Sherfield and Moody Cornerstones Topic: Connect

Tips for Working Online Work first, then reward yourself with “play” Treat online work time like traditional work time with schedules and breaks Make a plan and stick to it!

Social Media for Academic Purposes Facebook Linkedin Twitter Google+ Wikis Google Docs Skype

Privacy and Security Issues Create strong, unpredictable passwords Do not share or record passwords Be careful about posting photos online Only enter personal info. on secure websites Don’t post your whereabouts online Install and run security software regularly Beware of “phising” schemes Monitor children’s Internet use closely

Rules for E-Communication E-communication is never private Be sure to convey emotion along with words Think before responding (24-hour rule!) Texting language (LOL) not O.K. in academic or professional correspondence Avoid “reply to all” Don’t forward chain emails (viruses?)

Information Literacy Definition: Information literacy includes the skills a person needs to determine what information is needed, where to find it, how much of it is needed for a specific topic, how to analyze and organize it to create the “product,” and finally, how to properly cite it.

D.A.R.T.S. System for Info. Literacy

Determining Your Specific Topic Understand instructor’s guidelines Understand the intended audience Determine the availability of reliable academic resources and requirements Develop a timeline for project completion

Access Your Sources Use various types of sources Determine where you lack resources and where you need to edit Manage information carefully and document

Read and Evaluation Sources Are the information and author credible, valid, accurate, and reliable? Is the article fact/opinion, popular/scholarly? Is it up to date and timely? Does it have depth and is it logical? Is it fair? Are the sources of the information cited?

Transform and Organize Project Spatial organization? Cause/effect organization? Chronological organization? Problem solving organization? Topical/categorical organization? Compare/contrast organization? Importance/priority organization?

Select Documentation Style Cite any copyrighted information Cite direct quotes Cite opinions, judgments, insights from others Cite information not widely known Cite information open to dispute Cite information not commonly accepted Cite tables, graphs, charts, statistics

Distance Education Flexible learning time but strict deadlines Often more difficult than on-campus courses Self-motivation and responsibility required Reliable access to Internet required Strong reading and writing skills required

Topic Reflections Learn terms and technologies for success Manage online time carefully Use the D.A.R.T.S. system for info. literacy Guard your privacy online Practice “netiquette” Know what it takes to be a successful online student