Student Q & A
Q: Can I access a syllabus for a course before registering?
A: You cannot access the WebCT-based syllabus prior to registering. However, with the Course List tool, you can view detailed class information, including required materials.
Tips and Techniques for Student Success
- Preparing for Success
- Honing Course-taking Skills
- Managing Time
- Completing and Sending Assignments
- Asking for Help
Preparing for Success
- If you haven't had much experience with computers and the Internet, take a computer class or complete an online tutorial. Here are some resources you might consider:
- Read the syllabus and all course information carefully. Look for requirements, meetings, assignments, testing procedures, media and technology used, due dates, and contact information. If you do not find needed details, ask your instructor.
- Make certain you have the tools and equipment needed to complete class assignments. Some courses might require special software, for instance.
- Have a dependable computer and Internet Service Provider.
- Log into your course as soon as it becomes available.
- Contact your instructor right away to introduce yourself and to ask any questions you might have.
- Get to know other people in your class through discussions, chat, email, etc. Relationships with your online peers can help support and encourage you throughout the course.
Honing Course-taking Skills
- Distance courses require essentially the same study skills as traditional classes. Check out the LearnMore Resource Center guide.
- Study diligently, avoiding interruptions and distractions.
- Keep up with assignments. Don't let yourself fall behind.
- Read all the materials and access the links that your instructor posts.
- Be focused, organized, patient, and determined.
- Have fun! Try to find things in the course that are personally meaningful or applicable to your future plans.
Managing Time
- Log in to your course Web site regularly. While you may not "attend" class in online courses, you do need to establish a time to study and participate. Check the website regularly for changes, additional information, announcements, etc.
- Keep a Calendar. After studying the syllabus, mark deadlines, test dates, etc., on a calendar. Mark items off as you complete them.
- Set your own goals and deadlines. If the class does not have specific due dates, make them for yourself. Set specific days or times to complete online assignments.
- Don't procrastinate. Don't wait until the last minute to do assignments or take tests. Allow time for technical difficulties--the web might be slow or servers down at times.
Completing and Sending Assignments
- Be prepared to apply critical thinking and decision making. Rather than restating facts, your instructor might ask you to make decisions based on information you have gathered and processed.
- Keep electronic AND paper copies of your completed assignments as back ups.
- When e-mailing assignments, send a copy to yourself so you know that the e-mail was sent successfully. If possible, request a "read" receipt so you'll know that your instructor received your e-mail.
- If submitting assignments online, double-check your submission to avoid technology glitches or mistakes--be sure you can open and view your assignment submission!
Asking for Help
- Your instructor is there to instruct, so don't be afraid to ask for help. Your instructor won't know if you are confused, bored, or frustrated unless you tell him/her.
- Allow a reasonable amount of time for instructors to respond to email. Most will try to get back to you as quickly as possible or at least within 48 hours. If they don't, try another method of communication. If you still do not get a response from your instructor, contact the Distance Education Service Center, and be prepared to give specific information as to how and when you have attempted to contact your instructor.
- Ask for help as soon as any difficulties surface. Do not wait until you have fallen behind or until the end of the course to share concerns.