1. Introduction To Online Learning Prince George’s Community College

2. Welcome…. n Purpose of this session n Distance Learning Center Contacts n Distance Learning Web Site http://www.pgcconline.com

3. Introduction To Online Learning Go to www.pgcconline.org Click on Introduction to Online Learning

4. Www.pgcconline.org

5. Www.pgcconline.org

6. What is Online Learning? n Your computer becomes your classroom n Interact with fellow students and your instructor through email and Blackboard n Flexible, convenient…NOT EASIER!!!!! n Requires a minimum of 6-9 hours/week n Includes discussions, assignments, exams … and FIRM deadlines

7. It’s About Time…. n Requires a minimum of 6-9 hours/week n True: You don’t come to campus so you save time n Also True: You must spend just as much time studying

8. So… n You must have time OR n Find the time to study each week

9. Who Should Take An Online Course? n Successful online students have both: –Technology Skills – “Student” Skills

10. Technology –Hardware: Pentium class computer n at least 32 MB RAM n a 28.8 modem –An Internet Service Provider –Your own email account

11. Technology Skills n Able to navigate using the Internet n Basic Skills –Type –Use a mouse –Able to Cut, Copy and Paste text –Able to use email –Able to attach a file

12. “Student Skills” - Questions To Ask n “Is Distance Learning Right For Me?” n What grades do you typically earn? n Do you understand and remember what you read? n Do you meet deadlines?

13. Read the Course Syllabus! RTCS n The syllabus explains the course organization, the grading policy, the types of assignments & other important information. RTCS n The syllabus explains the course organization, the grading policy, the types of assignments & other important information. RTCS n You are expected to read the syllabus & know its contents. I suggest you print & save it. RTCS n You are expected to read the syllabus & know its contents. I suggest you print & save it. RTCS n Many questions you will be tempted to ask the instructor in an email have already been answered in the syllabus. RTCS

14. So, you have a question! n How do you ask the instructor a question in an online course? Some possibilites are emails, chats conferences & phone calls. n How do you ask the instructor a question in an online course? Some possibilites are emails, chats conferences & phone calls. n However, rather than answer the same question a “gazillion” times via email, many instructors answer student questions in a conference designated for that purpose & reserve email for highly personal questions only. n However, rather than answer the same question a “gazillion” times via email, many instructors answer student questions in a conference designated for that purpose & reserve email for highly personal questions only. n Learn your OL instructor’s communication policy and follow it.

15. When is it due? n Contrary to popular belief, most online courses are not self-paced; their assignments have firm due dates. The instructor sets the pace. n Contrary to popular belief, most online courses are not self-paced; their assignments have firm due dates. The instructor sets the pace. n Find the course calendar! Learn the due dates for the assignments in your online course. n Find the course calendar! Learn the due dates for the assignments in your online course. n Are there any penalties for lateness? For what circumstances, if any, can you submit work late?

16. What about office hours? n Scheduled online chats are used by some online faculty as office hours. n Scheduled online chats are used by some online faculty as office hours. n An office hour chat is a great opportunity to ask questions & get immediate answers. n An office hour chat is a great opportunity to ask questions & get immediate answers. n Find out if your instructor holds online office hours & “attend” them.

17. I wrote it; now how do I turn it in? n “ Can’t I just send it as an email attachment?” Maybe, maybe not! n “ Can’t I just send it as an email attachment?” Maybe, maybe not! n Each instructor has a policy about how to submit homework. n Each instructor has a policy about how to submit homework. n Learn your instructor’s policy and follow it. –Hint: Check the course syllabus. RTCS

18. Mysterious Emails & Filenames!? n Want credit for your homework? Name files in a recognizable way: n Want credit for your homework? Name files in a recognizable way: –E.g., tjones_ae02 for Tom Jones’Analytical Essay #2 –E.g., tjones_ae02 for Tom Jones’Analytical Essay #2 n Always include your name & the assignment name at the head of the document. n Always include your name & the assignment name at the head of the document. n Want to have an email answered? Then, identify yourself by full name & include course name & reference number.

19. Tour Of Blackboard n n Login (Handout) n n Welcome Page n n Navigation n n Getting Help n n Statistics n Major Features - Announcements - Course Information - Communication Tools Bulletin Board Send email - Digital Drop Box Handout

20. Tips for Success n Budget your time n Don’t procrastinate; don’t get behind n Meet deadlines n Login to Blackboard often (3-5 times per week minimum) n Always save a copy of your files n Participate actively n Do your work “off line” and save your files to disk before you send them n Confused? Need Help? Questions? Ask your instructor and classmates!

21. Resources n More Information About Online Learning at http://www.marylandonline.org/prospec tive_students/ including articles about online learning, self-assessments, “Successful Students Checklist”