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