How to Succeed in an Online Class
- 1. How to Succeed in an Online Class
- 2. 1. As you register for classes ... • Be sure you have reliable access to the Internet from your home. • Having to go to the library or a computer lab will severely limit your participation and success.
- 3. 2. After you register, but before the start of the semester… Browser Check Log-In Tutorials 1 Run the Blackboard Browser 2 Also make sure you can log- 3 Take advantage of the Check and make any in to: technology tutorials if you suggested changes to be feel unsure or are having sure you can view your class •CUNY Portal trouble with technology. materials. •eSIMS •SPS email 3.Log into Blackboard, •SPS Help Desk Tutorials 4.Click on the Home tab, If you cannot, or if you have •Blackboard 9.1 Tutorials 5.Select “Test Browser.” any technical question, contact the SPS Help Desk
- 4. SPS Help Desk Our mission is to provide our academic community with the highest level of support and customer service while leveraging the most effective online troubleshooting and problem solving tools. • The SPS Help Desk can be reached at helpdesk@sps.cuny.edu or (212) 652-2888. When you email or call the SPS Help Desk, please be sure to identify your problem, provide your full name, and a number where you can be reached. Also, please be prepared to provide information about your computer's Operating System (OS), Platform, Internet Connection, and the version of the program with which you are experiencing problems. • The operating hours of the SPS Help Desk are: Monday-Friday: 10:00am – 6:00pm. • If you require assistance outside of these hours, please contact us at helpdesk@sps.cuny.edu. • You can access the SPS Help Desk Website at: http://sps.cuny.edu/student_services/help_desk.html
- 5. 3. On the first day of class... Carefully read the syllabus and all of the assignments. Review the course site carefully, especially course Information. This is a example text. Go ahead and replace it questions. Don’t hesitate to contact the instructor with any Consider creating a binder or folder for each course. 5 Your binder should include: the syllabus, course schedule, major assignments, and deadlines. 6 Staying organized will help you to keep current in the course. 7 Connect with another student in the class, help each other clarify assignments, etc. Email is often the best way to keep in touch with your instructor outside of Blackboard, although some of your instructors may also use Skype or Wimba.
- 6. 4. In Week 1 Develop good habits you’ll use throughout the semester… Log into each of your courses at least five times a week (or more if the instructor suggests). Read all of the postings in your discussion board, make your posts promptly, and respond to others' posts as directed by your instructor. Check your SPS email account regularly. If personal communication is needed, faculty, advisors, and staff will send email to your SPS account. If you do not understand the work expected of you, ask your instructor to clarify. This will not only help you, the instructor may revise the assignment or project instructions for the benefit of other students as well. Many instructors create an "Ask the Professor" Discussion Board forum for questions about the course. Make good use of it!
- 7. 5. Don't procrastinate! Waiting until the last minute to submit assignments can be risky. In online learning, you depend on technology to submit your work. You never know when there might be a glitch that will adversely affect your ability to post your work. Take notes. Many courses use audio or video components to demonstrate key concepts or unusual or important ideas. Writing summary notes for multimedia pieces will help you review.
- 8. 6. In the discussion boards … Take care when posting to Blackboard – use proper grammar and spelling (use the spellchecker in Blackboard); do not use informal writing as you do when text messaging a friend. Be respectful of your fellow classmates. Use proper etiquette when responding in discussion board forums. Do not attack someone personally if you disagree with them. Use appropriate language. Save your postings in a Word document for yourself in the event a posting gets lost or misplaced. Schedule a regular time each day to "go to class" in your online course; if you don’t make it a habit of logging-in to your online course regularly, it will be all too easy to neglect it. Note a four-credit-hour class on campus would have four hours of classroom meetings each week, plus study time outside of class – Be prepared to put in the same amount of time with an online class!
- 9. 7. Throughout the semester … Keep the lines of communication open! Contact your course instructor and your Student advisor immediately if you are not going to be able to login to your Advisor Faculty online class for some period of time (due to illness or travel).
- 10. 8. Be conscious of deadlines: Academic & Administrative * If your instructor has provided a course calendar, consider printing it and posting it in your workspace. Add deadlines for your classes to your personal calendar. Check your grades often and contact your course instructor if you are struggling with deadlines. Save the academic calendar and be aware of registration and withdrawal deadlines.