INFS P058: Becomming a Successful Online Student

Overview

This section covers the following topics:
  • Course Description
  • Objectives
  • Books and Materials
  • Internet Connection
  • Expectations
  • Evaluation
  • Schedule of Topics
    • Course Description
    This course will cover the basics of taking an interactive, asynchronous, distance education course via the Internet or other computer based system including: use of E-mail, online discussion boards, WWW access, equipment needs, and differences between online and traditional courses.

    Each day a new folder will open up with the readings and activities you will need to complete for that day. Make sure to scroll to the bottom of the page so you can get all of the information.

    Here is the Helping Hand! Click for a Voice of ExperienceThroughout the pages you will see different icons that indicate different information. The "Helping Hand" points to tips and tricks that will make your Internet journey a little easier. You can read other online students' comments about their experiences by clicking on the stack of books to the right.

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    Objectives

    • Understand the basics of taking online courses

    • Understand the process of taking an online course

    • Be able to use web pages, email, and discussion groups in online classes

    • Understand the concepts of “Netiquette” and communication in an online environment

    • Know the equipment needs of online courses

    • Become familiar with the BlackBoard environment

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    Course Materials
    • Online Survival Guide (see the Books area or contact the PC Bookstore)
    • Getting Started in Your Blackboard 5 Course (see the Books area or contact the PC Bookstore)

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    Internet Connection
    You must provide your own dial-up access to the Internet. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will be able to give you instructions on how to connect to the Internet. Once online, you will need to have a computer with one of the major Web browsers installed (Netscape, Opera, or Internet Explorer). Internet Explorer comes with the Windows operating system. Netscape and Opera are available for a free download online.

    Important! Make sure you have the most current versions of your browser. This will enhance your Internet experience and make browsing web pages much easier. You can get the latest versions by going to the following web addresses [note: these will open in a new browser window]:

    If you need help downloading files, you can refer to http://www.learnthenet.com/english/html/93down.htm for help.

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    Expectations
    You don’t have to be a computer expert to participate in this class. You do need to be comfortable using your computer and you should know how to use your word processing program. Your computer should have at least a 28.8k modem and 16 MB of RAM to access the Internet.

    Students are expected to be active participants in this class. Since this is a short-term, 1 unit class, you will need to log-in to class everyday. One unit translates into 18 hours of "class" time and 36-54 hours of "outside" class time in a regular face to face (f2f) class. Attendance will be taken through message board postings. Learning is all about discovering, exploring, and investigating. Take the initiative to try things out, push buttons, and look around. You aren’t going to break anything, and you might just have fun!

    Like most classes you will take online, this is not a self-paced class. There are assignments due almost every day. There is a lot to cover in just two weeks! This course should give you a sense of what kind of time commitments online classes require.

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    Evaluation
    You must complete the following assignments to receive credit for this course (details of these assignments are located in the Assignment section of the BlackBoard “classroom”)

    • Navigating the class environment

    • Sending an email with a .rtf attachment

    • Posting and replying in the class discussions (at least one new article per discussion)

    • Participating in at least one chat session

    • Uploading a document to the student Drop Box

    • Completing the online final quiz

    You can check your progress by going to the Student Tools button and clicking the Check Grade link.

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    Schedule of Topics
    Week One
    Monday/Tuesday Read Online Survival Guide and Getting Started in Your Blackboard 5 Course
    Wednesday Orientation to the Online Classroom
    Thursday What Makes a Successful Online Student?
    Friday Where Can I Find Online Classes?
    Saturday File Formats and Plug-ins
    Week Two
    Monday Email and Netiquette
    Tuesday Email Attachments
    Wednesday Using the Digital Drop Box and Chatting
    Thursday Finding and Evaluating Information on the Internet
    Friday Instant Messenging
    Saturday/Sunday Classroom Communication

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