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Learn to feel comfortable with your computer and the online learning environment.
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Learn at least one word processing program. Learn to use the Save As option and the Copy and Paste feature.
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Learn how to use e-mail. Send and receive a few e-mail messages for practice before the program begins. Send and receive email messages with attachments.
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Learn to use a web browser (Netscape or Internet Explorer), become familiar with resources available on the internet and learn how to find them.
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Stay connected and participate online regularly. Your instructor will provide guidelines for participation. Respond promptly to messages from instructors and other students. Be prepared to spend as much time online as you would spend sitting in a classroom.
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Keep in contact with your instructor. Your instructor can’t see your face in the online environment, can’t read your body language or hear a question in your voice. You’ll be responsible for initiating more contact, for being persistent and vocal when you don’t understand something or are having problems. Your instructor is here to help. Be sure to post a question, express confusion and concern about anything you don’t understand.
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Remember, you can contact your instructor by telephone, mail and fax, as well as by using email. Your instructor will provide specific contact information. Print it for easy access in the future. Keep phone numbers of your instructor and other program faculty and staff handy in case you have computer or email problems. Advise faculty and staff promptly of any changes to your address and/or telephone numbers.
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Ask questions! Your instructor is there as a resource for you. Ask right away if something isn’t going right, whether it’s technical or something to do with your study. Most problems are easily solved but we need to hear from you before we can help you.
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Interact online with other students as much as possible. Your communication with other students is important. Your frequent presence and participation in discussions is needed to create real group learning. Exchange addresses and phone numbers with other students. Frequent online communication with other students will help to motivate everyone.
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Manage your time and keep up with assignments. Distance learning can be challenging and will require more self-discipline and motivation than a regular classroom. Establish a regular study schedule and stick to it. Don't allow yourself to fall behind in completing assignments. It’s even harder to get caught up when you don’t see your instructor and classmates face-to-face to remind you at every class period. Plan a schedule and block out time daily for study time and online participation. This will help you juggle priorities in your academic life and personal life.
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Be patient with the technology. This is a new and innovative way to learn, but there can be problems. Understanding some of the specifics of connecting through the Internet will help alleviate frustration. You also need time to get to know your computer, the online system and basics of computer use and file management. Be sure to let us know if you have a problem with your computer. Our instructional technologist can help you troubleshoot problems and will help you resolve them quickly.
