INTRODUCTION TO ONLINE

LEARNING

Attributes of Successful Online Learners

Technical requirements are just a part of what you need to be successful in an online course. Online learning is different from classroom learning in that you have much more responsibility for your own learning. You must be organized, self-motivated, and willing to challenge yourself. It's not for everyone.

The SmarterMeasure readiness assessment is a web-based tool used by thousands of potential online students, like yourself, as an indicator of the degree to which distance learning will be a good fit for you. Upon completion of SmarterMeasure, you will receive a score report which will not only help you understand your strengths and opportunities for improvement, but will also provide you with resources to help you succeed. Remember, this assessment is strictly for your benefit. Take the time to rate yourself honestly.

If this is your first online course, please complete this assessment prior to the start of class. If you have taken online classes previously, but have not been as successful as you would like to be, complete the SmarterMeasure readiness assesssment as a review of some of the attitudes and abilities you will need to have in order to be successful.

SmarterMeasure readiness assessment - https://kennesaw.smartermeasure.com

Username: your KSU NetID
Password: your KSU NetID password

Online Course Etiquette

The Golden Rule applies to online interactions. It can be easy to take an impersonal attitude to discussions or e-mails when not face-to-face with the recipient. Of course, we are still in an academic environment, so it is always acceptable to disagree, challenge, or ask for further explanation. We simply ask that you do so cordially.

Guidelines:

- Make a personal commitment to learning about, understanding, and supporting your peers.
- Assume the best of others in the class and expect the best from them.
- Acknowledge the impact of sexism, racism, ethnocentrism, classism, heterosexism, ageism, and ableism on the lives of class members.
- Recognize and value the experiences, abilities, and knowledge each person brings to class. Value the diversity of the class.
- Participate actively in the discussions, having completed the readings and thought about the issues.
- Pay close attention to what your classmates write in their online comments. Ask clarifying questions, when appropriate. These questions are meant to probe and shed new light, not to minimize or devalue comments.
- Think through and re-read your comments before you post them.
- Never make derogatory comments toward another person in the class.
- Do not make sexist, racist, homophobic, or victim-blaming comments at all.
- Disagree with ideas, but do not make personal attacks.
- Be open to be challenged or confronted on your ideas or prejudices.
- Challenge others with the intent of facilitating growth. Do not demean or embarrass others.
- Encourage others to develop and share their ideas.
- Be willing to change.

Source: OSU Extended Campus http://k12online.oregonstate.edu/tutorials/discussion_board.htm. Adapted from Dr. Susan Shaw

Technology Basics and Skills

Technology

Online learning requires access to computer resources. Generally, basic standards include a computer (either a PC or a Mac) that is less than three years old, equipped with at least Microsoft Office 2007 (including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) and recent versions of free media players (e.g. RealPlayer, Windows Media Player, QuickTime).

Most of online courses will use the common software packages. If a professor uses non-standard software in a particular course, that professor will provide you with the necessary resources to utilize those materials.

Your internet connection will also be important to your ability to access information. A basic dial-up connection will not be satisfactory. Faculty often use audio and video files that would take a very long time to download over slow internet connections. We highly recommend a high-speed internet connection for taking online courses.

Technological Skills

Online courses normally require participants to have average computer literacy. Students should be proficient with the basic functions of standard software packages (e.g., MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and Adobe Reader) and standard players (e.g., QuickTime, Windows Media Player). These programs will need to be accessible to students through home use or other computer access. A list of primers on many of these technologies is available at https://apps.kennesaw.edu/portal/prod/app_uni_cdoc_publ/documents/.

A working knowledge of the D2L learning management system is required for participation in online courses.

Accessibility & Compliance:

All online courses are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you as a student have special needs, contact disAbled Student Support Services at http://www.kennesaw.edu/stu_dev/dsss/dsss.html or refer to the Kennesaw State University policy statement on Students Rights & Responsibilities, available in the Student Handbook, at http://www.kennesaw.edu/student_life/studenthandbook.php.