions answered after that point. If you need to plug in your laptop, then face the camera and clearly explain what you are doing. If there is a problem, explain the problem to the webcam. Then, send me an email of explanation after your exam is over.
• If the computer or networking environment is different than what was used previously with the Webcam Check and System & Network Check in LockDown Browser, run the checks again prior to starting the test.
• To produce a good webcam video, do the following:
  • Do not wear baseball caps or hats with brims.
  • Ensure your computer or tablet is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the computer on your lap, a bed, or other surfaces where the device (or you) are likely to move. Your entire face must be visible.
  • If using a built-in webcam, avoid tilting the screen after the webcam setup is complete. If your face is not completely visible in the video, your exam may not be graded, and you will receive a grade of zero.
  • Take the exam in a well-lit room and avoid backlighting, such as sitting with your back to a window. Make sure there is adequate lighting. Your face must be visible.
  • Do not wear headphones or ear buds. If you are wearing headphones or ear buds, your exam will not be graded, and you will receive a zero on the exam.
  • Do not use your cell phone while you are taking the exam. If you do, your exam grade will be zero.
  • No smart phones or cell phones or second screen/computer allowed.
  • No talking to other people in the room. If you do, send an email to your instructor after the exam with an explanation.
  • Do not use a different computer or phone while you are taking the exam.
  • Your microphone must be on. If your microphone is off or does not work, you will not receive credit for the exam.
  • Wear clothing while taking an exam. You will be recorded while taking the exam and a video will be produced. Please be aware that other people may view your video under certain circumstances (such as a problem with scholastic dishonesty). If you are not dressed, such as not wearing a shirt, your exam will not be graded, and you will receive a grade of zero (0). You will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for a conduct violation.
  • All exams are closed-book exams. You are expected to take the exam without using any resources (such as study guide, textbook, or internet sources).

If something unusual happens during your exam (e.g., you are interrupted by another person, you leave your computer for some reason), please explain what happened on the video. Then, send an email to your instructor and provide an explanation of the situation. The instructor will decide whether to grade your exam or not, based on the situation.

If you encounter any technical difficulties before starting the exam, you can reach out to Respondus here.

If you encounter any technical difficulties during the exam, do the following:

• Send your instructor an email immediately after you have submitted the exam. Do NOT pull out your cell phone and take pictures of the screen.  Any use of a cell phone during an exam will result in an automatic grade of 0 (zero) for the exam.
• Open a ticket with Respondus Support
• Contact the ACC Student Help Desk at 512-223-4636 or Student Services Help Desk

If you encounter technical difficulties more than once or there are any errors in processing your exam videos due to your internet connection, please reinstall Respondus Monitor or use a different computer. As a last resort, you may have to schedule your exams with the instructor as the proctor.

⇒ DO THIS NOW: Take the Respondus Monitor Practice Quiz

• Open LockDown Browser, log into Blackboard and select this course.
• Locate and select the Help Center button on the LockDown Browser toolbar.
• Run the Webcam Check and, if necessary, resolve any issues.
• Run the System & Network Check. If a problem is indicated, see if a solution is provided in the Knowledge Base. Troubleshooting information can also be emailed to our institution’s help desk.
• Exit the Help Center and locate the practice quiz named ‘Respondus Monitor Practice Quiz’ under the ‘Exam’ folder on Blackboard.
• Take the practice quiz following the guidelines listed above.

• Upon completing and submitting the practice quiz, exit LockDown Browser.
• This is how you will complete your future lecture exams.
• Your instructor will review your environment check video. If there are any problems, your instructor will send you an email or ask you to meet online to discuss solutions.
• Please be aware that you will not get feedback on your environment video if you do not complete the Respondus Monitor Practice Quiz by the stated deadline.  If your environment video is not acceptable, then you may receive a grade of zero on your exam. This is your only chance to get feedback before your first exam. If you do not take the practice quiz and there are problems with your environment video, then your exam may not receive credit and your grade will be 0.

III. Cheating and Consequences of Cheating

Please treat online exams the same way you would treat in-person exams or exams completed in the testing center. You may not use the internet, any study guide or textbook, your notes, any other student or person, your cell phone, your smartwatch or any other portable devices. Plagiarism (including copying/pasting answers) is considered cheating.

You may not copy or share exam questions. This includes sharing them with any other student or posting them online. If you are caught doing so, I will consider this to be cheating. If you are caught cheating, you will receive an automatic zero. I may give you a zero in the course and report the incident of academic dishonesty for disciplinary action. More information here.

IV. So how will our exams work?

Lecture exams may be timed. Exam questions will be presented to you all at once. Exams are available during the dates indicated on the course schedule. You will be recorded (both audio and video) during exams. You must have your webcam and microphone turned on and working while you are being recorded.  If your webcam or microphone is not working or if your environmental video is not acceptable, you may receive a zero on the exam.

It will take at least 24 hours for these videos to be processed by Blackboard. After completing the exam and video processing is complete, I will review the exam video. If there are any issues, I will reach out to you. If you know there was an issue during the exam, please send me an email immediately after the exam and explain the situation.

I will then grade the exam. Once you see a grade for the exam you completed, you know there were no problems with the procedure or the video. 

V. Common Student Questions and Answers

1. When I go to take an exam using Respondus Monitor, it asks for a password. What am I doing

wrong?

• If it asks you for a password, you are probably not opening the exam in Lockdown Browser. Open Lockdown Browser, log onto Blackboard, and go to our course page. You should then be able to open the exam.

2.  It is time for the first exam, and I cannot find the exam on Blackboard. What happened?

• Did you miss the deadline for the exam? If it is past the deadline, it is too late to take the exam and you will receive a grade of zero for the exam.
• If you cannot find the exam and the deadline has not passed, send an email to your instructor.

3. I am taking the exam and I get a message that my answers to the written questions have not

been saved. What do I do?

• DO NOT USE YOUR CELL PHONE TO TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR ANSWERS.
• Take a deep breath! This is probably a false error but there is a simple backup solution.
• Read your answers out loud. The video will record your words and the instructor will be able to grade your answers.
• After you have submitted your exam through Respondus, send your instructor an email and let her know what happened. Explain that you read your answers out loud and ask her to grade your answers based on that, if necessary.

• Generally, this indicates that you do not have the most current edition of Respondus LockDown Browser. Update your software. Be on the safe side and read your answers out loud.