How to Succeed in an Online Course
Tips on Time and Participation
There is usually an adjustment period for most students as they learn the rhythm and patterns of online communication. Here are some tips for getting comfortable:
- Take time to review all the help files your instructor makes available.
- If you are very new to the Internet spend some time surfing and getting comfortable with it.
- Spend some time just navigating your way through the class.
- Figure out what tools are being used and what the buttons do.
- Get to know your browser.
- Manage your time. You’ll find that your time management skills will be critical in an online class. Why? Because it’s very easy to spend either far too little time on the class. Set designated blocks of time to work on the class daily. This will help you stay up with the assignments and with the interaction required in most online classes.
- Download or print out pages for reference and review when you’re offline.
- Set priorities and pay close attention to class deadlines.
- Ask right away for help if something isn’t going right, whether it’s a course or technical issue. It is very important that you be proactive in communicating with your instructor or the Helpdesk.
- Be persistent.
- Keep the contact information you get from your instructor handy and use it. If you have trouble with the technology, use the phone.
- Read what you are going to send before you click on the send button. In online communication it is important to say things carefully, since you can not use body language as you do with verbal communication. Be thoughtful! We will not be able to see the grin on your face if you make a sarcastic comment, so it could be misinterpreted! Learn the terminology of the Internet and emoticons.
- Once you click the send button, you can not get a message back.
- Typing in ALL CAPS is the equivalent of YELLING! Please do not yell at people.
- Share information, tips and questions with your classmates and instructor. You may have the answer someone needs.
- Become part of the online community by participating. Join in and let your thoughts and ideas be heard.
- Enjoy your time in this new learning environment!
- Remember there’s a person on the other side. Ask for feedback if you’re not sure how your ideas and comments will be taken. If you disagree with what someone has said, practice all your best communication skills as you express that disagreement. “Flaming,” or flying off the handle and ranting at someone else is unacceptable; it’s the equivalent of having a tantrum, something most of us wouldn’t do in an onsite, face-to-face classroom.
- Any derogatory or inappropriate comments regarding race, gender, age, religion or sexual orientation are unacceptable and subject to the same disciplinary action they would receive if they occurred in the physical classroom. If you have concerns about something that has been said, please let your instructor know.
Academic Integrity in Online Courses
Students enrolled at Southern Arkansas University are expected at all times to uphold standards of academic integrity. Any act of dishonesty in academic work constitutes academic misconduct and is subject to disciplinary action. Acts of dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism and cheating.
- Cheating is an act of dishonesty with the intention of obtaining and/or using information in a fraudulent manner. Students must not permit others to complete course assignments and then submit these assignments as their own work. Students must not use any information (class notes, textbook, outlines) that the instructor has not authorized to complete examinations. Only the student enrolled in the course can take examinations.
- Plagiarism is the act of taking and/or using the ideas, work, and/or writings of another person as one’s own. Students must not use material from other sources without clear and specific acknowledgement of the source. Students must conduct their own research and write their own projects. They cannot purchase papers, projects, and all other class assignments from individuals or companies.
The above examples do not cover all possible cases of cheating and plagiarism that would constitute academic misconduct.
The instructor will set and impose the penalties upon students who have been determined by the instructor to have engaged in academic misconduct.
An expanded description of the university policy on Academic Integrity as well as the range of possible penalties is found in the Undergraduate Catalog. Students are urged to review this policy.
