What do I need to know to be a successful ESC student Terry Vamvalis Academic Support Specialist Center for Distance Learning

2 Discussion will cover… Introduction Short exercise / Student Comments Considerations / Benefits What does it mean to be an effective on-line learner What skills, abilities, or strategies are needed What services does ESC offer to support online learner success Questions

3 Let’s take 3 minutes and in the chat box, I would like you to: List what YOU think it takes to be an effective learner (what skills do you need, what promotes academic success, etc.) List what YOU think detracts from academic success (what makes studying online more difficult, what actions will surely decrease your grades, etc.) List some of YOUR concerns/stresses/unknowns about on-line learning / coming back to school. To start, I want your thoughts…

4 You are not alone! I am new and overwhelmed. I have been out of school for sometime, where do I start? Angel is scary and confusing; technology is difficult. Where do I find tutoring help for my courses? Can I go to a center or can CDL help? Instructions are confusing what do I do? On-line research, I don’t know where and how. Different deadlines and assignments. Having a hard time tracking these dates/assignments for different course. E-Library, this is new and difficult to use. I have a disability, where do I find support? I am having technical difficulties, where do I find help and for what? How do I contact my instructor?

5 More comments… I need writing help, where can I seek this help? I am having technical difficulties, where do I find help and for what? How do I contact my instructor? What if I am having difficulties with my instructor or if the instructor does not response? I need writing help, where can I seek this type of help? I am building my degree plan, can I receive credits for knowledge I have acquired through a job, hobby, reading, etc. When do I ask for these credits? What is PLA anyway? What is an academic coach and how can they help me? What is a mentor and what are they there for? Can a CDL student take a center course? Where can I find a list of center courses?

6 What I gained from these comments was… Perception change is needed. Information regarding support, resources and information need to be accessible and easy to find. (Cheat sheet) Student needs to be accountable and COMMUNICATE, we are not mind readers. Keep moving forward…Don’t stall or go backwards.

7 Considerations / Benefits Translate traditional college environment to on-line learning environment. On-line discussions mimic the classroom environment just virtually. Typically a traditional student attends a classroom twice a week for one course. How much time is spent in a traditional classroom and how much time is expected in an on-line course discussion area? Typical course requires hours a week of dedication. Consider the driving time to the college, this takes time. Written assignments / homework Stress – part of the experience, its how you deal and place the stress. On-line environment allows time to think / research a thought before sharing as well as time to absorb someone else’s perspective/comment before responding. Provides student to work at their own pace / environment. You are the boss but with this role comes accountability / responsibility.

8 Assignments are done on time and are of high quality Assistance is sought when it is needed. You may not know where the help is, but you have a network of people and offices to help guide you You take action, respond appropriately and explore each option that is available in a timely manner Realistic about what you can and cannot do View education as part of your life, not simply as an “add on” The final educational goal is ultimately reached What does it mean to be an effective and successful learner

9 Appropriate time management Understanding of individual learning styles and how different learning styles interact Academic risk taking Persistent, active, and engaged Reflective, not reactive / Be open minded Acutely aware of personal and situational limitations Utilize the services and resources that are available when needed Skills and Abilities

10 Broader Assistance Smartermeasure : access your online readiness. f1f /04248ee8e1464d2d852579a6004bac84? OpenDocument f1f /04248ee8e1464d2d852579a6004bac84? OpenDocument List of services: services/contact-for-support/ services/contact-for-support/ Angel Help: and https://techinfo.esc.edu/kb_article.php?ref=1889-UPGJ- 8277https://techinfo.esc.edu/kb_article.php?ref=1889-UPGJ MyFoundationsLab: Accessing your reading, writing and math skills

11 “Learning Support” tab – Study Skills, Organization/Time Management, Note taking, etc. Workshops CDL Peer Tutor Program – Smarthinking.com – Writing Coach CDL Academic Coaching Program ESC Library – CDL Cheat Sheet Contact the Office of Academic Support ext Alt Contact Terry Vamvalis , ext Other: Khan Academy

12 Questions?