student success guide
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TRANSCRIPT
Student Success Guidefor Online Learners
Course Instructor
Susan Tolbert, MS
Overview • Keys to student success
• The role of the student and the teacher
• Information on student orientation
• An Introduction to the program or class
• Online resources
Grow
Technology
Give
Resources
Distance
Teach
Learn
Explore
Keys to Success as an Online Learner• Self-motivated (does not need a lot of direction, motivation from
the instructor.
• Self-disciplined (can budget time wisely and does not
procrastinate often)
• Enjoys the challenge of learning on her/his own (likes to read and
learn)
• Takes charge of her/his own learning (willing to ask questions and
seek help when necessary)
• Good communication and writing skills.
• May need a flexible schedule but understands that flexibility does
NOT mean the course will be easy.
Tips for Success
• Please Watch the Following Video
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7KFFj8VFs0
Student Expectations
• What is expected of me as an online student?
• Turn homework in on time
• Participate in class discussions, since active online discussion will
keep you involved and engaged with your fellow learners, much
like phone calls and text messaging keeps you connected to your
friends and family.
• Have easy access to the Internet (preferably high-speed access);
have a backup location for accessing the Internet if your home or
work Internet connection is not available when you need to
access the course or turn in assignments.
Student Expectations
• Have at least 10-20 hours per week available to devote to each
course.
• Be able to apply basic computer skills such as MS Office, internet
navigation, downloading and uploading files to complete
assignments, and participate in online activities; recruit a friend
or colleague with more computer skills than you have to help you
troubleshoot in a pinch.
• Be self-disciplined about managing time, since there is no peer
pressure or regular class schedule to keep you on task.
Instructor’s Role
• Provide clear guidelines and course criteria for participation
• Provide criteria for student assessment
• Provide constant support for students and ensure that assistance
is available if required
• Intervene in discussion if dialogue between students stalls or
goes off track
• Be flexible to accommodate unforeseen problems and issues
Student Orientation
• Orientation to Online Learning is designed for students that are
new to online learning. This orientation will help you become
acquainted with online learning and what you need to know to be
successful at it. Orientation to Online Learning consists of four
learning modules. It is recommend you take each module in the
order they are introduced.
Student Orientation
• Module 1-Introduction
• Module 2-Getting Started
• Module 3-Learning Management
System
• Module 4-Online Learning Tips
Module 1-IntroductionDear Student,
• Welcome to online learning and thank you for enrolling into an
online course with our University.
• As you may already know, online courses provide amazing
flexibility in allowing you to continue your education without
traveling to campus several times per week. This can save you
time, travel costs, and fit nicely into your already busy life! It is
important to note, however, that these courses follow the
semester schedule, have weekly assignment deadlines, require
regular participation in discussion boards, and are as rigorous as
on-campus courses.
• It will be very helpful for you to be self-motivated and disciplined
to ensure that your assignments and course requirements are
completed on time.
Module 2-Getting Started
• Getting Ready for Online Learning
• Five key readiness tips for taking an online course.
Getting Started
• GET ORIENTED - Be sure to take advantage of the Blackboard
Orientation Course
• KNOW YOUR PC - Be an experienced computer user! Know how
to: use your computer, download and upload files, navigate and
open multiple tabs in your browser, and troubleshoot general
issues. It's also important to have reliable and high speed
Internet access.
• READ - Be sure to read all course information, syllabi,
instructions, contact information, and schedule information.
Follow the instructions in the syllabus to stay current and to
ensure assignments and participation requirements are
submitted before the due date.
Getting Started• LOGIN DAILY - Start out strong and be sure to login on the
semester start date. It's helpful to have a regular study routine
that includes logging into Blackboard daily. This will prevent you
from getting behind quickly as most online courses require your
regular participation in discussion boards. You should also check
your campus email daily. Email is used by online professors to
communicate important deadlines and information.
Self Discipline
• BE SELF-DISCIPLINED & ENGAGED - Be sure to manage and
prioritize your time well, be active, study hard, participate in
online discussions, stay organized, submit assignments on time,
don't procrastinate, keep a calendar or a checklist to be sure you
are on task, etc. Self-motivation is also important so that you
can remember to login frequently to participate and to engage in
learning. The key is to have a dedicated time set aside for your
course work and to minimize obstacles that hinder you from
studying and participating.
Believe & Ask for Help
• Believe you can do it! Have confidence in yourself, your
academic ability, and expect to be successful! Be aware of
where you need to improve and don't get behind. Your faculty
member is the first person to contact if you have any questions
related to the content of your course. If you are confused or
cannot find something in your online course, contact your
instructor. If you are unable to login, have technical issues
submitting an assignment or quiz, contact the IT Customer
Support help desk immediately. Additionally, several tutorial labs
offer online tutoring that enables you to chat with live on
Blackboard IM with a tutor.
Set Appropriate Expectations
Online and hybrid courses will require at least the same amount
of time as the on-campus equivalent. If you spend 3 hours in
lecture per week and six hours studying per week for a 3 credit
course on-campus, then you will likely spend 3 hours online and
an additional six hours studying per week for a 3 credit online
course. It is also important to remember that you do not get
instantaneous feedback in online courses like you do in a face-to-
face course. Your faculty member should communicate with you
their turn around time for emails and grading assignments.
Module 3-Learning Management System
Blackboard is the online system that is used to delivery online
learning courses at this University. If you are new to online
learning and to Blackboard, we recommend completing the
"Basics of Blackboard" session.
Please review the following online link to become familiar with
the Blackboard system.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ1LXvrKUzc
Module 4-Online Learning TipsThere are 3 key steps to success in online learning:
• STEP 1: Before the Class Begins - Be sure to review the
readiness tips, login and learn how to use Blackboard, and access
your campus student email.
• STEP 2: The First Week of Class - Make sure that you login on
the first day of class, become oriented to the course, and read
the entire syllabus.
• STEP 3: During the Semester - Be sure to login daily, interact in
discussion board forums as required, keep a schedule and
planner, and submit assignments or assessments on time.
Resources
• The following resources are available once you complete your
orientation.
• Library
• Writing Center
• Bookstore
• Time Management Resources
• Financial Services
• Student Support Services
Contact Information
Please feel free to contact me at any time via your campus email or blackboard discussion board.
I am also available to speak with you through Skype or the phone if you book an appointment.
I look forward to spending time with you on this new an exciting journey of online learning
Susan Tolbert, MS