How to be an online student

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How to be an online student
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How does it work?

• An online course follows a schedule and syllabus
  with due dates for assignments (just like an
  on-campus course), but students can do the work
  during the day, early mornings, late evenings, or
  even on the weekends.
• The schedule on the course Web site links to
  assignment instructions and resources. WebCT (an
  online course management system) is used for
  announcements, discussion, submitting
  assignments, quizzes, email, and checking grades.
  Students are responsible for reading the
  textbooks and handouts and completing all class
  learning activities on their own, but help is
  available by phone, office hours, WebCT
  discussion, or e-mail.
• You mean I don't have to come to class?
• That's right! You can set your own work hours
  and do everything wherever the course software is
  installed.

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So what do I need to be an online student?

• Access to a computer with Internet access
  (e-mail, Internet Explorer).
• For English 110, you will need word processing
  software and the following
• Engl 110 Handbook pick up at orientation
• Textbook (see syllabus for your course)
• Ability and willingness to work independently.
• Solid experience with Internet and with Windows.
  (Can you troubleshoot problems or do you have
  access to technical support? Could you e-mail me
  a URL or a file?)
• Excellent reading and writing skills.
• TIME! Successful students schedule at least 3
  hours per unit each week to work on the class.

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Course Management and Communication

• WebCT is a course management tool used to
  communicate (discussion forum and e-mail), submit
  assignments, take quizzes and exams, and check
  grades. You are required to check WebCT 3 days a
  week. Course announcements will be posted to the
  WebCT discussion forum.
• Assignments are posted on the course Web site
  with due dates and instructions for turning in
  the work. Usually, you'll submit a file to WebCT.
  Look for feedback and a grade on WebCT within a
  week of the due date.
• Quizzes are on WebCT, and you will usually have a
  week to take a quiz. Most of the time you will
  get immediate feedback and your score is posted
  as soon as you submit your quiz.
• Post your questions at the WebCT discussion
  forum. You should get an answer by the next
  business day. Email me if your question is urgent
  or personal. You can also call, email me, or stop
  by my office. See my home page for contact
  information and my schedule.

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Do you have any tips for online students?

• Keep up with the class. The biggest problem
  online students have is gradually falling behind.
  You lose points when assignments are late, and
  you may be dropped from the class if you get
  behind.
• Schedule at least 9 hours per week to focus on a
  3-unit class.
• Work with a small group, either in-person or via
  phone or e-mail.
• Contact your instructor as soon as you begin to
  have problems or if you decide to drop. A lot of
  times, a short visit or phone call can clear up a
  question that might otherwise trouble you for
  days.
• Check e-mail and online discussion at least 3
  days a week.
• Have a back-up plan in case your computer
  crashes.