My goal is to provide you with a rich learning environment for ICS 314 despite the necessity for social distancing and reduced face-to-face contact. I believe that if we all work together, we can make this semester interesting, fun, and rewarding.
In the past, the ICS 314 learning environment consisted of “synchronous” communication and learning (i.e. face-to-face, in-class work, and small group meetings outside of class) combined with “asynchronous” communication and learning (i.e. out-of-class work, which involved both individual study from video lectures, individual programming, and asynchronous communication using Slack).
For Spring, 2021, we will still provide both synchronous and asynchronous communication and learning, but in a manner that reduces face-to-face interaction and supports social distancing. In essence, we will use a Discord server for both synchronous communication during class, and asynchronous communication outside of class.
For the first 12 weeks, we will meet only via Discord.
The final month of the semester involves working in small groups on a project. We will decide when the time comes whether and when to use Hamilton or Discord for meetings.
Question: Due to COVID, UH has announced that all classes should be online if possible. Does this mean ICS 314 will be online?
Answer: No. For the first 12 weeks of the semester, ICS 314 will definitely be entirely online. But, if conditions improve by March, then ICS 314 will move to a hybrid format. So, you cannot plan for ICS 314 to be all online for the entire semester.
Question: Due to COVID, I am hoping to not return to Oahu for the Spring semester. Can I still take ICS 314?
Answer: I totally understand and respect your desire to remain in a safe location. For the first part of the semester, it’s fine for you to be off-island. However, when/if ICS 314 returns to a hybrid format, you will be required to attend class to pass the class. So, if you can make arrangements to return to Oahu part-way through the semester, then you should be fine.