1. THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAM ONLINE STUDENT ORIENTATION 2013

2. INTRODUCTION Welcome to GW Pre-College Student Online Orientation! This orientation will provide you with information pertinent to your enrollment in an online course through the GW Pre-College Program. For the next 6 weeks, you will engage in virtual learning with undergraduate students and possibly other Pre-College students.

3. PREPARING TO LEARN AT A DISTANCE This orientation is designed to prepare you for effective participation in the online learning environment. The following areas will provide information to help you understand online practices and program policies:  Becoming a Self-directed Learner  Asynchronous Learning  Tips to Successful Online Learning  Time Management  Tips for Time Management  GW Pre-College Program Policies  GW Pre-College Program Contacts

4. BECOMING A SELF-DIRECTED LEARNER In its broadest meaning, ‘self-directed learning’ describes, according to Malcolm Knowles (1975: 18) a process:... “in which individuals take the initiative, with or without the help of others, in diagnosing their learning needs, formulating learning goals, identifying human and material resources for learning, choosing and implementing appropriate learning strategies, and evaluating learning outcomes.” As a self-directed learner, you take on the responsibility of self-management and will often work independently. Maintaining a positive attitude is key to staying motivated you in the subject. You take ownership of your learning process. Smith, M. K. (2002) 'Malcolm Knowles, informal adult education, self-direction and andragogy', the encyclopedia of informal education.

5. ASYNCHRONOUS LEARNING GW summer online courses are asynchronous. This means faculty and students can work from anywhere, anytime. GW uses the Blackboard System as the online platform. Faculty post announcements, syllabi, and assignments for each course. Faculty and students interact in the virtual classroom through the use of discussion boards, email, video and/or chat rooms.

6. TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL ONLINE LEARNING Be active in the class; participate regularly Provide meaningful and substantive responses to the questions Build a virtual network with your classmates Manage course work and submit assignments on time Report any technical problems immediately to IT Technical Support/Help Desk

7. TIME MANAGEMENT Time Management is critical to online learning. Although students work at their own pace, some assignments may require group interaction to encourage student-to- student engagement. Students should carefully read the requirements for each assignment and submit completed work by the designated due date.

8. TIPS FOR TIME MANAGEMENT Set goals for completing assignments Break large tasks into small sections Create a tracking tool (calendar, to do list, journal) Schedule reasonable timeframes to complete work Communicate challenges immediately to your faculty and to the GW Pre-College Director

9. GW PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAM POLICIES The GW Pre-College Program Codes of Conduct policies reflect the values and behavioral expectations set by the University. Students are expected to adhere the Codes of Conduct: Academic Integrity and Netiquette Read and sign the attached form and fax (202-994- 9360) or email (gwsummer@gwu.edu) back to our office.

10. BLACKBOARD & COURSE MANAGEMENT - To gain access to your course you will need your Net ID and GW Email NET ID INSTRUCTIONS (Document also available at the Pre-College website)NET ID INSTRUCTIONS -Login to Blackboard (blackboard.gwu.edu) -Order your books -Be aware of timelines for submitting your course work -Instructions on how to complete and submit exams will be noted in the course The pace of an online 6 Week course is vey intense. It is important to check in daily to keep up with discussion post.

11. PROGRAM CONTACT INFORAMTION STUDENT SUPPORT AND PROGRAM CONTACTS Yvonne M. Hood Director, GW Pre-College Program Email: ymhood@gwu.edu Phone: (202) 242-6612 Fax: (202) 242-6761 Summer and Special Programs 1922 F St, NW Suite 304 Washington, DC 20052 Phone: (202) 994-6360 Fax: (202) 994-9360 Website: summer.gwu.edu E-mail Address: gwsummer@gwu.edu gwsummer@gwu.edu TECHNICAL SUPPORT IT Technical Support/Help Desk http://www.gwu.edu/technology- requirements sts@gwu.edu ithelp@gwu.edu