Frequently Asked Questions

Technology

1.  I couldn't print any of the reading papers.
2.  How do I send my assignments?

Course Directions

1.  Where do I send question answers?
2.  How much detail in the answers; do I have to correct answers?

Completing Assignments

1. What is the format for citing sources/references?
2. Why are writing skills part of my grade? No one complains about my writing at work. And besides, this course is about planning anyway.

Technology Answers

1.  I couldn't print any of the reading papers?

The readings not included in the course texts are in Adobe pdf format. You can open, read and print them if you have Adobe Acrobat Reader. This is a free plug-in for your browser and should be included in Netscape 4.x and Internet Explorer 4.x. If the document will not open, then you need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) from the Adobe Website. Directions for downloading and installing Adobe Acrobat Reader are on the "Resources Page". If you have problems downloading, installing, or opening Adobe Acrobat Reader, call Kate Murphy (703) 993-8305, Office hours, M-F 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

2.  How do I send my assignments?

Review question answers must be pasted directly into the email, or sent as attachments. In Windows, to copy text from a word processing program to an email, open both the email program and the word processing program.  In the word processing program open the document you want to copy.  Place the cursor where you want to start copying text.  Hold down the left mouse button and drag until you select all of the text you want.  Or, if you want to select all of the text on the page, click on the "Edit" drop-down menu and click on "Select All" (this is in MS Word, but most word processing programs have similar drop-down menus).  Then click on the "Edit" menu again and select "Copy". Now click on the window of the email program and start a new email.  Click in the body of the email.  Click on the "Edit" drop-down menu and select "paste".  There are lots of short cuts to copying and pasting.  Use whatever works for you. 

Course Directions Questions

1.  Where do I send question answers?

You should e mail your assignments directly to Dr. Mutter, lmutt@gasou.edu, and copy (cc) Susan Beale, sbeale@gmu.edu, The Distance Learning Program Assistant Director.  If at all possible, cut and paste each assignment directly into an e mail message, rather than using attached files.  This will expedite the review process.  Once received, I will EMBED MY COMMENTS IN CAPS directly into your email assignment and send it back to you, with any necessary revisions you need to address before you move on to the next assignment.   Moreover, try to send the answers to one Unit at a time, rather than "batching" them.  In this way, you will benefit from my feedback on a single Unit before moving on to subsequent assignments. 

2.  How much detail is required in the topic question answers?   Do I have to return corrected answers to the questions?

Try to be detailed in your responses to demonstrate your understanding of the planning principles illustrated by the reading materials.  To the extent that the question allows, analyze an issue rather than simply reciting a passage taken directly form the reading materials. Use creative and critical thinking. Unless expressly directed to do so, you do not have to resubmit responses to review question comments.

Completing Assignments Questions

1. What is the format for citing sources/references?

We use APA Reference Style. You can find a brief guide at the GMU Library that explains only reference lists - http://library.gmu.edu/resources/e-style.html.

If you haven't used APA before you will note we do NOT use footnotes, but place citations in parenthesis within the text instead.

1. The Purdue guide is easy to follow and includes in-text citation explanations as well as reference lists: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_apa.html

2. http://www.celt.stir.ac.uk/resources/faq/APAStyleGuide.html is an abbreviated version, almost a crib sheet.

3. Copies of the APA Manual are available from the GMU Bookstore or any online bookstore. Amazon currently (2/25/2002) have it for $23.95

American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author

2. Why are writing skills part of my grade? No one complains about my writing at work. And besides, this course is about planning anyway.

The purpose of the Distance Learning Program (DLP) is to equip public lands and resource recreation professionals with "the latest information on philosophy, theory, law, regulation, policy, and research results and findings to increase and maintain professional competencies" (The Distance Learning Program brochure, http://dlp.gmu.edu/dlpbrochure.html ). In the professional role for which students in this program are being prepared, the ability to communicate well is essential. To that end, sentences that do not make sense, improper punctuation, and failure to fully edit submissions are cause for a grade relative to that level of effort.

Mature students with many years of work experience may be set in their ways when it comes to communication, preferring verbal over written communication and employing organizational and agency shorthand in written communication. In the academic environment where achievement of learning goals is assessed primarily through written communication, it is imperative that students express their understanding of these concepts in clear, substantive statements supported by reference materials.

One of the reasons for seeking or continuing your professional education was undoubtedly to think beyond your agency's way of doing business and to develop different approaches to your work. Participation in the DLP courses should be an opportunity for growth, for learning and adding to your level of knowledge and ability. To that end, opinions and experiences are interesting and of great worth as student-applied context for the complex sets of concepts presented. However, to gain from the courses students must also, look to the course reading materials, other suggested readings, and library research for information that either supports or refutes their notions of reality. Statements of opinion and experience included in assignments are encouraged, but they are only considered appropriate if they are supported by citations to course reading materials or other references.

Moreover, if you are in the DLP Masters Degree program, your ability to use Standard English to develop a formal paper or response is essential. It would not matter whether you took this course of study in a standard class structure or via distance learning, the standards are the same.