the george washington university pre-college program online student orientation 2013
TRANSCRIPT
THE
GEORGE W
ASHINGTO
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UNIVER
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PRE-C
OLLEGE
PROGRAM
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TUDEN
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2013
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to GW Pre-College Student Online Orientation!
This orientation will provide you with information pertinent to your enrollment in an online course through the GW Pre-College Program. For the next 6 weeks, you will engage in virtual learning with undergraduate students and possibly other Pre-College students.
PREPARING TO LEARN AT A DISTANCE
This orientation is designed to prepare you for effective participation in the online learning environment. The following areas will provide information to help you understand online practices and program policies:
Becoming a Self-directed LearnerAsynchronous LearningTips to Successful Online LearningTime ManagementTips for Time ManagementGW Pre-College Program PoliciesGW Pre-College Program Contacts
BECOMING A SELF-DIRECTED LEARNERIn its broadest meaning, ‘self-directed learning’ describes, according to
Malcolm Knowles (1975: 18) a process:
... “in which individuals take the initiative, with or without the help of others, in diagnosing their learning needs, formulating learning goals, identifying human and material resources for learning, choosing and implementing appropriate learning strategies, and evaluating learning outcomes.”
As a self-directed learner, you take on the responsibility of self-management and will often work independently. Maintaining a positive attitude is key to staying motivated you in the subject. You take ownership of your learning process.
Smith, M. K. (2002) 'Malcolm Knowles, informal adult education, self-direction and andragogy', the encyclopedia of informal education.
ASYNCHRONOUS LEARNING
GW summer online courses are asynchronous. This means faculty and students can work from anywhere, anytime. GW uses the Blackboard System as the online platform. Faculty post announcements, syllabi, and assignments for each course. Faculty and students interact in the virtual classroom through the use of discussion boards, email, video and/or chat rooms.
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL ONLINE LEARNING
• Be active in the class; participate regularly• Provide meaningful and substantive responses to the questions• Build a virtual network with your classmates•Manage course work and submit assignments on time• Report any technical problems immediately to IT Technical Support/Help Desk
TIME MANAGEMENT
Time Management is critical to online learning. Although students work at their own pace, some assignments may require group interaction to encourage student-to-student engagement. Students should carefully read the requirements for each assignment and submit completed work by the designated due date.
TIPS FOR TIME MANAGEMENT
• Set goals for completing assignments• Break large tasks into small sections• Create a tracking tool (calendar, to do list, journal)• Schedule reasonable timeframes to complete work• Communicate challenges immediately to your faculty and to the GW Pre-College Director
GW PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAM POLICIES
The GW Pre-College Program Codes of Conduct policies reflect the values and behavioral expectations set by the University. Students are expected to adhere the Codes of Conduct:
Academic Integrity and Netiquette Read and sign the attached form and fax (202-994-9360) or email ([email protected]) back to our office.
BLACKBOARD & COURSE MANAGEMENT
- To gain access to your course you will need your Net ID and GW Email NET ID INSTRUCTIONS (Document also available at the Pre-College website)
- Login to Blackboard (blackboard.gwu.edu)
- Order your books
- Be aware of timelines for submitting your course work
- Instructions on how to complete and submit exams will be noted in the course
The pace of an online 6 Week course is vey intense. It is important to check in daily to keep up with discussion post.
PROGRAM CONTACT INFORAMTION
STUDENT SUPPORT AND PROGRAM CONTACTS
Yvonne M. HoodDirector, GW Pre-College ProgramEmail: [email protected]: (202) 242-6612Fax: (202) 242-6761 Summer and Special Programs1922 F St, NW Suite 304Washington, DC 20052Phone: (202) 994-6360Fax: (202) 994-9360Website: summer.gwu.eduE-mail Address: [email protected]
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
IT Technical Support/Help Desk
http://www.gwu.edu/technology-requirements