Ok, I think I've mentioned some of my pet peeves about school before but this one just kills me! My online class (big surprise that that's where the biggest problems are - always!!) is "taught" by a mostly-absentee professor who also happens to be a big jerk. His syllabus is full of comments like "it's frustrating when students don't keep pace" and the like. He in fact makes quite a point about how students who don't do their work just tick him off. 

For discussions he wants one type written page per original comment and 1/2 page per response and of course you must respond - with unique ideas and comments - to at least 2 people every week.  Little side note here, if you were in a classroom you would NEVER pose a comment or question that would equal a full page of text. But this is online and excuses the professor from having to be involved in any way whatsoever. But I digress...  It's not impossible but that's just one of his assignments that are more like busy work than anything. 

He does not have due dates on his syllabus just approximate dates. He doesn't even have places for us to turn in all of our work. I emailed him and asked him where we are to submit an assignment that was due (I think last week) - it took him 10 days to respond. Ten days! He finally replied that he would like it emailed to his personal email account. Um, isn't that a little weird? Yes. It is. 

Then he graded me down because my first discussion was not two pages long. (I don't like to have Bs so this is really bothersome to me.)  I emailed him and asked him to clarify because the syllabus states very clearly ONE page and that's what I submitted. I can do two pages but only if I know that's what's required. Perhaps I'll hear back by the end of February.

Discussion 3 is due and there's no where to post it. (The prof has to create a discussion board or assignment module to submit work.) How shall I do my work?  I just hate when teachers don't keep pace! It makes the whole process very frustrating. Oh wait! Isn't that what he hates about students?  I've learned over the years that when teachers go on and on about something they hate in their syllabus - they are very often the worst offenders on that exact issue. It makes me want to scream.