Expectations for Participants
Meet technical requirements before the class begins.
A basic requirement for taking a PLS online course is to have a working computer with an Internet connection and an active email account. The following technical requirements apply:
- Preferred Operating Systems: Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Mac OS 10.3
- Preferred Browsers: Blackboard does not operate properly when using AOL. For an optimal experience, use Internet Explorer 6.1 (PC), Internet Explorer 5.2 (Mac), or Safari 1.s (Mac).
- Required Software: Microsoft Word
- Required Web Browser Plug-In: Adobe® Acrobat® or Adobe® Reader™
Commit a minimum of 6-8 hours per week to the course.
Online courses aren’t easier or any less time-consuming than face-to face courses. However, they do allow greater flexibility about where and when you do the course work.
Actively participate in online interactions.
PLS online classes are not independent study courses. You are required to interact with the facilitator and other members of the class on a weekly basis. Communication is through written “conversations” posted in the Class Discussions area of the course, individual assignments sent to the facilitator, and private messages sent within Blackboard. Most courses also require participation in a small group one or more times during the course.
Meet weekly deadlines for posting discussions and assignments.
Assignments are due on a weekly basis. Unless otherwise stated, assignments are due on Monday, midnight Eastern Time. In order to earn full credit for many of the class discussions, you must post your initial discussion comments by Saturday night, midnight Eastern Time. Replies to classmates are due Monday, midnight Eastern Time. Please refer to the Course Guide for the policy regarding late assignments and rubrics that identify specific requirements.
Communicate any questions or concerns to your facilitator or to PLS operations.
Your facilitator won’t know if you’re having any problems unless you “speak up.” Please contact your facilitator if you need help with any assignments or if you’re having technical difficulties. If you have concerns regarding your facilitator, please contact Michele Gill, PLS Facilitator Trainer, at mgill@plsweb.com or by phone at 888-578-3224.
Notify your facilitator if an emergency arises that prevents you from logging into the course for more than 5 days.
Your weekly participation is a course requirement. Special arrangements may be made in the case of an emergency.
Follow rules of netiquette.
Netiquette guidelines are provided in the Getting Started section of the course.
Read all course content thoroughly.
Most of the course content is provided online in the Key Information for each topic. Some courses have additional materials including textbooks and CD-ROMs.
Maintain academic integrity at all times.
The work that you submit must be your own. Cite any sources you use in your postings and assignments. PLS adheres to your college or university’s plagiarism policy.
Keep backup copies of all of your course work.
Although every precaution is taken to safeguard your work within Blackboard, it’s important to keep copies of all course work on your computer as a backup. Coursework includes all discussion postings, assignments, and messages. You may also choose to keep a hard copy of your work.
Complete and return necessary paperwork to PLS and your college or university.
Returning paperwork in a timely manner ensures that your grade and credit can be recorded accurately.