Hi Tom,
thanks for the note ... yes, I can see why some things could be / should be mandatory ... but then things should be consistent ... if the description field is mandatory in order to "update" my profile (that is, add a picture, for example), why did the program initially accept my profile (when I entered my name etc.) without a description being entered ... it should have refused to accept the profile then also, yes??
Also, I'd say there are differences in reasoning why something should be mandatory ... for example: (a) "technical reason" because data is required to run the software correctly, (b) "administrative / teacher reason" because teacher wants to know something about student, (c) ...(d) ... other reasons ...
I find it confusing when things are mandatory in a place where I would think they need not or should not ... whereas I would have no problem at all understanding a description field needing to be filled in, example: (a) no mandatory description field for an administrator account who services the software, (b) mandatory description for a "student profile" to let your teacher know a bit more of your background.
Anyone have further insights on this?
The bug with pictures not being uploaded when other fields had errors has now been fixed in 1.0.6.4.
The description field is required for all users for pedagogical reasons - so that people are encouraged to write some background about themselves which helps to establish "connection" in an internet environment.
Notice that new users are emailed a reminder on enrolling about this, and that there is even a small blinking reminder on the course home page to pester them until they do it.
The description field is required for all users for pedagogical reasons - so that people are encouraged to write some background about themselves which helps to establish "connection" in an internet environment.
Notice that new users are emailed a reminder on enrolling about this, and that there is even a small blinking reminder on the course home page to pester them until they do it.