Posted by Eddie Mercado on Feb 09, 2017; 5:01pm
URL: https://nabble.aealearningonline.org/Topic-2-Student-Help-tp3792p7038.html

Regarding Angie...

Given that there has been some evidence that she is accessing the class resources late at night, I would first want to establish how that is happening if she is indeed unable to work at home.  If there is any purposeful deception about why the work is not being done, that is going to necessarily impact my response.  However, it is equally likely that other things are occurring that are preventing her from such access.  Parental controls, spotty internet service, cost of using wi-fi hotspots from cellular service, etc.  I would want to make sure that I was not "punishing" a student for behaviors that are beyond their control.

That said, the main thing I would want to clarify is how to get the student back on track.  If they sincerely want to create success, then I would be willing to grant an extension.  If they can't demonstrate concern for successful completion of the assignments, then I would be less likely to grant such a request.  If delaying the completion deadline is not likely to have a positive impact on the student's performance ... I wouldn't make the exception.

Assuming this is an online class, Angie's lack of contribution to the forums or other assigned work will necessarily impact the rest of the class as there will be a missing voice.  The lack of her voice as part of the overall dialogue of the course limits the diversity of the discussions that take place.  No student should be allowed to negatively impact the overall quality of the experience, and all online learners have a responsibility to understand their role in the process.  Not participating is not an option, and I would make sure that the student understood this expectation and why it is such an important part of the course.

After attempting to establish the reasons for the request, I would weigh the pros and cons of the extension.  If there were more important reasons to grant it, than to deny it ... I would allow it.