Taking an online course is very different from a traditional face-to-face course, and not all students are prepared to succeed in the online environment. Review the following information to be successful in an online course at Idaho State University (ISU):
This Guide Will Help You to:
Identify tips for online learning
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Recognize that online courses are NOT any easier than face-to-face classes and may be harder for some students.
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Read the introductory materials and contact the instructor immediately if you have any questions.
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Assume an active role in the learning process, whether working alone or in a group. Be open to contributing your ideas and perspective, and be willing to comment on your study subject. Also, be interested in what your classmates say and be willing to provide feedback and share ideas.
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Log on to your course daily or at least 5-6 days a week. It is very easy to get behind quickly, so stay active in the course.
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Manage your time carefully. Schedule at least 2-3 hours per credit weekly to work on your course and stick to your schedule. Certain courses may require more time!
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Do not procrastinate; follow the course schedule assigned by your instructor. If you need an external source to motivate you to do class work, consider taking face-to-face classes instead.
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Set aside a private space where you can study and work without interruptions.
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Ensure you have the appropriate software and plug-ins necessary for the course. You will, for example, need the
Firefox web browser to utilize ISU Moodle-based courses effectively. Moodle is the learning management system used by ISU.
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If you are unsure of your computer skills, develop them! See the additional skills resources below to improve your basic computer skills, learn the Firefox web browser, discover Moodle ISU, and learn other useful tools used at ISU.
Determine general skills
In addition to the technology you will need, it is important to consider other skills that will help you be successful in an online course environment. You will be successful if you have strong skills in the following areas:
Planning and setting goals for your study:
Applying appropriate learning strategies:
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Apply previous knowledge and experience to solve problems and progress
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Make optimal use of learning strategies for effective study
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Monitor the learning process and adapt strategies as needed
Initiating communication and developing networks for learning:
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Develop collaborative relationships with faculty and other students
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Create networks of communication and support including faculty and other students
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Initiate study groups and seek out other support for study
Positive attitude towards learning:
Managing your time and other resources:
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Manage resources effectively - including time, information, media, and technology
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Manage behaviors and habits for effective learning
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Use effective time management to meet requirements and deadlines
Recognize computer and Internet skills
You should be comfortable using your computer online. In addition, you should at least have the following skills:
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Communicate via email, including sending attachments
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Be comfortable uploading and downloading saved files
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Use of basic software applications such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
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Ability to navigate the Internet using a browser
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Ability to install software
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Ability to update your browser
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Ability to install updates to software and browser plugins
Check Your Technology Skills
Evaluate your readiness for online learning
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Online Readiness Self-Assessment
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