By Susan Smith Nash, Ph.D.
If you've taken a few online courses, you probably already know how quickly versions of the learning management system change, and how many variations there are of course designs, philosophies, and approaches. It can be intimidating to both new and experienced eLearners. However, the convenience and flexibility of being able to take the course any place and at any time helped you overcome your initial trepidation.
You will probably be required to go through an orientation session, and it will definitely help you with the unique elements of your learning/course management system.
Here are a few things you may not have picked up as you completed your orientation course or module.
1---The importance of introductions.
Post an introduction and a photo on the discussion board. Tell the class a little about yourself. Why? Most face-to-face courses appeal to extroverts. Most online courses appeal to people who feel more comfortable with their inner worlds, and who need time alone to recharge. Chances are, if you have felt comfortable with online courses and you enjoy the interaction, you are an extrovert. If this is the case, it is necessary to replicate the environment of interaction and dynamic collaboration and exchange. That will recharge you and assure that you feel connected. You probably have a high need for affiliation, which means that in order for you to keep yourself motivated, you'll need to feel as though you're in contact with others. In this case, the discussion board is an ideal place to make connections. Post photos of pets, interests, yourself. It's a way to "rehumanize" the learning space.
2---As your professor to post video or audio.
This will also help you feel you can interact freely with your instructor. It will also give you a sense of the personality, interests, and philosophy of your professor.
3---Make sure you understand how to turn in your work and to do assessments.
Are there time limits? Does the drop box open and shut? Are there issues of file compatibility? Are there any practice tests?
4---Don't panic if it takes the instructor time to respond to you.
Also, try to establish contact in more than one way. Most instructors will provide phone, alternative e-mail addresses, and ways to post messages within the course management system or course space.
5---Search for additional textbook resources.
Find out if your course textbook has a supplemental website, powerpoint presentations, practice quizzes, audio files, or video reviews. Then, use them to review the topics that you have questions about.
6---Take notes on the readings, and organize the concepts into topics.
7---If there are sample papers, be sure to ask for them.
8---Ask for feedback along the way.
If you are required to write a research paper or an extensive paper requiring references and cited sources, ask if you can turn in the work as it progresses. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises. For example, ask if you can turn in an outline, bibliography, drafts, and revisions. If your professor does not have time to grade them or give you feedback, ask if he/she can set up a discussion area where you can upload papers and share with your fellow students. This will give you a chance to collaborate and to obtain peer feedback and review.
9---Give constructive criticism to your peers.
If you review the work of fellow students, be sure to be as supportive and helpful as possible, particularly as it relates to citations, academic integrity, and connections to course goals.
10---Stay on target and keep the big picture in mind.
As you progress through the course, be sure not to lose sight of the desired learning outcomes and goals.
-Develop schemata and categories
-Apply the knowledge to real-life situations
-Jot down examples listed in the readings
-Read the case studies and write the key lessons and connections to the text in the margins
-Think about how you can use the course content for problem-solving.
11---Time management and goal-setting. Analyze the tasks you're required to do and map them out. Create a timeline and set goals for yourself. As you complete your goals, be sure to find a way to reward yourself. Goal-setting and time management are probably the most important non-academic aspects of your online education experience. Achieving your goals can be very motivating.
If you're new to eLearning, you'll probably be pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable your experience will be, and, perhaps more importantly, how much you will learn. Keep in mind that the key to your success always involves a combination of time management and connection. Log in often, keep in touch, and don't get behind. You'll succeed and enjoy yourself in the process.
Watch Susan!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2758990198507949969&pr=goog-sl
[Listen to the companion podcast at:
http://community.elearners.com/blogs/inside_elearning/attachment/1915.ashx - 2.80 MB]