Student Supports

The following section provides some resources to help you answer questions that students may have. It is important to reassure students that we are all in this together, and that you are there to help them be successful.

Consider these strategies to support students with remote learning:

Reduce workload for students on the first week as everyone adjusts to the new environment
Consider sending out a survey to your students to get their input/expectations
Focus on community; consider online ice-breakers to get everyone used to the new environment
Talk about your plan for the period of remote learning; review your course outline with your students, and discuss any changes to the assessment structure
Be open to students’ suggestions and ideas (where possible and appropriate)
As soon as possible, take the opportunity to set the tone in terms of norms and expectations
Wherever possible, be as flexible with students as possible; consider which activities need to be completed at the same time, and which can be done asynchronously so that students can be self-directed in their learning

Student questions that may arise:

What does Online Learning mean?

Online learning involves the student connecting to FanshaweOnline (FOL) to complete the requirements necessary to achieve credit in the course.

The professor will outline their expectations for participation, and communication. Communication is very important in online courses. Students are encouraged to log-on every day.

What resources are available to prepare students for learning online?

Fanshawe students can assess their readiness for learning online by taking our readiness assessment at www.amiready.ca

They can also refer to the Leaning to Learn Online Open Textbook

As well, students have access to FOL HELP files which include videos to help them familiarize themselves with different functions in the learning management system (FOL).

What tools can help students stay organized?

BrightSpace Pulse App

Download the app to keep up with changing deadlines: Bright Space Pulse App

App overview

Brightspace Pulse is a mobile app that can help students stay connected and on track with their courses in FanshaweOnline. It provides real time alerts, and one easy view of course calendars, readings, assignments, evaluations, grades, and announcement items. The schedule view and weekly visualization enables students to quickly at a glance view what is due today, this week, and upcoming across all their courses.

Use Brightspace Pulse to do the following:

See all the important dates and deadlines for each course
Mark activities as complete
Anticipate busiest times with a quick glance
Receive the latest grades, course content, and announcements
Share updates by email, text message, and social media
Enter events and deadlines
View courses and course content
View course details and customize how much assignments and tests are worth
Seamlessly log in to FanshaweOnline via a browser to complete tasks

Calendar Tool

Use the Calendar tool to arrange and visualize course events. There is the option to sync to personal calendars (such as Outlook and Google Calendar, as well as iPhone, Android, and Blackberry).

Instructor documentation for the Calendar tool can be found Here

Student documentation for the calendar tool can be found Here