Rules of the road

Participate. In the online environment, it's not enough to show up! We need to hear your voice to feel you presence, and we especially need your comments add to the information, the shared learning, and the sense of community in each class.
Be Persistent. Remember that we're all working in a fairly new environment. If you run into any difficulties, don't wait! Send a note immediately to the instructor of the course. Most problems are easily solved, but we have to hear from you before we can help.
Pace yourself: Put yourself on a predictable schedule so that you allocate time for the course. It will really help you out to make on-line courses no less a priority than face to face courses. Make it a daily routine to check the course website, or you will miss out.
Share tips, helps and questions. For many of us, taking online courses is a new frontier.There are no dumb questions, and even if you think your solution is obvious, please share it ! Someone in the class will appreciate it.
Think before you push the SEND button. Did you say just what you meant? How will the person on the other end read the words ? While you can't anticipate all reactions, do read over what you've written before you send it.
Be patient. As much as your instructor will try to be prompt in answering questions, please do not expect instantaneous responses to your queries. Learn how to set break points in your study, so that you can return exactly to the point when your question is answered. Be patient with yourself as well; give the material a chance to soak in.
Think before you write: Make sure to type your answers in a separate document before posting to a discussion board. This is a good habit to put into place for 3 reasons: 1. It allows you to layout and think through your answers before posting; 2. This creates a file where you have a record of the responses in case in the middle of posting you lose a connections; 3. It would be good to keep an on-going log of everything you have posted in the event that you need or want to refer to it long after the class is over.
Back up your data: When writing a discussion response, or paper for an online course, it is always a good practice to back-up your files.
One important precaution is to create your postings in a word processor and save it, to more than one place, then copy and paste it, or upload it.
1. Course Time Requirements:
  1. Be advised that this is 3 credit course. This means that you are expected to spend at least 60 hours in the term just on the lecture material and then an additional 3 hours for every 1 hour of class face time.
  2. Which translates to 10-12 hours per week working, reading and doing assignments.
  3. We recognize that not everyone is going to have to spend 3 hours for every 1 hour of instruction. But some of you will spend more and some less. You can use this gauge as to how much time you need to spend on an online class such as this versus a regular class.
  4. Before the Course Starts:
2. IF this your first online course, understand that there is a HUGE learning curve and you will probably end up spending more time in the first three weeks of the course getting used to the format, screens, arrangement of where all files are located, and understanding how to respond to discussions or emails within the course management system. So allocate your time and resources to understanding that you will need to learning how to learn online.
3. Know your priorities. If you don't have the time or energy to take an online-class at this time, it is OK. Drop the class as soon as you realize the conflicting situation, such as an illness, family situation or work conflict.
4. Make sure that you read and understand the course Syllabus. Also, make it a point to know the student assessment measures for the on-line course, such as quizzes, tests, and projects. Follow the exact assignment details. Don't give more and don't give less.
5. Build a support network around yourself. One great strategy is to engage the support of family members to help you succeed.
6. Know your research tools. Try to spend time early in the course (before the first week of the course) exploring all parts of the course. When you are exploring, do some searches in the online library and make sure you are familiar with the online research tools that the college offers.
7. Know your learning style and figure out how you learn best, for example are you visual learner? Also, determine whether the on-line learning environment is compatible with that style and if not, look for ways to support your learning style by exploring other textbooks, websites, or extra help tutoring through the college tutoring service.

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