Tips for Success and FAQ-2

Tips for Success

Must have access to a computer and internet connection.  If you do not have a computer at home, make arrangements to visit the campus libraries or computer labs, a public library, or other facility where you can use a computer with internet. Please note that you will need to access the course at least three times per week.

Must have Microsoft applications installed on the computer you will be using.  Assignments are presented in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.  You will need to be able to open these files AND produce your work in Microsoft Word. In addition, Adobe Reader is required for pdf files.

Must possess minimum technical skills. You should be able to type your assignments using the Microsoft applications. You should be able to open files, save files, upload files as an attachment, open an email, send an email, open and work within a browser (e.g. Safari, Firefox, etc.), and conduct a web search.

Read! Since this is an online class, you must carefully read the assignment instructions rather than skim the instructions and readings.

Participate in the discussion activities. A significant part of your grade is collaborating with other students in the discussion forums. Sharing your ideas, observations, and experiences with your peers, and being open to their perspectives, helps you learn and see things in new ways. This opens your thoughts and beliefs to understanding and learning about new ways of seeing the world and growing as a student and person.

Meet the assignment deadlines. Each week builds upon the concepts and ideas learned from the previous week. Because of this, missing assignments or missing a module means you fall behind. Once you fall behind in an online course, it can become very difficult to catch up with the workload. 

Additional Resources for Online Students. If this is your first online course, you may want to explore these additional resources.

• Faculty Expectations for Distance Learning Students Links to an external site. 
• Student Online Course Protocols Links to an external site.
• Online Student Checklist Links to an external site.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1. How do I get started in my course? Click the Modules link from the course menu on the left. View the orientation materials, including the Syllabus. Then, complete the Orientation Quiz. You must receive a score of 80% or higher on the orientation quiz in order to begin the course.

Q 2. Where do I find my assignments? Your learning activities and assignments are located in Modules. Click on Modules from the Course Menu. Click the appropriate weekly module.

Q 3. Why don’t I see my weekly learning modules when I click on Modules? You must review all information in the START HERE module. You need to take the Orientation Quiz located in the START HERE module, and achieve at least a score of 80% before the weekly learning modules will appear.

Q 4. I don’t know how to upload an assignment; what do I do? Go to the START HERE folder. Click on the Tutorials for Using Canvas page. Scroll down to the Assignments section. Detailed step-by-step instructions are provided.

Q 5. How do I find out when my assignments and learning activities are due? The due date information is included in the Weekly Learning Modules. The assignments within a specific weekly module are due at the same time; typically on Sunday by 11:59 p.m. In addition, there is a Due Date document included in the Start Here module.

Q 6. If I am not inside the Weekly Learning Modules, is there another way I can access the learning materials and assignments? No. You need to access your assignments from within a weekly module.

Q 7. How can I check my grades? You can view your grades by clicking on Grades from the course navigation menu. From the grades area you can view instructor feedback.  

Q 8. How can I earn an “A” in this course? Follow these steps to be successful in the course.

• Read the required readings, and complete the learning activities.
• Carefully read the assignment instructions; review any assignment rubrics.
• Follow the assignment instructions. Complete the instructions according to the assignment rubric specifications.
• Submit assignments by the due date.
• Participate in discussion activities.
• Ask questions if you are not clear on what to do.

Q. 9.  How do I contact my instructor for the course? Use the Inbox in Canvas to send your instructor an email message.