Hello! If you are interested in taking Lifespan Development Online or Human Sexuality Online with Prof. Sumrall, please read on. I hope I have all the answers to your questions. If not, please email me at Kevin.W.Sumrall@lonestar.edu and I’ll get right back with you. I know online courses can be intimidating, and I want to make every effort to put your mind at ease. The classes are challenging, but stright-forward and manageable.
Frequently asked questions and important information about Prof. Sumrall’s online classes:
Can I get a syllabus? -Yes, links to syllabi are below or to the right. I teach every semester, and teach both online and in the traditional classroom. Be sure you download the syllabus for the online class and for the right semester. PSYC 2306 is the Human Sexuality class and PSYC 2314 is for the Lifespan Development class. Online courses have section numbers beginning with either a 4W or 4M such as (4W01). This page generated by the college system does not work for everyone. Be sure your Pop Up Blocker (usually found under “Tools”) is turned off. If you have difficulties downloading the syllabus, please email me and I will send you a copy (be sure to tell me what class you’re in!). Changes may occur (such as due dates, etc) in the syllabus before class begins, so always download the syllabus from within the class once the class begins.
What textbook do I need?
Download the syllabus for your class. Textbook information is at the top of the syllabus.
Where can I get the textbook? The text should be available at Lone Star College-Montgomery (where I teach). The text is also available online for purchase or rent from many suppliers. Please be aware that many online book sellers may send their books “media mail” unless otherwise specified. Media mail can take up to two weeks to receive. If you are ordering your text a week or two before class it is advised to use UPS or some form of expedited shipping. It is the students’ responsibility to have the text on the first day of class.
Can I use an earlier edition of the text? This is not advised. Quiz questions are based upon the latest information contained in the current edition of the textbook. Please purchase the correct edition.
How does the class work? What do I have to do? There will be a multiple-choice online quiz each week of the long semester (or more quizzes per week during short semesters). The quizzes will be over material covered in one or two chapters of our text and one or more powerpoint presentations from your professor. There will also be a few online discussions. There is no final or paper.
Do I have to take exams on campus or meet with you on campus? No. Online classes are all online. There is no need to be on campus.
May I work ahead? Students cannot enter online classes early, but once the class opens you may work ahead as material and quizzes are available. By mid-semester, all class materials will be open. If you would like to read your textbook before classes open please begin with chapter 2 for the Lifespan class. For the Human Sexuality class, begin with chapter 1.
Do I need to be online at specific times? No. You will, however, need to make progress in the class each week (or each day during short semesters). If you will be without reliable internet access for more than a week, then this class is not well suited for you.
If the class is full, can I get permission to add the class? No. Per department policy, classes are not allowed to go over the limit.
What do I need to do to be sure my computer is ready? This is very important. The class is simply not workable for a student without reliable internet service and the professor cannot simply give students a pass because they had a technical problem. It is the students’ responsibility to be prepared to take an online class and have a computer capable of handling the needs of an online course. If you have not taken an online class before, go to The Lone Star College-Online Services page at http://www.lonestar.edu/lsc-online/student-support.htm. This page features the online readiness orientation for those who have not taken an online course at Lone Star. Please follow all the directions there and take the mandatory orientation. There is no need to download the “Respondus” program. On the first day of class, log into the class.
I look forward to our class beginning.