FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SCHEDULE AND DATES
Q: What is the end date for the course?
A: The course will now close on November 30, 2018. All must work must be completed by this date. (NOTE: We have chosen to extend the deadline, and this new end date reflects that extension.)
Q: Is it too late to join the course?
A: No, the course is self-paced. We estimate the course at ~50 hours of instructional time total. Please keep this in mind when planning your work.
Q: Will this course be offered again?
A: Yes, but no dates have been announced yet.
Q: What does "self-paced" mean?
A: "Self-paced" refers to one of the two primary course delivery formats offered through edX and HarvardX. Self-paced courses do not follow a set schedule. Instead, learners work through at their own pace.
Q: How long does the course take to complete?
A: We estimate the total instructional time for the ten-module course to be around fifty hours, including time spent on design projects. This is based on an estimate of 5 hours per module.
Q: How long do I have to complete the course?
A: The course is self-paced, so you can work through the modules according to your own schedule. However, if you wish to earn a verified certificate, you must complete the course by the official end date. After that date, the course will be switched to archive mode with certain features disabled, specifically discussion boards and the verified certificate option.
Q: When are exercises (assignments) due?
A: There are no specific assignment deadlines, but learners hoping to earn a verified certificate must do so by the official course end date.
Q: Am I required to complete each module?
A: You can complete as much or as little of the course as you wish. However, if you're pursuing a certificate, then you must earn a passing grade of 60% in order to receive it.
GRADING
Q: What grade is needed to pass the course and earn a certificate?
A. The passing grade is 60%.
Q: Do I need to complete all of the assignments?
A: Learners who have selected the audit-track option can complete whichever assignments they choose. Learners who have selected the certificate-track option should complete all required assignments, or as many of the assignments needed to earn a passing grade.
Q: How do I view my grade?
A: Grades can be found under the Progress tab. NOTE: You cannot access the Progress tab using the edX mobile app.
Q: How does grading work in this course?
A: See the Syllabus page for a full explanation of course grading.
Q: The Progress page is displaying "X" marks for certain assignments. What does that mean?
A: The Progress page will denote low scores that have been dropped using an "X." See the Syllabus page for a full explanation of course grading.
Q: How do I know what’s required in a module versus what is optional?
A: Each module includes a "Module Checklist” in the "Introduction" section. This checklist identifies all required elements (videos, readings, and exercises).
LANGUAGE POLICY
Q: What language is the course delivered and are translations available for other languages?
A: English is the official language of the course in that all materials are in English and the course team is English speaking. Translations are not available at this time. However, video transcripts (in English) are available for download.
Q: Can I complete the assignments using a language other than English?
A: Yes, languages other than English can be used for the Self-Assessments. Ultimately, you are the evaluator of your work, so the method of response should be whatever allows you to learn best.
Q: Can I post to the discussion board in a language other than English?
A: Posting in English is recommended if you are looking for the course team to post a response.
EXERCISES
Q: I’m having trouble using the edX Open Response Assessment tool (ORA). What should I do?
A: A practice self-assessment using the edX ORA tool is available in the “Start Here” section. You can also review the edX documentation.
Q: I accidentally submitted my exercise response using the edX Open Response Assessment tool (ORA)? What should I do?
A: You cannot reset your response once you have submitted it. However, since all ORA tool-based exercises are self-assessments, the team advises completing the grading portion anyway (basing it on the full version that you were not able to submit). The record of the response is, mostly, for your archival purposes, so a local version will suffice. If necessary, the course team can reset an attempt if necessary.
Q: How do I upload a file using the edX Open Response Assessment tool (ORA)?
A: The upload-a-file option within the ORA tool has been disabled. None of the course exercises require you to upload a file. If an exercise includes a non-text-based component (a floor plan, a model), you are never required to include that component--just your text-based analysis of that component. However, we strongly encourage learners to share design work either via the discussion boards or social media (See the “Community” page for the GSD1x Facebook presence and hashtag.)
Q: I'm having trouble uploading images to the discussion board. What should I do?
A: The following brief tutorial discusses how to upload an image.
CERTIFICATES
Q: How do I earn a verified certificate?
A: To be certificate eligible, a learner must upgrade to the certificate track via the edX dashboard. If you earn a grade of 60% or higher before the close of the course, then you will earn a certificate.
Q: Is there a free certificate?
A: EdX no longer offers a free certificate (formerly called "Honor Code" certificates).
Q: How do I upgrade to the verified certificate track?
A: Learners can upgrade from the edX dashboard (all courses view when you first sign in) or from the Home tab within the course. This edX help page describes the process. The last day to upgrade to this option is now October 30, 2018.
Q: How do I receive my certificate?
A: Certificates for self-paced courses are available on-demand once you’ve earned a passing grade. The option to generate the certificate will appear within the Progress page. Once the certificate has been generated, it will be available within the edX course dashboard. EdX does NOT mail or email certificates to learners.
Q: I have a question about verification or payment for certificates. Whom should I contact?
A: Contact edX using the online form (available via the Support tab) for any questions related to certificates. The course team cannot resolve certificate issues on behalf of learners.
Q: What information is included on my certificate?
A: The edX verified certificate includes your name, the course name, the HarvardX logo, the edX logo, the course professor's name and signature, and the unique url for your web-based certificate. The certificate does NOT include your specific grade or any information about hours of instruction.
Q: How do I obtain a transcript of my verified course?
A: EdX and HarvardX do not offer course transcripts. Verified certificates can be used as proof of course completion. We recommend printing either the syllabus or the course About page if you need a record of the estimated instructional hours for the course.
DISCUSSION
Q: Is participating in discussion required?
A: No, all discussion opportunities are optional.
HELP
Q: How do I contact the course team?
A: Questions about the course should be submitted via the course discussion boards. General course inquiries should be posted under the “General” category. Technical inquiries and course errors should be posted under “Technical Issues” category. Exercise-specific inquiries should be posted within the thread for each exercise.