MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

FIRST, no class on Friday.  AND, the review assignment is NOT DUE on Friday.  We will take this up AFTER classes resume.

I am revising the semester tasks/assignments to reflect our new reality. I am also seeking permission for new and different grading options: To be discussed today, in our last face-to-face class for the foreseeable future.

Plans for digital life:

• We will still use this space BUT with some refinements.  Here are my new tech plans:
  • Will record short video, based on slides with voice-over,  and post in this space.  Will try to limit to about 20 minutes. WATCH BEFORE OUR CLASS MEETINGS (digital, naturally).
  • I am creating a class space in ELI, for us to use.  Here, we will draft, revise, comment on
  • the revised assignments I will prepare over the next ten days or so.
  • We will meet on M and W at our regular class times (, 10, 11) in ELI.
  • Friday, will be a virtual day, typically in the Google Office Hours in the Sky practice we have.
• My goals for this time:
  • Not use ZOOM (anticipated trouble with high number of classes, nationally, going to this platform)
  • Use slim tech, so that those with WiFi or internet access are less bothered by high bandwidth burden.
  • Build on what we already do in our class tech culture (squarespace plus google doc).
  • See opportunity for new ways to learn and grade.

What I need you to do:

1. BE SAFE.
2. Get clear on your tech, to be ready to learn in our new conditions
   1. Make a google drive folder for your work in this class.  I will likely ask you to let me in, as part of the grading strategies. TBD.
3. BE SAFE.  
4. Dig deep into your core values about this time.  Be in touch with those you love and who love you. Consider that spring is beautiful and being outside is an activity that you can enjoy, including with others, subject to taking care.

If you have difficulties with money, food, or shelter, please contact me.  I might be able to help.  

For today's discussion, we will look at this useful web article about epidemic curves.  And, consider the compare/contrast cases of Philadelphia and St. Louis, in 1917: Washington Post article. Here is the money image: