What others are saying!
Faculty and Student Comments
Here's What Faculty and Students Had to Say About …
… Workload and self-discipline
This type of learning allows more freedom but also requires a great deal of self-discipline. As some students have noted:
"With the demands of a family, this worked out great!"
"I like being able to work on the class during whatever time that I choose."
"It helps to be self-motivated."
"Time is a critical factor in dealing with this course. As an older
student with a family and other responsibilities (job, civic, social),
the course is very demanding."
… Prerequisites
Be sure that you have met the prerequisites. If you have not or if you are in doubt, contact the instructor and discuss your background before enrolling.
… Accessing the technology
Because this type of class involves interaction primarily through e-mail or computer conferences, arrange access to the level of technology required for the course in advance and take some time to get comfortable using it--particularly e-mail and the Internet. Participate in orientation exercises and workshops if they are available.
… Getting started and pacing yourself
At the beginning of the course, have a look at all course materials and the home page. Review the complete layout or structure of the course before completing any assignments.
Keep current with all class requirements. It is easy to "put off" online course demands in favor of those with a more visible timetable.
… Submitting your work electronically
As one student noted, "I feel I learned more from this Internet course than I did from my ITV and on-site courses. I had to think and respond with my own ideas and thoughts. In the other classes I sit back and listen instead of participating." Chances are, you'll participate in class more than you ever did before, and because most of your participation will occur in writing, your instructor's comments on your assignments may take longer to receive than in traditional classes. Don't be too concerned if it takes time to get your instructor's comments back.
Make sure you clearly identify yourself and your subject in all communications. You will win the heart of your instructor!
Seriously consider preparation and editing of all submissions "off line." Once you are satisfied with your effort, then it’s time to post it to the computer conference or e-mail it. Use your word processor, spell checker, and proofread all of your submissions.
When submitting course requirements as an attachment, inquire whether your instructor can read them. It is likely most popular programs will be satisfactory.
… Communicating on-line
Since most communication among students and instructors is through e-mail and/or
the Internet, good writing skills are important.
In traditional learning environments, we are able to rely on facial cues and body language to understand what other people are communicating and how our communication affects them. Although you can't rely on these same cues when communicating on-line, you can achieve the same thing by posting messages in a courteous manner, indicating support for other classmates, replying promptly to any messages, using constructive criticism if disagreeing with another classmate, and reflecting before responding to a sensitive or controversial topic.
… Connecting with your instructor and classmates
And, finally, you're not alone! If you have a question about content or process, don't hesitate to ask your instructor or classmates. Be as specific as possible when seeking help. If they're available, take advantage of interaction forums, learning teams, and study groups with fellow classmates.