Using McGraw-Hill Connect for This Course

This course uses McGraw-Hill Connect to access digital content from Floyd, Interpersonal Communication, 4e. You will use Connect to complete readings, homework, quizzes, and tests.

Access Codes and Purchasing

• Each student must have an access code for the digital content.
• You may purchase the access code through the link inside our course. This is usually lower cost than the Amarillo College Bookstore.
• Connect provides two free weeks of access. You must secure full access after the trial period to complete the course.

Proctoring with Proctorio

The eBook quizzes and exams use Proctorio, a proctoring tool that installs in your web browser.

• Install the Proctorio extension in a supported browser before your first quiz or exam.
• If your device blocks extensions (for example, some school-managed Chromebooks), you may not be able to install Proctorio.
• The first week includes a low-stakes, proctored assignment to test your computer. Please complete it early.
• McGraw-Hill offers a Proctorio Orientation with a pre-check. Complete this before your first graded quiz or exam.

Orientation link: Open the Proctorio Orientation and Pre-Check

If You Have Trouble

If you cannot complete the low-stakes practice assignment, you need a solution right away. Options include:

• Take all quizzes and exams at The Underground (basement of the Ware Student Commons). More info
• Ask for help at any AC Tutoring Center or at The Underground to enable Proctorio on your device.

Get Technical Support

• McGraw-Hill Connect Technical Support (Live Chat)
• Call McGraw-Hill Support: 1-800-331-6090
• Visit the McGraw-Hill Support Page

If you start a chat with McGraw-Hill and receive a case number, please email it to me so I can follow up if needed.

Course Requirements

Technology and Access

• Reliable access to the Internet (all assignments are completed and submitted online).
• A reliable computer or laptop, with the ability to charge and maintain the device.
• Important: The Proctorio feature on some assignments does not work on tablets or iPads. You must use a desktop or laptop computer for these assignments.
• Access to the eBook, Interpersonal Communication, through McGraw-Hill’s Connect platform.

Skills Needed

By enrolling in this course, you acknowledge you already have—or are willing to learn—the following skills to be successful. If you need support, please visit The Underground or one of AC's tutoring centers.

• Basic computer navigation.
• Navigation of Blackboard.
• How to write journals.
• How to submit assignments.
• How to participate in a discussion board.
• How to join group discussions and complete group assignments.
• Navigation of Google Drive and related apps.
• How to convert a Google Doc to a PDF.
• Creation of Google Slides presentations.
• A willingness to keep learning (growth mindset).

Campus WiFi

Amarillo College provides free WiFi on all campuses.
WiFi Network: AmarilloCollege
Password: AmarilloCollege

Student Performance

Grades and academic expectations

• Your final grade reflects work completed across the term, not just at the end.
• Daily work, assignments, discussions, and assessments all contribute.
• Avoid cramming in the last week. It leads to stress and lower quality work.
• I provide regular feedback. Use it to improve.
• Stay engaged, ask questions, and keep up with the pace of the course.
• If you are struggling, visit office hours or contact me through Blackboard Ultra. Help is available, but you must take the first step.

Final grade requests

I do not round up final grades based on requests. Your final grade reflects the total number of percentage earned over the term.

• Use extra credit opportunities during the course to boost your grade.
• Do not rely on last-minute fixes. Your grade is built assignment by assignment.
• Use the rubrics. They show exactly how work is assessed.
• Visit tutoring centers or contact me if you need help before submitting work.

Bottom line: Grades are earned, not negotiated. This ensures fairness and prepares you for future academic and professional expectations.

Oops Tokens: one late pass per student

Life happens. Each student gets one Oops Token per semester, no questions asked.

What it does

• Grants a 48-hour extension on one assignment of your choice.
• No explanation required, but you must notify me via Blackboard Messages or via email at taylor.bingham@actx.edu to activate it.
• Taylor's favorite color is yellow. This will be clear once you get in the course. 

Rules

• Valid for one assignment only.
• Must be used within one week of the original due date.

Not valid for

• Two assigned papers.
• Group projects.
• Assignments due in the final week of class.

Email and messaging etiquette

Effective communication is part of what you are learning in this course. When emailing or messaging me:

Use a clear subject line

Example: Question about Interpersonal Communication Assignment 2

Include context

• Course name and section.
• Assignment title or number.
• Relevant deadline, if applicable.

Example: Interpersonal Communication, Section 01 " Assignment 3: Conflict Resolution Essay

Ask specific questions

• Vague: I don't understand this assignment.
• Specific: For Assignment 2, can you clarify what contextual analysis means?

Be professional and respectful

• Read your message before sending. Make sure it is clear, courteous, and complete.

Be patient with grading inquiries

• Manually graded work takes time. Check the syllabus for estimated timelines before emailing about grades.

Clear communication helps me respond quickly and thoroughly. Communication is a two-way street. Your clarity helps me help you.

Final thought: progress over perfection

My goal is to support your success as a communicator, collaborator, and critical thinker.

• Show up. Speak up. Keep up.
• Use your resources. Ask questions. Stay curious.
• Grades matter, and learning matters more.

Together, we are working toward something bigger than a letter grade. Lets make it count.

Welcome to Speech Communication! 

Hello Communicators! We are heading on a fun 8-week journey for interpersonal skills and you will learn SO much about your personal and professional communication. 

This class will be fast, sure, but do not freak out at the thought of condensed terms and juggling commitments. Before you dive headfirst into a "too much work!" spiral, let's make a plan that's both rewarding and balanced.

This online journey packs a punch! There's a lot to do, but I am here to support your success. 

Your Weeks Will Include

• Digging into readings: Assigned resources are your best friends.
• Practicing content: Hone your skills through online activities.
• Completing assignments: Your ability to refine knowledge.
• Engaging online: Share insights and collaborate with classmates.

Expect 12 to 18 hours of work per week (3 credit hours - 4 to 6 hours each). Don't panic - this is an exciting sprint through Communication Theory and Practice, and I'll be right alongside you.

Support on Your Journey

If you need help, please let me know early! Amarillo College offers multiple supports:

• Me (your course guide!)
• Amarillo College Tutoring Centers
• Online Tutoring
• The Underground

Early exploration leads to smoother journeys. We will build bridges of support, not walls of panic!

Engagement Expectations

• Call me Taylor no stuffy titles here.
• Show up, ask questions, and share ideas (even if they're not fully formed).
• Use your critical thinking: AI is no substitute for your brilliant mind.
• Reach out if you hit a snag. Ill connect you with tutors or resources.
• Practice kindness and respect, these are the keys to connection.
• Celebrate neurodiversity - we all bring unique strengths.
• Stay focused and stay on top of your game - much easier to stay on top of assignments
• Use the syllabus as your roadmap, it will guide you to communication success! 

Communication Channels

• Preferred: Blackboard messages. Click the messages tab in Blackboard and send your message there. Even though it is not an email, I still am looking for clarity and kindess in your messages. 
• Alternatives:
  • Email via taylor.bingham@actx.edu (include your name, course name + section, and a clear subject line).
  • Watermark (checked occasionally).

Tone Matters

Tone is like a powerful spell - it can build trust or cause mischief. Keep communication kind and respectful.

If inappropriate tone occurs, a three-step process applies:

1. First Occurrence: Coaching session with me.
2. Second Occurrence: Formal written warning.
3. Third Occurrence: Referral to the Campus Behavior Team.

Final Thought

Show up (online). Speak up. Keep up. Use your resources. Ask questions. Stay curious. Grades matter, but learning matters more. Lets make this journey count!

Grading Criteria 

Course Requirements: 

• Assignments (30%): Complete weekly assignments before the clock strikes midnight (11:59 PM) on their due dates!
• Bi-Weekly Exams (25%): Weeks 2, 4, and 6 have exams that cover two weeks of content. 
• Essays (30%): “The Way We See Me” — Discover your unique voice and explore how others perceive you in this exploration of self-awareness. "The Way We See Us" — Dive into communication theory through a specific relationship from your world. 
• Final Exam (15%): Put your communication skills to the test! This exam is cumulative—you’ll get to show off everything you’ve learned throughout the term.

Final Exam Due Date

The final exam is due Thursday, October 15, 2026, by 11:59 AM (midnight). This Thursday deadline allows me enough time to grade and submit final grades by the college’s Friday deadline.

• No late exams will be accepted.
• No extensions can be granted for the final exam.

Please mark this date in your calendar now. Set reminders or use memory techniques (memory palaces, acronyms, or associations) so this deadline doesn’t catch you off guard.

Assignment Submissions

• Acceptable File Types: Use only the approved file types (listed in the “Additional Information” section below).
• Dropbox Delivery: Submit all assignments through the designated Blackboard assignments. No emails, Google Drive links, or Pages files.
• Questions? If you’re unsure about submission policy, schedule an appointment—I’m here to help!

Join the Conversation

Your participation in discussions is so valuable! Share your thoughts, cite sources, and bring the conversation to life.

Readings

• Unlock New Chapters Each Week: Explore topics from our textbook on Interpersonal Communication.
• Read Before You Leap: Consult the readings before tackling assignments—it’s like asking a wise wizard for guidance!

Major Assignments: Dream Big, Write Bold

• “The Way We See Me” — Discover your unique voice and explore how others perceive you in this exploration of self-awareness. 
• "The Way We See Us" — Dive into communication theory through a specific relationship from your world.

Final Exam: The Ultimate Test of Courage

The final exam is a timed, comprehensive challenge that will test your mastery of communication skills. Don’t worry—you’ve got this!

Late Work: Finding Your Way Back

• Week 1 Grace Period: If you stumble during Week 1, let’s chat in Week 2. After the second week, the grace period expires.
• Beyond Week 1: Late work won’t be accepted, but I’m always here to listen and support you. Reach out proactively and we’ll navigate challenges together.

Pathways to Success: A Little Help from Your Friends

• Face Challenges Together: If life throws you a curveball, reach out—we’ll find a solution.
• Flexibility and Fairness: I’ll help you navigate challenges while ensuring fairness for everyone. Open communication is key!

Earning Your Grade

• No Grade Recovery: Your grade reflects your true mastery of the material.
• Grading Scale: A: 90–100 B: 80–89.9 C: 70–79.9 D: 60–69.9 F: 59.9 or below

Withdrawals

It’s your responsibility to make decisions about your journey. If you choose to withdraw, request a form by scheduling an appointment (link at the beginning of this document and inside the course).

Attendance Policy

Online engagement is essential. Attendance is not required in an online class, but engagement is required. Keep up with the class by logging in daily, staying on top of your work, and reaching out when you need more information. 

Plan ahead and communicate

If you anticipate a time that you may have trouble logging in or staying up to date with the course work, let me know as soon as possible. Life can be unpredictable, but proactive communication ensures we can navigate challenges together.

Together, let’s make this a journey of growth, discovery, and success!

Mandated Reporter

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at www.amarillocollege.net/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Assignment Submissions & Communication Channels

Submitting Assignments

As we embark on this journey of learning, lets make sure our communication channels are crystal clear. While email is useful for questions, it is not a place to submit assignments. Here is what you need to know:

• No file-sharing links: All assignments must be submitted directly through Blackboard. I will not accept links to outside sources (Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, etc.). Assignments submitted via links will earn an automatic zero.
• Documents, not detours: Email text is fine for questions, but assignments must be submitted as proper documents or files. I do not accept assignments through email or Blackboard Messages for grading.

If you have questions or encounter roadblocks, reach out. I'm here to support you and ensure your hard work shines through.

Accepted File Types

• .docx (Example: The Way We See Me)
• .pdf (Example: The Way We See Me)
• .jpg (Example: The Way We See Me self and volunteers worksheets)

I cannot grade Google Docs or Slides files. If you only have access to Google Drive tools, don't worry, you have options. The video below demonstrates how to download files in the correct format. (Works for Google Slides as well; download as .ppt instead of .docx.)

Navigating the Information Oasis: Citing Sources and AI Tools

As we journey through this intellectual landscape, well encounter a wealth of information. Remember: knowledge isn't ours alone"we build on the work of others. Citing sources ensures academic integrity and gives credit where its due.

APA Citation Style

In this course, we use APA style. Think of it as a map that shows exactly where you found your knowledge.

Citing the Textbook

Interpersonal Communication (Floyd, 4th edition)

• Basic in-text citation: Floyd (2021) emphasizes the importance of active listening.
• Full reference list citation: Floyd, K. (2021). Interpersonal communication (4th ed.). McGraw Hill. https://connect.mheducation.com/
• Without page numbers: Use the chapter number, section heading, and paragraph number. Example: (Floyd, 2021, Chapter 3, Types of Nonverbal Communication, para. 4)

If summarizing a chapter, just use the chapter number. Consistency and accuracy are key. Ask me or the AC Campus Librarians if you're unsure.

Using AI Tools Responsibly

AI can be a helpful companion, but its not a source. Use AI-generated content responsibly:

• AI is a tool, not a source: Always verify AI-generated content against reliable sources.
• Transparency: If you use AI, consider mentioning the tool in your references.
• Focus on originality: Your unique voice and analysis matter most.

Examples: Citing Bard in APA

1. Personal communication: (Bard, personal communication, October 26, 2023)
2. Algorithms output: (Bard, Algorithms output, Poem on the beauty of nature, October 26, 2023)
3. Software: Google AI. (2023). Bard: A large language model for research and dialogue. https://www.projectpro.io/article/chatgpt-vs-google-bard/815

The APA style for AI is still evolving. When in doubt, ask. The most important part is transparency"be clear about if and how you used AI.

Final Note

Navigating the information ocean requires respect for knowledge and courage to explore. Embrace the power of citations to acknowledge your intellectual debts, and use AI tools wisely to enhance"not replace"your own critical thinking. Together, well build a map of knowledge with integrity and curiosity as our guiding stars!