Webassign Policies

Following are important ideas to keep in mind when using Webassign and submitting homework assignments.  You should familiarize yourself with these ideas to avoid unnecessary point deductions.

• Change your password as soon as possible and remember it.  While I will certainly reset it if you email me, I may not get it back to you in time if you wait until the last minute to do an assignment.

• Be careful about using your back or refresh buttons on your browser, this may cause an assignment to be submitted inadvertently.  Use the navigational buttons provided by Webassign.  Inadvertent submissions cannot and will not be accommodated for.  It is your responsibility to do your assignments carefully.

• I am not responsible for any last minute problems that could have been avoided by doing the assignment in a timely manner.

• Be sure you have the latest version of your internet software/browser.

• It is advisable to download and print your assignment as soon as it is available so you can work on it at your own pace.  Remember, each student will have a unique set of numbers so using someone else’s assignment will not help you!

• The due dates will usually be set for a time of 8:00 a.m. so in case you have internet trouble at home you can submit your answers before the school day begins.  Keep in mind this will mean you are responsible for the work even if you have no internet access at home!

• Read the student guide regarding the submission of answers and typing numbers.  I suspect the most common problem will be entering numbers in scientific notation (2 x 10^–5 should be entered as 2e-5, note there are no spaces).  Keep in mind the solutions have a tolerance of 1%.  All answers should be typed to three significant figures.  Incorrect responses due to incorrect format will not be accommodated for.

• Essay questions are graded by me and not by the system so do not worry if you are unsure of wording, grammar, spelling, etc.

• If you have problems with the process, do not panic.  Any problems with Webassign can be worked out with me on a case by case basis.  Just keep in mind I am strict about your responsibility to get your submissions in on time.

• Answers to any given assignment will be available on WebAssign after the due date/time.  This means, of course, no submissions can be made after this time (hence the name due date).

• Usually you will have two submissions per assignment.  This will vary depending on the type of question and length of assignment.  This means you can submit answers two times.  After each submission, you will see which questions you got wrong and you may rework them and resubmit.  The Assignment Summary page will tell you how many submissions you are allowed per assignment.  The grade that counts is the last assignment submitted.  Note that you do not have to submit the maximum number of assignments, this is only the maximum allowable number of submissions.  Any variations will be noted on your unit plan or the Assignment Summary page.

• Each answer blank, with the possible exception of essay questions, are usually weighted the same.

• Questions you may have about the actual physics of the assignment are better asked using the HELP DESK feature of Webassign.  I will constantly monitor this feature and it allows me to see the problems and your current submissions.  By emailing me your questions, I may not have your problems in front of me and may not be able to give a wholly helpful response.

• In the case of extended absences where the content is not learned by a particular student before the due date, extensions might be granted provided the student has not downloaded the answer key.  This will be treated on a case by case basis.

• If you have any questions or concerns, see me in school or email me.