Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Writing C
But I did slot them into the spreadsheet on my Powerbook in which I compute grades, so it is all squared away, and the letter grades I posted to the registrar yesterday by 5 PM deadline are based calculations with those Writing C points.
I will try to force them into the gradebook somehow, a little later today. But for right now, I feel it is time for a nap. My semester is now over! ;)
Monday, December 1, 2008
Create a question for the final, for bonus points.
I posted an example question to go by.
By the way, this bank of questions can be a really good study tool, to get yourself ready for the final.
Have fun.
Chapter 22 concept guide is now up.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
General feedback for exam 2
Right now we only have a few of the questions set up with feedback, but we will add feedback for all of them by finals week if not sooner.
Chapters 20 and 21 concept guides are UP.
ALSO: You can try the chapter 21 mini-quiz now, too, as you study.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Exam 2 average: 34/50
Monday, November 3, 2008
Entropy chapter's concept guide is now UP.
- atmospheric physics like hurricanes,
- quantum physics applied to communication and cryptography systems
- black holes and other exotic astrophysical objects
- many other phenomena
The concept guide is now available for chapter 14, the entropy chapter. So, have at it!!
Simulation of supernova explosion at the core of a large star.
Chapter 12 mini-quiz
The chapter 14 mini-quiz is now available, on schedule, and the concept guide will be up a little later this afternoon.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Concept guide for chapter 13 is up.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Your chapter 12 concept guide is ready.
Your concept guide for the aerodynamics/Bernoulli Effect chapter, Ch. 12, is now UP. Look in Webcourses and do not forget the podcasting site for detailed homework exercises worked out with visual diagrams and equations plus narration.
Monday, October 13, 2008
New module is UP, with podcasting
- Concept guide for chapter 11, "Structure of Matter"
- Ch. 11 mini-quiz
- Podcasting links
NOTE: The podcasting site is from a long ago semester, Summer 2007, so ignore all the old announcements and such, but definitely use the visual podcasts, because they are still right on the mark. Some of these podcasts are for earlier chapters, so you can actually use them in Nov. to prepare for the final exam!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Study groups ready to go
- Kissimmee
- Daytona Beach/Palm Coast
- Altamonte Springs
Monday, October 6, 2008
Concept guide UP for chapter 8, angular momentum.
- forces
- momentum
- energy
So look over the Concept Guide for Chapter 8, which is now available on the home page and in Learning Modules.
Organize and find study group members near you
- talking and reviewing with one other person force you to THINK, and
- you stay organized a little bit better when you have someone to "synch" with regularly.
So go to the Discussion area, Study groups - find someone in your geographical area, type in a message with your geographic area in the Subject box, and see if you can make a new friend to study with.
From my previous semesters in PSC1121, it really helps a LOT.
As an example, I typed in a discussion posting for a study group on my home planet. :)
Friday, October 3, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Exam procedure for Thursday
- You will have 60 minutes for each midterm exam
- and the exams will be available between 12:05 PM (lunchtime) and
11:59 PM (the midnight oil). - So you must schedule a one hour block of your time starting after lunch and before 11:00 PM, if you want the full hour to take the exam.
You will take the exam online, inside Webcourses, a lot like the mini-quizzes, only longer. So work out your schedule to be in front of a good computer for the test.
Exam 1 this Thursday, chapters 2-6
Your review plan should include:
- chapter 2, concept guide and mini-quiz for starters.
- chapter 3, concept guide and mini-quiz
- chapter 4, concept guide and mini-quiz
- chapter 5, concept guide and mini-quiz
- chapter 6, concept guide and mini-quiz
Note: Even though you have chapter 7 to work on this week, the exam will only cover material we finished last Saturday, up to chapter 6. So get in some work on chapter 7 as a break for exam prep, but make doubly sure to be ready on chapters 2-6 by Thursday, and then finish chapter 7 stuff after that.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Concept guide, Chapter 6 ready to roll.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Concept guide is UP for Chapter 5, Gravitation.
- concept guide for chapter 5
- mini-quiz
- writing assignment which will appear when you snag 18 points or more on the mini-quiz
- and a new Flash file with audio of some extra practice with subtracting vectors
- plus a PDF version of the same file, with narration notes instead of audio.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Do over
So I reworked it and set up a new version, due Wednesday night, 10 PM, "Writing Assignment C, no messing around version."
- Click into the no messing around version and carefully read the new wording in red lettering.
- It is just a rewording of the original, so you might be able to re-cycle the wording of your initial attempt.
- To nab your initial attempt from the old version, just click into Assessments, and select "View Submission" for Writing Assignment C. I have set the initial version to allow you to do this.
- But as always, we want you to think about the question, so read those red letters carefully.
- And for paybacks, I will give everybody an extra point, a bonus point. So a perfect sentence would go down as 6/5 instead of 5/5. SWEEEEEEEEET.
- ALSO: We won't be grading the stinky initial version, only the new no messing around version.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Grading on writing tasks begins this week.
Chapter 4 concept guide is UP.
Look in Learning Modules in Webcourses.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Writing tasks synchronized with mini-quizzes
Ch. 2 mini-quiz also extended until Thursday morning
You guys with textbook troubles, it might be a strategic move right now to get yourself chapter 2 and chapter 3 as i-chapters (PDF), from the Course Smart textbook site. The link is on the home page (and right here!), then on Course Smart, page down to the "More Info" link for purchasing the individual i-chapters etc. They are pretty good. I have tried them myself, and $4.49 is not too expensive.
Physics: A World View, 6th Edition |
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Writing assignment A
Anyway, I will re-open the Writing Assignment A for 48 hours, starting Tuesday morning at 8 AM.
But until then, make sure to enjoy the weekend!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Welcome to Fall 2008 online PSC1121
For this week, you can start by
- Reading through all pages, calendars, schedules and other areas in our Webcourses area.
- Begin studying chapter 2. See the chapter two concept guide inside Webcourses.
- Work on the chapter 2 mini-quiz, a study tool for this week.
- After you have done well on the chapter 2 mini-quiz, your Writing Assignment A will activate. One attempt, take your time.
- For busy bees among you, I have set up some chapter 3 study materials, too: chapter 3 concept guide and mini-quiz.
You can click into the Week 1 Learning Module for most of this.
Always keep an eye on announcements here!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Writing task 2.2 is finished. YAY
YAY
Next task for me: calculate everybody's bonus point totals and then semester grades.
After that: figure out a new super-secret strategy to get Brett Favre back on the field for Green Bay Packers domination of NFC North! :)
Monday, August 4, 2008
Server Downtime Extended
am sure glad we did not run into this last week! Hang in there.
> Dear faculty,
>
> The server admins are extending the downtime until 11 pm tonight to
> complete necessary work on the server.
>
> Thank you again for your patience while we resolve this issue,
>
> CDWS
Webcourses@UCF Downtime - 4 pm today
off the air today.
> Dear faculty,
>
> It has become necessary to bring down Webcourses@UCF for a time this
> afternoon, from 4 pm until 8 pm, to address a storage issue.
>
> Our apologies for the short notice, and we thank you for your
> patience while we perform this necessary service.
>
> CDWS
Task 2.1 is now finished.
Next: Finish up task 2.2 grading!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Writing task 2.1
Do not pester Dr. B about grades. :)
Exam 3 grades UP
While waiting for your semester grades, catch up on your ZZZZZZZ, get some sunshine and fresh air, and most importantly, avoid PESTERING Dr. B about grades!! :)
Instead, you could catch up on your UFO research maybe, or figure out how to get Brett Favre back on the field. Meanwhile, do not telephone, email, course mail or post discussion thread about where your grades are, or you will be flagged for illegal procedure, 5 yard penalty.
OFFICIALS' JURISDICTIONS, POSITIONS, AND DUTIES
Referee—General oversight and control of game. Gives signals for all fouls and is final authority for rule interpretations. Takes a position in backfield 10 to 12 yards behind line of scrimmage, favors right side (if quarterback is right-handed passer). Determines legality of snap, observes deep back(s) for legal motion.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Deadline is extended one hour into Saturday morning.
OK, go for it: exam 3, 38 questions, 50 points
Serious trouble on Webcourses
Hold on everybody!
Exam 3 today, after lunch
You'll have 60 minutes, one hour, for the exam, so get started before 11 PM if you want full time to take it.
Note: this is not cumulative, like a regular final. It is more like a midterm exam, covering only concepts from Module 3.
GO FOR IT!!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Writing task 2.1, one more day
So this makes the following deadlines:
- Writing task 2.1 due Wednesday, 11:59 PM
- Writing task 2.2 due Thursday, 11:59 PM
Writing assignment 2.2 is ready!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Concept guide 3 B is ready.
It covers just one chapter for this week. Exam 3 on Friday is not cumulative like a final exam. It only covers Module 3, parts A and B.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Extra iTunes U podcast about resistors, Chapter 21
It is extra, above and beyond the concept guide 3A, but I think I will ask a bonus question or two on the final over this topic. It is centered on concepts in the textbook, p. 437 and thereabouts.
Friday, July 25, 2008
New podcast episode, coffeemaker exercise, p. 445
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
UCF has iTunes U, and I have podcasts there.
I have two podcasts on there now: Pressure, density, thermodynamics and Electromagnetism. I published the link and some basic specs in the new iTunes U discussion area inside Webcourses. let me know, in Discussions, how it goes for you.
Writing task 2.1, on thermodynamics
Exam 2 grades are now UP
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
41 questions on Exam 2, 50 points
Note: there are a few matching items, which, in Webcourses, have to be for points greater than 1, so instead of 50 questions, there are only 41. Don't worry, though, because the total pointage is still 50 points!
Be prepared for action!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Exam 2 on Tuesday after lunch
You will have one attempt only, so make sure your web browser and internet service are ROCK solid. Use the battlefield mini-quiz again if necessary.
Serious trouble in GradeMark: further writing tasks postponed until Wednesday or later.
For this reason I am postponing further writing tasks until Wednesday or later. This means the Writing Task 2.
So get ready for tomorrow afternoon's exam 2. It will be available at 12:05 PM right at lunch time, and get it finished and submitted by 11:59 PM. (This means you have to start by before 11:00 PM to get a full hour to take it and CRUSH it.)
Concept guide 3 A is now UP
Pop ups
Anyway, be careful about your settings for blocking popups. AOL is especially heinous in this regard.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Writing task 1A, item 2 is done. YAY
- fuzzy dice
- net forces
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Webcourses down...again! and back UP
Notice from UCF to faculty:
Beginning at approximately 1:05 pm this afternoon, Webcourses@UCF began experiencing a connection issue. The server admins are already working on the problem. An update will be posted here as soon as there is more information.
So we wait to do our work this afternoon!
more:
Dear faculty,
Webcourses@UCF was restored at 1:30 pm today. Thank you again for your patience.
So I guess we can get back to work....maybe.
GradeMark comments icon
Monday, July 14, 2008
Typos in chapter 8 mini-quiz are fixed
WHEEEW, writing task 1A, item 1 is done.
Be careful next time when submitting your answers. Type carefully or cut-and-paste carefully, because I had a few students with time on the attempt but nothing actually submitted.
Concept guide for Module 2 part B is UP
- starts us on the topics of pressure, temperature and density and
- begins the sequence of electromagnetism topics.
P.S. I am still working on grading the writing assignments. Stay alert.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Code for Writing Task 1A, item 1
If you see that you have 5/5, then you snagged each item on the rubric. Everything A-OK, and many of you are doing so.
If you are 4/5 or less, then you got dinged for one or more of the rubric items. If you click on your "attempt" you can read my comments. It will look a bit like this page (click for full size), which is my demo-student page. Here is the code that you will see in my comments:
- -D if I take -1 point off on the DETAIL criterion.
- -G if I take -1 point off on the GRACE criterion.
- -C if I take -1 point off on the COMP criterion.
- -O if I take -1 point off on the ONTPC criterion.
- -T if I take -1 point off on the TRUE criterion.
If I take off more than that, it will look like -DG for points off on the DETAIL and GRACE criterion.
For the other writing tasks, you will see the criteria directly, no codes.
Remember, be patient as the writing task grades come dribbling in over the next few days, and concentrate on plenty of study concepts in concept guide 2A.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Writing task scores
After the deadline passes, I will start grading about 500 sentences, one at a time. So if you get antsy, resist the urge to ask me about them -- the more you pester me, the less time I have to grade... slows things down like crazy.
So buckle down on your Module 2 part A studies.
Blurb sheet on momentum and kinetic energy
Look in the learning module 2 part A.
Enigma machine for some chapter 6 work
- from basic tasks with the momentum formula for 100 points
- to the the high level target calculation that depends on the three previous steps... which snags you 400 points.
Exam 1 scores are UP
- distinguished higher performing students from lower performing students, and
- over half the class answered correctly.
OK, get moving on the writing tasks, if you have not already done so. They are due tonight, 11:59 PM.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Scores on the books but not visible til sunrise tomorrow
This is normal. I have to look over all the attempts and verify that everything was done in a kosher manner, and I do not verify at midnight. I usually do all that first thing in the morning.
So if your exam score seems to have disappeared from your My Grades page tonight, do not panic. Get some shuteye and check back in first thing Wednesday.
Webcourses looks better now: Exam 1 is GO for launch.
Mini-quizzes open today until 11:30 AM
Be ready for exam 1 during the 12:05 PM - 11:59 PM time window today.
Emergency version of Concept guide 2A
Monday, July 7, 2008
Writing tasks postponed; exam is ON.
So get ready for the midterm exam 1. I expect Webcourses to be ready by lunchtime tomorrow for sure, so plan on taking the exam. Exam 1 is still ON.
If you want some old help files from last summer and if you have iTunes, you can look at some of the homework podcasts from last summer. if they work for you, great. If not, you still have the concept guides.
Be ready for 12:05 PM tomorrow, when the first exam becomes available.
I am sorry we have had this UCF network meltdown on this night!
Webcourses down, part 2
We are having a partial networking issue, affecting webcourses and some other services. Our staff are actively working to resolve the issue at this time.
--Director, Systems and Operations
Computer Services and Telecommunications
Stay alert and be ready to scamper back in as soon as Webcourses goes back ON.
Webcourses down
Be ready to hit your writing tasks later tonight, as soon as Webcourses goes back on the air.
Reset battlefield version of chapter 3 mini-quiz
BATTLEFIELD version, ch. 3 mini-quiz.
To do the new graphics, I had to re-set all attempts. A bunch of you have already tried the battlefield version, but re-setting means I had to ditch your attempts. So: If you have already tried it, do it a few more times, just to be extra sure.
REMEMBER: make sure to take the "battlefield" version of the chapter 3 mini-quiz, before you take exam 1, to make double sure that your browser and internet service can handle the exam process. If your computer flakes out on you in the middle of the exam, there is noting I can do, and you'll be stuck with whatever points you have scored before the failure.
If your web browser or internet sevice cannot handle this one, you had better make it your business to find a place to take the test.
Our first exam: Tuesday after lunch
- 50 points, approximately 50 questions*
- Time to take exam 1: 60 minutes.
- Availability: 12:05 - 11:59 PM.
- Schedule yourself for a one hour block of time that begins after lunch and ends before 11:59 PM.
- You see questions one at a time and Webcourses allows questions to be revisited.
- One attempt only.
- No re-takes, no make-ups, no early takes.
- Topics, concepts, diagrams and calculations from Module 1 only.
- Be ready to think. ← will be your biggest challenge.
Make sure to take the "battlefield" version of the chapter 3 mini-quiz, to make double sure that your browser and internet service can handle the exam process. If your computer flakes out on you in the middle of the exam, there is noting I can do, and you'll be stuck with whatever points you have scored before the failure.
* Sometimes a matching question will have several items to match, so the question count goes down. I.e., Webcourses counts 4-item matching as one question. So if that were on the test it would be a 4-point question, and there would be only 47 questions. So no matter how this exam stacks up, you will have 50 points.
MODULE 2 ready to go
We are now in the middle two weeks of Summer B. Time to start working on Module 2.
Look in Module 2 part A for the new concept guide and some mini-quizzes. Our exam over module 2 is in two weeks from tomorrow.
TOMORROW: Exam 1, covering module 1. In case you are a bit behind schedule, you have today and tomorrow to get finished up with module 1.
Photo: Corey Dellenbach, Shawano Leader/AP
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Writing task 1B item 2 is GO for launch.
Make sure to read the full instructions for this assignment.
It is due July 7, and I will use same grading criteria as on all writing assignments.
Some extra blurbs
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Writing Task 1B, item 1: one sentence about projectile motion.
It is a TurnitIn assignment, so it works a bit differently than the previous tasks. But just click through and look over the assignment, then upload a text file, one sentence only, when you are ready.
Note: there will be two more writing tasks this week, so get this one finished and out of the way.
Time for more bonus points: question for first midterm exam
We will do this again for exams 2 and 3.