Online Courses - Informing Your Students
Before the start of each semester, we communicate with prospective and enrolled students about the courses you deliver at a distance. Here are some of our most effective methods.
Mass Mailings. Approximately two months before the start of each semester, we mail postcards to thousands of households located in areas surrounding UMS centers and sites. This mailing is designed to inform the public about the upcoming registration period and to direct prospective students to courses listed on our Website or to Teleservice's toll-free phone number, where they can request a hard copy of our course guide, ask questions, and register for courses.
The distance learning course guide provides general information for beginning students, including university tuition rates, add/drop periods, bookstore hours and more. Primarily, the guide offers a comprehensive listing, including descriptions and prerequisites, of the courses UMS faculty will offer via ITV, compressed video or the Web. If you'd like to request a copy of a recent course guide, please contact Teleservice (1-800-868-7000).
World Wide Web. As mentioned above, we've created a website that informs students about distance learning and course delivery systems, upcoming courses, and library and support services. Students also may use the site to access their online courses, find assistance, check grades and order books. We welcome your comments or suggestions for improvement.
Teleservice. Teleservice is a one-stop information center for students taking courses at a distance. Accessible through a toll-free number (1-800-868-7000) and e-mail, Teleservice can help students:
- register and pay for courses;
- access online courses and obtain necessary course materials; and
- connect with a student services coordinator in his/her region to discuss degree, course or career options.
Before the semester begins, Teleservice staff mail to students enrolled in online courses a postcard that refers them to our distance learning Website and describes how to access their courses.
At your request, Teleservice can:
- provide you with up-to-date enrollment data;
- contact your online students who don't attend classes after the first week to determine if they plan to drop the course or have technical or other problems getting started;
- mail letters of introduction to students, including special instructions from you.
We welcome suggestions for other ways that we can prepare students for success in your courses. If you have suggestions or questions regarding pre-semester communications with students, please contact Karen Proulx at 1-800-245-5544 or kproulx@maine.edu.
| Course Planning Timelines |
| Informing your Students We offer several ways to communicate with your students before the start of the semester |
| The First Week Ideas for getting your course off to a good start. |
Assessment & Evaluation Blackboard's assessment tools |
| Blackboard Support & Documentation |
| Powerpoint Guidelines for online courses Video & Streaming Media |