When it comes to performing activities on a computer:
In an online course, I expect that I’ll need to devote:
My internet connection is:
My time management skills are:
How much and how in-depth I learn depends on:
Engaging in discussion with peers and the instructor:
Instructors should participate in discussions:
Group work adds:
Students and instructors should respond to questions posed to them:
In an online course, getting assistance from others, course materials, or any other resource during tests or submitting someone else’s work as my own when completing assignments is:
Communicating in writing:
When I am confused or don't know what to do:
FEEDBACK
Computer Skills:
Online learning requires certain technology and computer skills. The amount varies from course to course. Having these skills will allow you to focus more on the content and less on learning the technology. View the syllabus and learn the required technical skills before taking an online course.
At a minimum you should be able to:
Time Commitment:
Online courses are not easier than on campus courses. In fact, they can be more challenging than on campus classes due to the technology you will encounter to complete course activities, such as readings, videos and mini-lectures, group work, writing assignments, presentations, exams and quizzes, discussions, and many more. Devote 9-12 hours per online course per week and devote more to courses in shorter terms.
Internet Connection:
Due to the various technologies present in an online course, high speed internet connections that are hard-wired are best. Wireless connections tend to be slower and can result in lost connections that will result in your not being able to complete a test which may negatively impact your score. Dial-up may not provide the speed you need to complete all course activities. Check the course syllabus to ensure that your computer and internet speed meet the technical requirements of the course.
Time Management:
Time management is a key component to successful online learning. The only certain thing about technology is that it sometimes fails. Build in time for potential technical issues. Keep due dates and other responsibilities in your phone calendar or print out the course schedule to ensure you manage your time efficiently to allow sufficient time to prepare for and complete assignments. Avoid procrastination!
Learning Style:
Being self-motivated will help you to be successful in learning materials on your own and completing assignments in a timely manner. Your instructor will be available for help. However, you will be responsible for participating in the class as well as completing learning activities and assignments in a timely manner. Check the syllabus and schedule to ensure that you can commit the time to complete course requirements by the scheduled due dates.
Peer Discussion:
Discussions are a great way to learn from your fellow classmates as you are introduced to different perspectives and ideas, which may lead to deeper understanding of the concepts. Timely responses will allow you more time to reflect and reply to posts, build on your ideas, prompt further discussion, and clarify misconceptions. It is important to avoid procrastination. Waiting until the last minute prevents opportunity for a real conversation. The level of participation instructors require varies. Be sure you examine the syllabus carefully to ensure you can perform at the level expected.
Instructor Participation:
Discussion provides students opportunity to apply concepts learned from course materials. Instructors should participate, but only as needed. The instructor’s role in online discussions is to prompt further discussion, clarify misconceptions, ensure students follow proper netiquette, and keep the conversation on track.
Group Work:
Although some online activities require individual efforts, many online courses incorporate group work. Your participation with group members will be important to the success of the project. Some instructors use peer-evaluations to ensure everyone participates equally. Lack of participation may result in a significant reduction in your course grade.
Response Time:
Best practices for online learning state that an appropriate response time for responding to questions or concerns is within 24 hours during the work week. Instructors may be in meetings, teaching, or engaged in other professional activities or off work when you are online. They cannot be online 24/7. Like many students, instructors enjoy online learning for the flexibility of performing necessary activities at a time convenient to them. Students should follow the same timeframe for responding to peers' and instructors' questions or concerns. Failure to check your email often may result in your missing important class announcements and information.
Outside Assistance/Plagiarism:
Just like traditional courses, cheating or plagiarism are considered academic misconduct and are easily detected. Instructors use technology to prevent and/or detect cheating or plagiarism.
To avoid academic misconduct:
Written Communication:
The vast majority of communication in an online course is text based via email, discussions, wikis, blogs, written assignments, etc. Be sure to write professionally and edit everything before sending as it is the image of you the instructor and your peers will see most.
Getting Help:
Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling with something, it is likely that others in the class are too. Look over assignments even before you are ready to do them to make sure you clearly understand what you are expected to do. Don't wait until the last minute to ask for help because it may mean that you miss the assignment, since the instructor and your peers aren't always online when you are.
Online learning requires certain technology and computer skills. The amount varies from course to course. Having these skills will allow you to focus more on the content and less on learning the technology. View the syllabus and learn the required technical skills before taking an online course.
At a minimum you should be able to:
- use a keyboard and mouse;
- save, open, and edit various file types;
- open, send, and reply to email;
- attach/upload and download files;
- click on and open hyperlinks;
- navigate the Internet
- navigate Canvas course environment;
- create online accounts;
- download and utilize software and/or plug-ins as specified by your instructor.
Time Commitment:
Online courses are not easier than on campus courses. In fact, they can be more challenging than on campus classes due to the technology you will encounter to complete course activities, such as readings, videos and mini-lectures, group work, writing assignments, presentations, exams and quizzes, discussions, and many more. Devote 9-12 hours per online course per week and devote more to courses in shorter terms.
Internet Connection:
Due to the various technologies present in an online course, high speed internet connections that are hard-wired are best. Wireless connections tend to be slower and can result in lost connections that will result in your not being able to complete a test which may negatively impact your score. Dial-up may not provide the speed you need to complete all course activities. Check the course syllabus to ensure that your computer and internet speed meet the technical requirements of the course.
Time Management:
Time management is a key component to successful online learning. The only certain thing about technology is that it sometimes fails. Build in time for potential technical issues. Keep due dates and other responsibilities in your phone calendar or print out the course schedule to ensure you manage your time efficiently to allow sufficient time to prepare for and complete assignments. Avoid procrastination!
Learning Style:
Being self-motivated will help you to be successful in learning materials on your own and completing assignments in a timely manner. Your instructor will be available for help. However, you will be responsible for participating in the class as well as completing learning activities and assignments in a timely manner. Check the syllabus and schedule to ensure that you can commit the time to complete course requirements by the scheduled due dates.
Peer Discussion:
Discussions are a great way to learn from your fellow classmates as you are introduced to different perspectives and ideas, which may lead to deeper understanding of the concepts. Timely responses will allow you more time to reflect and reply to posts, build on your ideas, prompt further discussion, and clarify misconceptions. It is important to avoid procrastination. Waiting until the last minute prevents opportunity for a real conversation. The level of participation instructors require varies. Be sure you examine the syllabus carefully to ensure you can perform at the level expected.
Instructor Participation:
Discussion provides students opportunity to apply concepts learned from course materials. Instructors should participate, but only as needed. The instructor’s role in online discussions is to prompt further discussion, clarify misconceptions, ensure students follow proper netiquette, and keep the conversation on track.
Group Work:
Although some online activities require individual efforts, many online courses incorporate group work. Your participation with group members will be important to the success of the project. Some instructors use peer-evaluations to ensure everyone participates equally. Lack of participation may result in a significant reduction in your course grade.
Response Time:
Best practices for online learning state that an appropriate response time for responding to questions or concerns is within 24 hours during the work week. Instructors may be in meetings, teaching, or engaged in other professional activities or off work when you are online. They cannot be online 24/7. Like many students, instructors enjoy online learning for the flexibility of performing necessary activities at a time convenient to them. Students should follow the same timeframe for responding to peers' and instructors' questions or concerns. Failure to check your email often may result in your missing important class announcements and information.
Outside Assistance/Plagiarism:
Just like traditional courses, cheating or plagiarism are considered academic misconduct and are easily detected. Instructors use technology to prevent and/or detect cheating or plagiarism.
To avoid academic misconduct:
- take exams and quizzes without assistance from anyone, your course materials, or any other resource;
- submit your own ideas in written work and cite anyone else’s work that you use as a resource to support your ideas;
- note that changing a couple of words to make a paragraph a little different from the original is still considered plagiarism;
- never resubmit yours or anyone else’s previous work from other classes;
- never give or take answers on exams or quizzes.
Written Communication:
The vast majority of communication in an online course is text based via email, discussions, wikis, blogs, written assignments, etc. Be sure to write professionally and edit everything before sending as it is the image of you the instructor and your peers will see most.
Getting Help:
Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling with something, it is likely that others in the class are too. Look over assignments even before you are ready to do them to make sure you clearly understand what you are expected to do. Don't wait until the last minute to ask for help because it may mean that you miss the assignment, since the instructor and your peers aren't always online when you are.