This document provides 101 suggestions for successful online math learning organized into sections on preparing for the course, course design techniques, course organization, testing and grading, communicating with students, and general advice. Some key suggestions include using web tools in seated classes first, making the website simple to navigate, stating clear goals and objectives, engaging students with a variety of tools like discussions and projects, providing quick feedback and frequent assessments, and orienting students to the online environment.

1. 101 Suggestions for Successful Online Math Learning Presented at NYSMATYC Cortland, New York April 8, 2006 Mary Beth Orrange Professor of Mathematics/Computer Science Erie Community College [email_address]

2. Prepare Yourself Use web-assisted instruction in your seated classes before developing an online course. Participate in an online course as a student. Review an established course site before organizing your own. Be prepared before the course begins. Have your website ready to go and have someone check it for glitches Get yourself ready to move into an online environment.

3. Course Design Techniques Keep your website simple and easy to navigate Check and double check links Use graphics sparingly to minimize download time Accommodate different learning styles Link to other sites rather than restate content Strategies for presenting your material online to improve student access and comprehension.

4. Course Design Techniques Recognize Copyright issues Accommodate students with disabilities Create an easy-to-read site Arial Font Color for emphasis Break up blocks of text with headers and keywords

5. Course Organization State clearly-defined goals, objectives, and activities Remind students of deadlines via announcements and email Create course materials and activities for an online environment, to promote student-student and student-faculty interaction, strategies for assessment (testing, quizzes, homework, discussion boards), student workload, and self-paced vs. scheduled coursework

6. Course Organization Use a variety of tools to engage students with mathematics Discussions/postings Projects Quizzes Relevant websites Set and maintain deadlines

7. Course Organization Build interactivity into your course. Students need to interact with Content Instructor Each other Allow students to evaluate the website as they go through the course and after the conclusion of the course

8. In the Beginning Develop a student readiness checklist Create an orientation to help students familiarize themselves with various types of activities they will do in the course Develop and post a detailed course outline with a schedule of graded activities Develop a course information quiz for the first week of the semester Post practice tests to familiarize students with online testing Get students active and able to be productive in your online course with a minimum of confusion about what to do and how to do it

9. Discussions Provide structure for discussions. Hold off on comments; very often students will guide and direct other students Provide model responses for discussion topics Encourage student interaction and a sense of community in your online course.

10. Testing and Grading Post practice tests to familiarize students with online testing Provide quick feedback on assignments Provide frequent opportunities for assessment Post sample tests and review sheets ahead of real tests Suggestions to improve the online assessment process.

11. What to tell your students Encourage your students to utilize live virus updates Include the course name or number in the subject line of any email sent regarding the online class. Let students know what plug-ins or readers they must download or software they must have to access and use all of the online course materials. Inform students of any on-campus responsibilities they have Encourage students to have a back-up plan for computer problems Details students will need to manage in the online environment

12. Advice from fellow students In your orientation, include advice to prospective online students from your students.

13. Most of all Enjoy the adventure!