Anyone can read messages in these forums, but you have to
Register (click on the blue link at the top of the screen)
to post new topics or reply. Its free, and is easy to do - just follow the instructions. This is just to prevent mischievous outsiders spoiling things.

Please use your student email address to register (not compulsory, but i may check out anyone not doing this).
You should be given a student email address early in the semester. If yours doesnt arrive within the first few weeks, ask ICTC. Your email address won't be given to anyone else and it won't be visible to viewers of the forum (unless you want it to be).

You can use any login name you like when you register.

Your messages to forums are not graded, nor do they affect the marks i give you, so feel free to say anything without fear. Don't bother posting messages in the hope of winning favour from me - that's not what this is about. You will receive marks only for your project work and exam.

These forums are for only talking about the class subject matter and not for showing off or abusing fellow students.

But you can complain in the forums about anything to do with the class about which you are not happy - no comebacks, promise. Criticism is welcomed - the sooner you tell me, the sooner i will know i need to change something. i'm not such a bighead as to imagine i know everything.

But these forums are here mainly for you to help each other. Posting your own answer to someone else's question (or replying to correct their confusion) is strongly encouraged. Whether you are right or wrong, it doesn't matter. The main thing is you are engaging with the subject matter and trying to be helpful to others. If you make a mistake or ask a question of your own, someone else will help you too by replying. And if no-one else does after a while, i will. When you read the notes, you will see there are a few faqs (frequently asked questions) that cover most things, but that doesn't mean you can't ask about anything mentioned there - you can.

So don't be shy - anyway, no-one else will know who you really are unless you use your real name (which you are perfectly entitled to do).

You can disagree with each other, and with me - that's good - really -
science (and learning in general) necessarily involves argument and debate - but don't make rude or unpleasant personal remarks about anyone except yourself .

PS You can also use this site to send me a private message - just click on my name (Admin). This is the most reliable way of getting in touch with me electronically - uni email often gets hung up by viruses.

PPS there is also a Chatbox at the bottom of the homepage of our forum, for everyone to interact online. it is unmoderated and i rarely look at it, so use it at your own risk!

PPPS Read the important information in the thread called "other"