Every semester I write about keeping pace and even working ahead, when possible.  It seems that AAU is happy to let you work ahead but thay are only going to let me see into the future by one module (week).

From the AAU site:

NEW ACCESS TO CLASS MODULES

Please note the new policy on access to course materials:
You can visit the entire syllabus and course outline at any time during the semester. In addition, students have access to the course materials for their current module, the next module and all past modules.

Please contact the Online Help Desk if you have questions regarding the new policy.

BTW: A module typically represents a week’s worth of online class material.  It doesn’t contain all the material as there are often assignments using physical books, and additional online media.  (Maybe I should write a module post?)

Modules are a great way of seeing what is really involved later in the course.  My experience at AAU tells me that some syllabi are weak or incomplete representations of what is really involved in an entire course.  Course outlines are slightly better yet they can also be vague.  The best instructors provide a detailed outline of deliverables at the start of the course.   I hope that AAU is toughening up their standards on outlines and syllabi so fundamental information about course work is well-defined across all classes.

I wonder why this is?  Are students downloading the material from all the modules during the first week or so of classes then dropping classes?  This new policy makes it more difficult to download content for future personal review and use.

As long as instructors tell me what they expect for mid-terms, projects, and finals I don’t see a problem.  Due to work assignments (Read: Austin City Limits Festival) I will have to ask my instructors for homework assignments that are more than a week out, a couple of times this semester.

Just more work for the student and instructor I suppose.

UPDATE: (8/21/2010): I’ve sent a request to the helpdesk at AAU for a comment on this post.  More later…

UPDATE: (09/01/2010) I’ve sent another request to the helpdesk at AAU as I have not received a reply yet.  More later…

UPDATE: (1/1/2011) BTW: I never got an update but I understand this is a generally unpopular idea withing the photo department.