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Welcome to "Ready for Online?"

Adam Smeets
December 21, 2012

Welcome to "Ready for Online?"

This resource was created to provide students with a self-check training as they considered enrolling in an online course.

Adam Smeets

December 21, 2012
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  1. Am I ready to take an online course? Loyola’s Online

    Environments Online Learning Assessment Time & Work Levels as a Student Online Learning Skills & Tips Self-Assessment For more information about Online Learning at Loyola University Chicago, visit our website at http://www.luc.edu/online. Welcome to our second module in a series of training documentation that will assist you in your online course. By participating in this module, it is assumed that you have… §  Passed the “Technology Check” located at: http://www.luc.edu/online/student_system_req.html §  Access to a computer and web browser; §  An understanding that learning environments are changing. At the end of this module, we hope that you will… §  Know how to identify a work environment that suits an online course environment; §  Have an understanding of the various types of online learning at Loyola University Chicago; §  Identify the various hardware and soware requirements for participating in an online course; §  Identify the expectations of an online course and your instructor; and §  Determine if online learning and/or an online course is the right t for you. Welcome to “Ready for Online?”
  2. Am I ready to take an online course? Loyola’s Online

    Environments Online Learning Assessment Time & Work Levels as a Student Online Learning Skills & Tips Self-Assessment For more information about Online Learning at Loyola University Chicago, visit our website at http://www.luc.edu/online. ™  As an online student, you will need to use a computer (including speci c applications) and access the Internet on a regular basis. §  Need help getting up to speed before your rst class? Review the resources on the right-hand side of this slide for more information. ™  You will be utilizing email and other electronic communication to connect with your course(s). ™  As part of your courses, you will use a number of electronic databases and resources to research information, including search engines. ™  Additionally, you will need to potentially troubleshoot issues with your technology in order to diagnose issues. In order to help you identify skill sets that are required for participating in an online course, we’ve assembled a checklist of items for you to review as a self-assessment on the next slide. Computer Readiness Skills & Expectations Online Learning Training Resources –  Loyola University Chicago Help Desk http://www.luc.edu/helpdesk –  Apple http://www.apple.com/ ndouthow/ –  Blackboard Training & Documentation http://www.luc.edu/blackboard –  GroupWise (Email) http://www.luc.edu/its/email_gw7_web_access.shtml –  Microso Windows http://www.microso.com/windows/training/ –  Microso Office http://office.microso.com/en-us/support/training- FX101782702.aspx
  3. Am I ready to take an online course? Loyola’s Online

    Environments Online Learning Assessment Time & Work Levels as a Student Online Learning Skills & Tips Self-Assessment For more information about Online Learning at Loyola University Chicago, visit our website at http://www.luc.edu/online. In order to participate in an online course at Loyola, there are a few hardware and soware requirements. ese include a(n): ™  Internet Browser Internet Explorer or Firefox ™  Operating System Microso Windows or Apple OS ™  Internet Bandwidth Speed of 1.5MB or higher ™  Wired Internet Connection Wireless internet connections are not recommended ™  Current Version of Adobe Flash Player ™  Current Version of Java ™  Your instructor may also have additional technology requirements identi ed for your online course. Please check the syllabus for any speci c technology requirements. In order to help you identify if your computer meets the soware and hardware requirements, you can visit our online “Technology Check” tool at: http://www.luc.edu/online/student_system_req.html Computer Hardware Requirements Online Learning Soware Update Links –  Adobe Acrobat Reader http://www.adobe.com/go/getreader –  Adobe Flash Player http://www.adobe.com/go/get ash/ –  Apple Operating System Updates http://support.apple.com/downloads/ –  Java http://www.java.com/en/ –  Microso System Updates http://update.microso.com/ –  ResNet http://www.luc.edu/resnet/
  4. Am I ready to take an online course? Loyola’s Online

    Environments Online Learning Assessment Time & Work Levels as a Student Online Learning Skills & Tips Self-Assessment For more information about Online Learning at Loyola University Chicago, visit our website at http://www.luc.edu/online. Participating in an online course is different in a number of ways from that of an “in-class” meeting. As a member of an online course, you should be ready to: §  Ask questions to your instructor and/or classmates and nd solutions to content or issues that you are unfamiliar; §  Be an active participant in the online environment by, for example, chatting and posting messages to the discussion boards; §  Determine and implement effective time management skills for your course and beyond; §  Create a structure and be disciplined about sticking to a structure for participation; §  Assess and make modi cations to your learning in order to become an independent learner, with guidance from your instructor. Personal Requirements
  5. Am I ready to take an online course? Loyola’s Online

    Environments Online Learning Assessment Time & Work Levels as a Student Online Learning Skills & Tips Self-Assessment For more information about Online Learning at Loyola University Chicago, visit our website at http://www.luc.edu/online. Online Courses at Loyola University Chicago Online courses at Loyola University Chicago are categorized and delivered in one of three formats. When reviewing courses in LOCUS (Loyola’s Connection to University Services), these de nitions will be very helpful in identifying the course that’s the right t for you: •  Requires no face-to-face meetings on campus; •  All course activity will be conducted via the internet. •  ere may be speci c times throughout the course when students will be required to participate in real-time, virtual activities during the regularly scheduled class meeting time. Online Course •  Courses that are at least 75% online; •  Courses that have some face-to-face campus meetings are classi ed as hybrid. •  ere may be some additional, required, real-time activities conducted online during the regularly scheduled class meeting time. Hybrid Course •  Courses have between 30% and 75% of class materials delivered online. e percentage of campus meetings versus online meetings will be listed in the course description. •  Combines meetings in the traditional campus classroom with online meetings conducted over the internet. •  Online meetings may require students' real-time participation during regularly scheduled class time. Blended Course
  6. Am I ready to take an online course? Loyola’s Online

    Environments Online Learning Assessment Time & Work Levels as a Student Online Learning Skills & Tips Self-Assessment For more information about Online Learning at Loyola University Chicago, visit our website at http://www.luc.edu/online. Expectations of Your Instructor Taking an online course can be an exciting experience and understanding the relationship between you and your course is key. By participating in an online course, you should/can: ™  Expect that you may not be able to work at your own pace. Some classes may have deadlines or online meetings that will require some structure to your online course; ™  Expect to spend the same amount of time on homework as you would in an “in-class” meeting; ™  Expect that a syllabus will be provided, identifying the course(s) policies, procedures and grading structure; ™  Expect your instructor to provide timely feedback. Review your course syllabus for speci cs regarding course communications.
  7. Am I ready to take an online course? Loyola’s Online

    Environments Online Learning Assessment Time & Work Levels as a Student Online Learning Skills & Tips Self-Assessment For more information about Online Learning at Loyola University Chicago, visit our website at http://www.luc.edu/online. Expectations of Your Instructor Taking an online course can be an exciting experience and understanding the relationship between you and your course is key. By participating in an online course, you should/can: ™  Expect the same quality of content and information that you would nd in a “face-to- face” classroom; ™  Expect your instructor to have scheduled office hours – either online or in person depending on your class; ™  Not expect your instructor to make exceptions for your assignments or class requirements, unless identi ed by ADA requirements or other special circumstances; and ™  Not expect your instructor to review your work on your schedule. Comments and feedback will be provided when work is submitted in an appropriate time period or during identi ed office hours.
  8. Am I ready to take an online course? Loyola’s Online

    Environments Online Learning Assessment Time & Work Levels as a Student Online Learning Skills & Tips Self-Assessment For more information about Online Learning at Loyola University Chicago, visit our website at http://www.luc.edu/online. As a student in a online, hybrid or blended course, you may receive feedback from your classmates in a number of ways. ese are distinguished in two ways: Assessment Methods in Your Course •  Blackboard (Online Learning Management System) •  Virtual Classroom •  Chat •  Adobe Connect (Online Web Conferencing) •  Video Chat (Using a Webcam) •  Audio Discussion (Using a Microphone) •  Text-Based Chat Synchronous Communication that takes place in real-time •  Discussions with peers and instructors •  Email •  Blackboard (Online Learning Management System) •  Blogs and Wikis •  Discussion Boards •  “My Grades” (Gradebook) •  Peer Assessment Asynchronous Communication that takes place with potential time delays
  9. Am I ready to take an online course? Loyola’s Online

    Environments Online Learning Assessment Time & Work Levels as a Student Online Learning Skills & Tips Self-Assessment For more information about Online Learning at Loyola University Chicago, visit our website at http://www.luc.edu/online. MYTH: Online courses are easier than in-class meetings or require less time to participate. ™ You can expect to work as hard, or even harder, than in traditional face-to- face classes in your Loyola online course. §  Like in-class meetings, your online course can provide a number of valuable learning experiences, but you will need to put in the time to fully participate and succeed. ™ Online classes are focused around you, the student, the course depends on your participation. Common Myths Regarding Online Learning
  10. Am I ready to take an online course? Loyola’s Online

    Environments Online Learning Assessment Time & Work Levels as a Student Online Learning Skills & Tips Self-Assessment For more information about Online Learning at Loyola University Chicago, visit our website at http://www.luc.edu/online. MYTH: Online courses don’t offer a personal experience. ™ Students who participate in an online course oen indicate that there is more attention since instructors oen log on daily and respond quickly. ™ Online courses create a community of learning with an expectation for interaction between students and the instructor. ™ Generally speaking, you will have a great deal of interaction with your instructor and your classmates, in some cases more than you would in a traditional classroom setting. §  You may nd that some online courses have required “log-on” times, mandatory participation in chat rooms and on discussion boards. Common Myths Regarding Online Learning
  11. Am I ready to take an online course? Loyola’s Online

    Environments Online Learning Assessment Time & Work Levels as a Student Online Learning Skills & Tips Self-Assessment For more information about Online Learning at Loyola University Chicago, visit our website at http://www.luc.edu/online. MYTH: I can work anywhere and participate in an online course. ™  While this is true to a degree, it is important to select a work environment that is quiet and allows you to focus on your course materials. §  During an interactive class session, for example, it is not recommended to participate from a coffee house since it will be generally loud and you will not have the ability to participate in vocal discussions using your course. ™  In order to nd your most productive work environment, try out a number of locations before starting your online course. §  Don’t expect that internet access will be sufficient in all locations. For example, hotels, your workplace or a restaurant. ™  Identify a set schedule that you will adhere to in order to complete assignments and participate in your online course. Common Myths Regarding Online Learning
  12. Am I ready to take an online course? Loyola’s Online

    Environments Online Learning Assessment Time & Work Levels as a Student Online Learning Skills & Tips Self-Assessment For more information about Online Learning at Loyola University Chicago, visit our website at http://www.luc.edu/online. e following tips will provide a foundation for your experience in an online course: ™  Be sure to review your syllabus and the course requirements before your course is scheduled to begin. ™  Identify a “Plan B” in the event that you have computer problems or other technical issues before or in the middle of an online class. ™  Log into Blackboard daily to check for new announcements from your instructor or for assignment updates. ™  Review all instructions and directions very carefully. ™  Ask questions and solve problems by researching the issues. ™  Stay involved in online discussions by reading all the posts of your classmates and reply with questions/comments of your own, where appropriate. Additional recommendations are provided in later modules. Online Learning Recommendations
  13. Am I ready to take an online course? Loyola’s Online

    Environments Online Learning Assessment Time & Work Levels as a Student Online Learning Skills & Tips Self-Assessment For more information about Online Learning at Loyola University Chicago, visit our website at http://www.luc.edu/online. Before continuing to the next module, have you: ™  Identi ed a work environment that best suits you in an online course environment; ™  Identi ed and are able to differentiate the various types of online learning at Loyola University Chicago; ™  Determined if your technology meets the hardware and soware requirements for participating in an online course; ™  Identi ed and evaluated the expectations of an online course; and ™  Determined if online learning and/or an online course is the right t for you. If you have answered yes to all of these statements, then please continue on to the next module. If you answered no to any of these statements, please review the relevant content in this module before proceeding to the next training module. Self-Assessment: Am I ready for online learning?