The intention for this page was to attach the minutes from the class chatroom session.
Unfortunately, the program does not hang onto the minutes as the class progressed.
As such, it was necessary to creat the following from my notes and from one page copied
while the session was in progress.
I will look into this issue to see if it is possible to get the entire minutes for next
session.
Notes---/Minutes from Jan. 13, 2004 RO Chemistry Class Chatroom Session
Wes: As previously warned, we may experience technical problems.
---A few students had problems with their screens going white. Steve found that hitting
"Refresh" on his browser may restore the page. I will look into other fixes.
---Response time was somewhat slow (>5 sec) for some students using dial-up
connections.
Wes: I am most impressed with the quality of every one of our students. We all come in
with an excellent background.
Wes: As a brief way to introduce ourselves, how long has each of you been in water?
---It seemed most had from several to 20 years in some water industry
Wes: We have 4 chatroom sessions scheduled. The primary purpose is get you support on
issues that might be common to the class.
Wes: Most technical questions/issues will probably best handled on the discussion board. I
will try to keep these sessions relatively brief.
Wes: A copy of the minutes will be posted to the Class Chat Room page the morning
(correction-day) after.
Wes: I think we will have one or more students who will not directly involve themselves in
the chatroom. Because it is 5:00 am in Australia.
Wes: Classroom etiquette. It is OK to abbreviate and mis-spell.
Wes: If you are a slow typist, split your discussion into small entries.
Wes: When I discuss something, I may look for feedback to affirm everyone's understanding.
A "y" or "OK" is good. If unclear, it is a good time to ask a
question.
Wes: OK?
---Students responded affirmatively
Wes: A late modification to the series is using a letter grade system instead of
pass/fail. Anyone have a problem with this?
---No
Wes: We are going to partner up for support, in case it is needed to feel comfortable. I
found it useful in the course I took, except initially my partner wasn't getting my
e-mails.
Wes: I thought he was ignoring me.
Wes: Unless two of you are already friends, I will randomly pair you up. Bill and Paul, do
you want to partner?
---Bill and Paul were OK with this.
Wes: I know you have not had a chance to learn about your classmates. Does anyone here
happen to know a classmate with whom they would like to partner?
---no
Wes: For the rest, I will e-mail out the names of your partner.
---Allan asked if grades would be indivdually based or common to the partners. I clarified
that grades are given to the individuals. (Partners are just for support.
Projects/homework are individual.)
Wes: As part of your assignment due prior to Feb 3, I would like you to post some sort of
biography on the Communication page, and e-mail a copy with an attached photo to your
partner and to me. Understood?
---yes
Wes: Your first assignment consists of reading pages 1-11 in the book, answer the practice
questions, and answer end-of-chapter questions 1-4.
Wes: Prior to the next session on Feburary 3, please e-mail me your answers. You may use
your partner for assistance and/or the Class Discussion Board.
Wes: Please note that in question 1, atomic mass values are given in the parenthesis,
rather than atomic numbers.
Wes: They will not help you to answer the question.
Wes: Also do the CD topics through "When Salts Dissolve" and their practice
questions. Questions?
---Kreg asked a question copied below about the CD practice question being for the
students.
Wes: If you have questions related to the material or to related interests, please post
them to the Discussion Board.
Wes: You should also read postings of others. If you have something to add, please feel
free. I expect everyone to contribute in some manner to the board, and/or to the chatroom
discussions.
Wes: You may relate your postings to issues specific to your industry or whatever. We have
a number of industries represented by our students and that is good.
Wes: A Mid-term report will be due on some sort of experiment related to the material.
Think of this as an opportunity to play, especially if you are curious about something.
Wes: You may choose anything that might be related to the topics of this course. Just let
me know of your idea before the next chatroom, in case I have suggestions or concerns.
Wes: I want everyone to have unique projects, but you can assist others with theirs. I
will be posting a suggested format for the research report on the Assignment page.
Wes: Your report will address the nature of the experiment, any history or theory behind
it, how it went, and what you can conclude from it.
Wes: Example, if you can access a piece of RO membrane, you can attach it to the end of a
straw. Put it in a solution of a known salt concentration.
Wes: Fill it with deionized water and see how far the water rises. Does the height meet
with expectations based on theory. Then explaine Why/why not? etc.
Wes: Chemical reactions are good, such as between chlorine and sodium bisulfite. Compare
results to the theory.
Wes: Please feel free to post extra ideas for projects to the discussion board in case
anyone is struggling.
Wes: If you have trouble understanding your results, you may use the discussion board for
this also. Questions?
---not yet
---The following in reverse order is a direct copy of the minutes that include some
individual project ideas:
---After-the-fact comment: Some of the ideas presented may better fit with future RO
courses. This is not necessarily a problem except that it may be easier to write about the
background if it concerns issues we are currently studying.
Wes (Tue 8:00pm 192.168.0.201):"Any questions about anything?"
Wes (Tue 8:00pm 192.168.0.201):"You have some time to think about the final
project."
Wes (Tue 7:59pm 192.168.0.201):"The final project will be a research project. This is
a chance to look deeper into something that you are curious about related to our subject
matter."
Wes (Tue 7:59pm 192.168.0.201):"All great ideas. Try to compare actual results with
theory"
kreg (Tue 7:58pm 192.25.144.225):"How about the use of Caustic Soda on RO's to raise
the product Megohms "
Wes (Tue 7:58pm 192.168.0.201):"EXCELLENT! It's yours."
Bill (Tue 7:58pm 65.29.54.153):"adjusting recovery on a household unit until
precipitation of salts occur and comparing that with the LSI prediction or something of
the sort, I assume this would be the type of project you'd accept?"
Paul (Tue 7:58pm 67.24.180.81):"effeects of pH on NaCl rejection?"
Wes (Tue 7:57pm 192.168.0.201):"a chemical reaction analysis is good, like betwen
chlorine and bisulfite"
Kevin (Tue 7:56pm 24.3.20.15):"too early for me i will have to think about it"
Wes (Tue 7:55pm 192.168.0.201):"Does anyone already have an idea they want to share,
or claim rights to?"
Wes (Tue 7:55pm 192.168.0.201):"The CD questions are for you, except for the final
exam."
kreg (Tue 7:55pm 192.25.144.225):"The questions on the CD are for us ?"
Wes: Next session, Feb. 3, 2004