This document provides an introduction and overview of online learning at Prince George's Community College. It discusses what online learning entails, including that it requires 6-9 hours of work per week and firm deadlines. It outlines the technology skills and "student skills" needed to be successful in an online course. It emphasizes important aspects like reading the syllabus, following the instructor's communication policies, meeting deadlines, and properly naming and submitting assignment files.

1. Introduction To Online Learning Prince George’s Community College

2. Welcome…. Purpose of this session Distance Learning Center Contacts Distance Learning Web Site http://www.pgcconline.com

3. Introduction To Online Learning Go to www.pgcconline.org Click on Introduction to Online Learning

4. Www.pgcconline.org

5. Www.pgcconline.org

6. What is Online Learning? Your computer becomes your classroom Interact with fellow students and your instructor through email and Blackboard Flexible, convenient…NOT EASIER!!!!! Requires a minimum of 6-9 hours/week Includes discussions, assignments, exams … and FIRM deadlines

7. It’s About Time…. Requires a minimum of 6-9 hours/week True: You don’t come to campus so you save time Also True: You must spend just as much time studying

8. So… You must have time OR Find the time to study each week

9. Who Should Take An Online Course? Successful online students have both: Technology Skills “ Student” Skills

10. Technology Hardware: Pentium class computer at least 32 MB RAM a 28.8 modem An Internet Service Provider Your own email account

11. Technology Skills Able to navigate using the Internet Basic Skills Type Use a mouse Able to Cut, Copy and Paste text Able to use email Able to attach a file

12. “Student Skills” - Questions To Ask “ Is Distance Learning Right For Me?” What grades do you typically earn? Do you understand and remember what you read? Do you meet deadlines?

13. Read the Course Syllabus! RTCS The syllabus explains the course organization, the grading policy, the types of assignments & other important information. RTCS You are expected to read the syllabus & know its contents. I suggest you print & save it. RTCS Many questions you will be tempted to ask the instructor in an email have already been answered in the syllabus. RTCS

14. So, you have a question! How do you ask the instructor a question in an online course? Some possibilites are emails, chats conferences & phone calls. However, rather than answer the same question a “gazillion” times via email, many instructors answer student questions in a conference designated for that purpose & reserve email for highly personal questions only. Learn your OL instructor’s communication policy and follow it.

15. When is it due? Contrary to popular belief, most online courses are not self-paced ; their assignments have firm due dates. The instructor sets the pace. Find the course calendar ! Learn the due dates for the assignments in your online course. Are there any penalties for lateness ? For what circumstances, if any, can you submit work late?

16. What about office hours? Scheduled online chats are used by some online faculty as office hours. An office hour chat is a great opportunity to ask questions & get immediate answers. Find out if your instructor holds online office hours & “attend” them.

17. I wrote it; now how do I turn it in? “ Can’t I just send it as an email attachment?” Maybe, maybe not! Each instructor has a policy about how to submit homework. Learn your instructor’s policy and follow it. Hint: Check the course syllabus. RTCS

18. Mysterious Emails & Filenames!? Want credit for your homework? Name files in a recognizable way: E.g., tjones_ae02 for Tom Jones’Analytical Essay #2 Always include your name & the assignment name at the head of the document. Want to have an email answered? Then, identify yourself by full name & include course name & reference number.

19. Tour Of Blackboard Login (Handout) Welcome Page Navigation Getting Help Statistics Major Features Announcements Course Information Communication Tools Bulletin Board Send email Digital Drop Box Handout

20. Tips for Success Budget your time Don’t procrastinate; don’t get behind Meet deadlines Login to Blackboard often (3-5 times per week minimum ) Always save a copy of your files Participate actively Do your work “off line” and save your files to disk before you send them Confused? Need Help? Questions? Ask your instructor and classmates!

21. Resources More Information About Online Learning at http://www.marylandonline.org/prospective_students/ including articles about online learning, self-assessments, “Successful Students Checklist”