Learning Support Agreement for Online Post-Graduate Research Writing Course “Guidelines for Publishing Your Research Findings in English”

An online course offered by the Department of English for the Humanities

Please read this document carefully, as we detail both our expectations of you and what you can expect from the instructors and staff of the project. If you have never taken an online course before, you are in for a grand ride! To make this experience as positive and successful as possible, we would like to set guidelines that we could all agree upon.

Once you have reads the Learning Support Agreement, please mark this element of the course Done (отметить элемент курса как выполненный), as we know you have read it and agree to its terms. Though it’s non-binding legally, it makes you academically responsible. What is more important, it lets both us and you know that you are being serious about taking the course and will participate regularly in class. Feel free to print it out and keep a copy for yourself for reference. It may also start your curse folder that you will continue to add to during the course.

Introduction.

You can receive a series of e-mail messages, welcoming you to the course and outlining the steps you need to take before starting class. You are responsible for making sure you will have consistent access to a computer or mobile device with an Internet connection and a recent version of Chrome browser. Be sure to have it installed to all devices you are going to use. You are also responsible for storing your access details, including login and password, for no access problems resulting from loss of such information can be an excuse for assignments deadline failures.

Communication.

The primary method for communication with the instructor(s) will be making postings within the actual course. Occasionally, when either you or the instructors have an urgent issue that needs to be discussed or, during the opening weeks of class, using e-mail will be appropriate. You are also welcome to use a build-in private message system within the course. Our response time for your questions will be between 24 and 48 hours, unless it is weekend time, when it may be over 72 hours.

Class materials.

As a participant, you are recommended to use the following books/materials. They are accessible through the following links.

Time commitment

Generally, it is assumed that you will have to spend approximately 3 to 5 hours per week working on class assignments and participating in class discussions. Ideally, you are supposed to log in briefly every day and, at the absolute minimum, three times a week. Let us remind you, that your course activity records can be seen at any stage of the course progress.

Whatever your schedule is going to be, we expect you to show up regularly each week (rather than try a late-course blitzkrieg to catch up with the rest of the group), and make substantial, thoughtful posts on at least three different days each week.

Participation.

Participation in the course is absolutely required. Participation is defined as you posting discussion comments and assignments in the course (which will make clear once you start the course). If you intend to suffice with just reading course materials and browsing the links provided, you have not yet met your responsibilities. Participants learn in collaboration with one another, and your groupmates can only “see” you through your comments and posts in the Forum board. Your groupmates will rely on your doing your part to fulfill theirs. If, for any reason, you anticipate an upcoming absence during the course, we expect you to let us know as soon as possible, so we can plan for your absence and avoid any inconvenience. You must also be ready to submit the certificate or any other evidencing documents.

Technical support.

The course instructor will be there for you to help with any issues related to the course progress or course navigation. Other questions regarding registration, accessibility, Internet connectivity, versions compatibility, or software requirements should be addressed to the technical support staff of the university.

Class announcements.

We will occasionally post announcements for the entire class inside the course. Please watch for announcements as you first enter the course each time you log in. We also may e-mail the group on some general matters.

Feedback.

We will provide module feedback to all participants on their progress in the course, including feedback on participation, specific assignments, and groupwork. A passing grade in the course is 60 and it qualifies you to receive a certificate of completion.

Post-course access.

The course, including all class materials and discussions, will remain accessible for one week following the end of class. Make sure you store the necessary materials by the closing date.

Please, mark this element of the course Done (отметить элемент курса как выполненный), so we know you have read and agreed to the terms of this Learning Support Agreement.

Thank you.