Anthony, You do have a tough job. Figuring out where you students are coming from can be done with a simple Algebra pre-test. That can tell you a lot. You can also ask computer/technology questions to get a feel for what they know along those lines as well. The students have to realize they need to meet the course expectations and what the grading scale is. If they are not able to check email daily, yet that is a requirement, they need to realize up front, that they probably will not receive and "A." OR you have to adjust the requirements if you can yet still allow for students to achieve the learning outcomes. Does this make sense or help you?