How to be a successful online student

1. Classroom Expectations
Introduction to Earth and
Environmental Science
Ms. Randolph
EarthEnvSciSec14Spr15

2. How to be a successful online
student
• Follow the steps below to become a
successful NCVPS online student.

3. Do the following items by the
first day of class:
• Be prompt
 Be ready to learn when class begins.
• Be prepared
 Have your computer in good working order and
know due dates.
• Be a polite and positive participant
 View the Learning Block announcements before
you begin each day.
• Be productive
 Turn in work on time, and always do your best.
• Be a problem solver
 Correct problems quickly.

4. Be successful
Show Respect
• Value yourself. Be
honest and ethical,
and practice strong
moral values.
• Honor the ideas and
opinions of others.
Responsibility for
Coursework
• Know due dates, and
submit all coursework
on time.
• All assignments are
posted on the
Learning Block and on
the class Web site.

5. Do the following items by the first day of class:
• 1) Complete the Getting Started orientation
Module FIRST! Do this before you begin
working in your NCVPS course.
• Note: The Academic Integrity Quiz is very short.
You MUST take this quiz before Module 1 will
open for you.

6. Getting Started looks like this.
• NCVPS Getting Started
• January 20-23
• Begin your Getting Started lesson here. Most of the information you will need to know can be found here. This will open in a new window.
• Getting Started Lesson External Tool
• Getting Started Questions & Concerns Forum
• As you go through your Getting Started module, you'll have some questions. This is where you'll want to post those questions. Your teacher
will answer them in a timely manner.
• Academic Integrity Quiz
• Blackboard IM Signup Page
• Explains how to sign up for BBIM
• Gizmo Setup Instructions Page
• The gizmos are designed to give you real-world application and practice for science concepts. Then you are asked on the quizzes to apply
that learned information to other scenarios that are similar to what you just experienced in the simulations. This is why you are not given the
exact answer within the practice. It is critical thinking skills, not recall activities. Please set up an account, you will be using it throughout the
course.
• Click on the GIzmo Video link to view how to setup and use Gizmos.
• Time Commitment and Late Work Policy

7. 2) Read any and all announcements daily.
3) In the Staff Information block, you will find
your instructor’s email and telephone number.
Also make note of your teacher’s office hours.
Those are the times when it is best to contact
your instructor.
4) Contact your instructor by email (best way)
or telephone (takes longer).

8. Be connected
5) Give your instructor your contact information
by e-mail. This includes your email address,
best phone number to contact you, does your
phone have texting ability.
6) Know who your ELA is (this is usually the
person who signed you up for the course).
ELA = Electronic Learning Advisor
7) Explore and become familiar with your
course. Learn all of the links and buttons.
8) Find your lessons and assignments.
9) Begin your work immediately

9. Must have
• The following link will help with setting up the
correct e-mail - you can check with this task
link:
• http://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cljjfn7n2.

10. Do these items on a continual basis:
• 1) If your contact information ever changes,
immediately contact your instructor with
your new information.
2) You can also update your personal
information in Moodle.
3) Check your email and messages in
Moodle daily, Monday through Friday, and
weekends
4) Check for new announcements daily.

11. • 5) Save a copy of ALL of your work to your
computer. This is a backup for when you
submit assignments.
• 6) Check your gradebook regularly. Give 24
hours for assignments to be graded.
7) Maintain contact with your ELA and Teacher
8) Be aware of due dates - keep up with
lessons
9) If you need help, ask for it. This is essential
for online students. Your instructor will not
know that you need help if you don’t ask for
it!

12. Study Buddies and Peer
Tutors can be a GREAT
help when you cannot
contact your teacher - I
strongly suggest you get
a Peer Tutor right away
so you can get help
during the day when I
work
Get help

13. Grading
• Grades are based on the accumulation of
points.
• Points are based on:
 Class participation
(effort)
 Completion of assignments
(daily work)
 Major projects, exams, and
forum participation
• Grades are posted online and updated every
day.
Our Grading Scale
Grades are calculated
on cumulative
percentage and are
rounded up whenever
possible.

14. My Pledge to Students
• I will trust you until you give me reason to do
otherwise.
• I will respect you and work with you to solve
problems.
• I will promptly correct and offer feedback on
your work.
• I will work with you to meet learning goals.
• I will offer extra help and alternative
assessments should you require them.