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Expectations When Taking an Online Course
Student may not know what to expect when taking an online course. These are some guidelines.
Student Expectations
- Be involved and active in your courses.
- Be highly motivated and disciplined.
- Check the course homepage, calendar (if used), and assignments page(s).
- Review the syllabus. Review the syllabus document provided by your instructor—not just the "Syllabus" section of Canvas (if applicable)
- Check your UWGB email regularly.
- Check the Canvas course discussion board(s) several times a week.
- Post the required comments and responses to the discussion board for your course.
- Keep up with your assignments and online quizzes/exams (as applicable) and manage your time well.
- Participate actively in class discussions.
- Practice Netiquette (http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html) in discussions, emails, and elsewhere: Be polite and respectful. Use good grammar and correct spelling. Don't write in all caps (it feels like you're shouting), and always sign your name.
- Meet course deadlines. Some courses are self-paced but most are not.
- Be honest and original. Plagiarism will not be tolerated in any online course. View UWGB's Plagiarism Policy and any information provided in course syllabi.
Do's and Don'ts for Success
- DO set aside a specific time during the day for this course--the best time that fits your schedule. Use this time for preparation and for participation (reading, studying, posting messages, completing assignments, reviewing materials, taking quizzes, etc.)
- DO check in and contribute to the class several times a week. By doing this, you will keep engaged, on track, and moving steadily towards your goal!
- DO remember there are people at UWGB to help you to be successful in online learning.
- DO NOT put off the work! You need to keep up so you can more effectively participate in group and class discussions.
- DO NOT be afraid to ask questions! There are probably several others who are wondering the same thing.
Technology Needs
At minimum, students in online courses need: reliable internet access and a laptop or desktop computer (a tablet, iPad, or smartphone is not sufficient). Students should also be familiar with their devices and have to skills to:
- Send emails and attachments
- Copy and paste
- Upload and download files
- Play media (including audio files and web video)
- Install and launch software on their computer
- Use word processing software (such as MS Office Word, Office 365)
- Use presentation software (such as MS Office PowerPoint, Office 365)
- Navigate collaboration platforms (such as Zoom, Teams, OneDrive)
- Operate a webcam and microphone
- Access the settings for their web browser (including enabling plugins/add-ons)
- Use Canvas or other platforms required for the course (check with your instructor)