Faculty expect students
to...
Be responsible for their own learning.
Even though you
don’t see instructors and classmates – taking classes online is
still going to school. You need to take online courses as seriously as
you would any traditional learning programs. Remember, too, that
instructors can’t read your facial expressions as they would in a
traditional setting. If you’re struggling, you need to let your
instructor know right away so he or she can get you the help you need.
Good study habits are important in online classes as in face-to-face
classes.
Be
self-motivated.
Interest is an important motivation, as is a
desire to learn. Why are you in college? Are you
self-motivated to learn? These are important factors in your
success.
Have good time management skills and
good
organizational skills.
These can be as
simple as logging into your classes every day (or at least five times a
week) to check message boards and announcements, to starting assignments
the day after they are posted, to setting aside a regular time every day
or every week when you’ll study. Once you’ve set your goals, stick to
them. After a time, they will simply become a part of your every day
actions and habits.
Read and understand the
requirements for an online course.
In addition to meeting the course prerequisites, you
need consistent access to a reliable computer with an internet
connection and word processing software. If your computer is
unreliable, or you do not have a computer, it will be difficult to
successfully complete an online course.
Communicate and
participate in online discussions and activities with classmates and
instructor.
You need to
participate in online discussions with your classmates, as well as
collaborative activities. You will also communicate with
classmates and teacher through email and chat sessions. Be
proactive and post messages on
discussion boards, join in on chat sessions, and start one-on-one email discussions. One of the
greatest benefits of online learning is anonymity – so there’s no need
to be intimidated. Say or ask what you need to in order to keep learning.
English
Department Standards
Department standards apply to both face-to-face and
online students.
