Student Best Practices

The suggestions below provide guidelines for students who are participating in classes use educational technology. While various instructional technologies can provide you with increased flexibility and reduce the number of hours you spend on campus and in the library, these benefits require different learning strategies than traditional course formats. The following suggestions have been made by students for your benefit.

Learning new technologies can be frustrating and time consuming. Students who have battled with online tools and recalcitrant web pages suggest that you take a deep breath and remember that you can master these tools.

There will be a learning curve for any new technology, so when something is confusing, be sure you get help when you need it. Waiting too long can lead to bigger problems later. In addition, practice with the technologies to help yourself feel comfortable before the final deadline (e.g., for using Esubmit to turn in the final paper).

Online learning allows you to complete course materials at your convenience, but it also requires you to be extra conscious of time management and structure. Because you may not be meeting in class every week, you may be tempted to put off the work. Don’t.

In addition to budgeting your time, online learning requires that you provide your own motivation.

Students sometimes find that the lack of face-to-face interaction is troubling. Online discussion, email, and video tools provide some of the features of traditional classrooms. Nevertheless, be prepared to work on establishing a community in online classes or on electronic discussion boards.

Email is one of the primary tools of communication on this campus. Course updates and clarifications are often posted to a class email list or an online discussion board (e.g., EPost). Get used to checking your email early and often. Be sensitive, however, that email in the evenings and on weekends may not be received immediately by peers or instructors.

Course web sites, PowerPoint presentation slides, and other technologies can help you streamline your studying. Take advantage of the tools provided by your instructors.

Use email and online discussion (EPost) to communicate with instructors and peers. Learn from your peers’ questions and your instructors’ responses.

Students comment that whether they are taking an online course or a course that has a web site, they spend a lot of time working on their computers. This requires: budgeting your time on campus (if you need to use a computer lab or particular equipment), completing readings and assignments online, and organizing your study time around the need for a computer.