Online Learning

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Learning Online at SAU

As you are you considering taking some or all of your courses online, make sure you’re ready to succeed. Online learning can sound so easy that some students start their online courses with unrealistic expectations. In reality, online courses require just as much time and energy as traditional, face-to-face courses. However, what online courses offer is flexibility, especially for learners who have to balance their work schedule(s), family dynamics, or even figuring out how to get to campus.

What does it take to succeed in an online course?

  • Persistence – Students who succeed in online courses are those who are willing to explore and learn new technologies, ask for help when needed, and work hard on their assignments. Students with this type of persistence, prevail through challenges to meet and exceed their expectations. Online learning also requires independence, internal motivation, responsibility, and a certain level of maturity.
  • Effective Time-Management Skills – The flexibility of online learning can be a drawback to students lacking self-motivation or those who procrastinate often. That’s why it is essential to have or develop effective time-management skills to be successful in an online course.
  • Appropriate and Practical Communication Skills – When possible, try to use the communication tools provided by the University. This includes your SAU Outlook email account, Blackboard messages and discussion boards, and online office hours. Remember: Instructors want to help you to succeed in their classes.
  • Study Space – Students taking online courses must find a space free of distractions from people (family, friends, or even roommates) and stuff (games, social media, streaming services).
  • Ability to Uphold Academic Integrity – Students enrolled at SAU are expected 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. The instructor will set and impose the penalties upon students who have engaged in academic misconduct. An expanded description of the university policy on academic integrity, as well as penalties, can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog. Students are urged to review this policy.

Additional Resources

Time-management tips and tricks

  • Read the course calendar or schedule provided by your instructor(s). You can typically expect this information to be included in the syllabus or as a separate document. If you know the due dates throughout the semester, you should be able to better manage your time to complete your coursework to the best of your ability.
    • Make weekly “To-Do” lists for your assigned readings, activities, assignments, and assessments (tests and quizzes).
    • Set study time and due date reminders or alarms on your phone or tablet.
  • Stay organized. Whatever system works for you, just as long as you are consistent. 
    • If you plan to print materials provided by your instructor (s), consider separate binders, notebooks, and folders for each course. 
    • If you are keeping all of your materials digitally, it may be beneficial to create folders for different courses or even subjects or topics.

Communication Recommendations

  • Take your time to write your messages. This will help you write clearly and understandably. Don’t forget to use a respectful tone.
  • Demonstrate Netiquette. These are are simple guidelines for behavior in all sorts of online environments like online courses, online article comment sections, etc. Examples of netiquette:
    • Include a subject line on your email or messages. These should be just a few words to help the recipient know what your message is about? (e.g., Unable to access course material)
    • Avoid sarcasm…at least initially. People who do not know you well may misinterpret the meaning or tone of your message(s).
    • Reply to messages promptly. This is especially true when you’re needing assistance.
    • Use appropriate language. Avoid coarse, rough, or rude language. 
    • Any derogatory or inappropriate comments regarding race, gender, age, religion or sexual orientation are unacceptable and subject to disciplinary action.

Study Space Suggestions

  • If possible, let family and friends know the hours when you will be unavailable for studying and homework.
  • Consider Ergonomics. You need to be both comfortable and have the ability to work efficiently. but also Adjust the height of your chair, keyboard, screen so you are comfortable. Forearms and thighs should be level and parallel to the floor. Do not bend your wrists while typing.
  • Set up good lighting. Lighting in the room should be at least as bright as the computer screen to avoid eye strain.

Notes about Academic Integrity

  • Cheating is an act of dishonesty to obtain and/or fraudulently use information. 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 explicit and specific acknowledgment 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.

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