1. Hiawatha Valley ABE Theresa Luther-Dolan Chuck Butler

2.  Web Enhanced  Video Conference/ITV  Correspondence  Online  Mixed/Hybrid

3.  Geography isn’t a limiting factor  Schedules tend to be more flexible  Student-based learning  Mix of media enhances learning

4.  Little social interaction  Poor time management skills  Face-to-face interaction can be encouraging and for some students necessary  College is more than a classroom

5.  Determine if you have the right access, skills, and motivation to be successful.  Self-Assessment Tools ◦ http://www.sanjuancollege.edu/p ages/4404.asp http://www.sanjuancollege.edu/p ages/4404.asp ◦ http://www.minnesotaonline.org/ index.html http://www.minnesotaonline.org/ index.html

6.  Know the expectations for the class ◦ Synchronous chat ◦ Discussion board ◦ Reading materials – text, online, etc ◦ Group activities ◦ Communication and response times

7.  Manage your time wisely ◦ Don’t procrastinate ◦ Don’t wait for perfection ◦ Combine activities ◦ Don’t expect your instructor to always be online ◦ Make and keep a schedule ◦ Use your free time wisely

8.  Make a Good First Impression  Effective Email Communication  Stay Organized  Attachment Etiquette  Get to Know your Instructor  Help Create a Successful Online Community

9.  Spell Check and Grammar Check  Compensate for Not Having Non-verbal  Communications and Miscommunication  Avoid Writing in All Capital Letters  Reply/Reply All/Reply with Message

10.  Don’t “Reply all” unless you mean it  Don’t start or contribute to “flame wars”  Don’t give your instructor a virus!!!  Don’t send or submit things you may regret later  Don’t pass around “forwards”

11.  Don’t be too casual  Don’t be long-winded or stray from the topic  Watch the subject line  Don’t stray from the thread topic  Don’t send anonymous messages

12.  Count the (time) costs  Identify personal support  Read materials carefully  Be interactive  Add “value” to the course

13.  Make a “regular” study schedule – stick to it!!!  Create a “study zone”  Check your work  Have required equipment and materials  Take responsibility for your own learning

14.  Learning Environments ◦ Course management systems (D2L, WebCT, Blackboard, etc.) ◦ Email system  Resources ◦ Distance Learning Coordinator ◦ Online Advocate ◦ Instructional Technologist ◦ Student Help Desk  View Example Course ◦ www.mnonline.org www.mnonline.org

15. Questions?