Features offered by the CourseInfo system include presentation of course documents and assignments, group email, online gradebook services, discussion groups, an interactive chat facility, and automatic grading of quizzes. Some students do not adjust well to distance learning. But even though there are no regularly scheduled meetings, you are nevertheless a member of a class. In order to build more of a sense of community, you will have available a number of ways to participate as a class member. Keeping communications flowing is key.
Some measures are optional, such as discussion groups and interactive chats as mentioned above.
In addition several activities that require your regular participation have been built into the course. In particular, you will be asked to follow the weekly schedule of readings, assignments and quizzes that are summarized on the course syllabus. Along with assignments and quizzes, email offers a vital link between students and the instructor. Dial-up connections via a modem are acceptable as well, but are subject to line disconnections due to inactivity or other causes. The weekly online quizzes are an important part of the course.