Biodiversity

Monday, April 10, 2006

BIODIVERSITY TAUGHT THROUGH THE WEBLOG

Hi Everyone

I have had requests from both David and Karen that this course is done
more on-line. This is desirable but you guys will need to be more
sensitive in giving me time to put material up which means I cannot be
available simply when you are around. Currently it has been extremely
difficult with trying to give lectures, provide virtually individual
attention and provide support via the Weblog. I am absolutely fine with
going this option but here are the implications.

ON YOUR PART.....

a) Instructions must be read more carefully and adhered to more
strictly (e.g. when attaching a comment you use the tags <> and when
emailing a new article using GroupWise this must be complete with your
signature file, a subject that is in CAPITALS and that you used the
html view to send so that formatting and URLs are activated.

b) I will be available only from 11-12:30 Tuesday for you to
collect/return any DVD material that is required and for discussion -
otherwise I will only be available through the Weblog!

c) You must use the courseware content folder
http://planet.uwc.ac.za/nisl/Biodiversity/ to download most material
which will be organized into clearly identified folders (still to be
done by me, PDF, Docs, Chapters, HTML etc)

d) If material that is posted on the Weblog is not correctly formatted
it will deleted without notification!

e) If material is accidentally uploaded and needs to be removed you can
email me at my UWC email address (if it was not formatted properly you
do not need to let me know I will delete it!)

f) Recognize that a far more disciplined approach needs to be in place
and that I am disturbed less often!

g) Not all material will have narration added (it simply takes too
long!)

h) Recognize that you will need to find peer-reviewed material for your
assignments

i) Accept that material may be scanned for plagiarism

ON MY PART (PROVIDING I AM GIVEN MORE TIME)

a) Return comments on the Weblog where there is a clear question within
24 hours during normal office hours

b) Be available 11-12:30 Tuesdays

c) Provide dates on what needs to be done when

d) I will upload PDFs to the courseware content folder and you will
need to review this material (subdirectory PDF)

e) Provide Video (DVD) material physically on Tuesdays

f) Material that can be downloaded from the web will also be stored in
the courseware content folder http://planet.uwc.ac.za/nisl/Biodiversity

If you support this approach PLEASE confirm by attaching a comment
stating your acceptance of these conditions.

Thanks

Rich

Dr Richard Knight
Co-ordinator: National Information Society Learnerships - Ecological
Informatics
Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
University of the Western Cape
Private Bag X17
Bellville 7535

Phone 27 + 21 + 959 3940
Fax 27 + 21 + 959 1237

Email Rknight@uwc.ac.za
Web http://nisl.uwc.ac.za