So you should expect to be writing and reading constantly, even when preparing for your next oral presentation. No prior knowledge of virtual spaces is required. This is a departmental policy and, as such, is non-negotiable. If you must miss a class, check with one of your classmates about what you missed before the next class. Don't miss 'em.
Plagiarism is the undocumented use of someone else's ideas or words.
To present another's work as one's own, even if one is paraphrasing is plagiarism. This is a serious offense and will result in failure for that assignment and, very likely, for the course. Also, be aware that departmental policy requires that everything you submit in this course be an original production for this course. That means you may not resubmit work for an assignment in this class that you have produced and submitted for some other course. If you are unsure about using certain materials in a particular way, please see me.