Surviving the Online Environment

Overview:  This course is intended to be a non-credit, 2-hour workshop to address misconceptions, study strategies, and navigation of the online environment at NEMCC.

Class Capacity:  20 students

Facility Requirements:  Classroom with suitable equipment to allow for presentation of computer-delivered content, access to computer lab with suitable number of machines to handle maximum course capacity, Blackboard course section for attendees with identical layout to NEMCC online courses, students with notebook computers are recommended to bring computers for installation of selected software

Delivery Methods:  Content will be delivered through computer lab environments.  

Course Outline:  The course is separated into two units, conducted in a computer lab environment to ensure hands-on experience for students.

Unit 1:  Basic Survival Skills (30 minutes)

1. How do I study for online classes?

1. Setting goals
2. Weekly time management
3. Daily time management
4. Study strategies

2. Where do I get help?

1. Instructors
2. Library personnel
3. Tutoring
4. Distance learning personnel
5. Email issues

Unit 2:  Using Blackboard (90 minutes)

1. What is Blackboard?

1. Learning Management System
2. Central place in course delivery
3. Importance of daily monitoring

2. How do I find course information?

1. Instructor information
2. Announcements
3. Course content
4. Discussion boards
5. Exams
6. Grades

3. What is the proper way to communicate with others online?

1. Email
2. Discussion boards

Specific Learning Objectives (SLOs):

Student proficiency in reference to SLOs will be assessed through 1 quiz given at the close of the workshop.  A student is considered proficient if 100% of the questions over a given unit are answered correctly.  Students are required to attempt the quiz as many times as possible in order to attain 100% proficiency.

1. Students will demonstrate understanding of the differences between traditional and online course environments.
2. Students will successfully identify the basic concepts of effective time management.
3. Students will demonstrate basic proficiency in navigating Blackboard.
4. Students will demonstrate basic understanding of proper email/discussion board etiquette.