Student Orientation for Online Learning
Are you considering taking an online or hybrid course for the first time? Have you enrolled in one but need guidance on how to get started?
Instructional Technology and Design Services (ITDS) has developed a guide for students interested in taking online or hybrid courses at Montclair State University and wishing to learn more about what they are like. It provides essential information for students to get prepared for taking online courses and will help you learn strategies and techniques to enhance your online learning experience. Before you get started, you may want to take a Self Assessment for Online Learning Readiness Survey. This survey will help you identify your overall readiness for online learning.
Online learning is different from face-to-face learning in many ways. Students can generally attend an online class with more flexibility in time and place than traditional in person classes. Although there are deadlines, and may be live online meetings, online courses offer much more flexibility than face-to-face courses. Instead of face-to-face communication, students are likely to use email, discussion boards, and or other communication tools.
This guide is designed to help you understand what online learning is like and provide you with some tips on how to succeed in online courses.
Guide Structure
The Student Orientation for Online Learning is a self-paced resource available on Canvas and is divided into the following sections:
- What to Expect from Online Courses: This introductory module will provide you with strategies and knowledge necessary to begin (or enhance!) your online learning experience. We’ll strive to best outline what is expected from a student participating in online courses here at Montclair. Additionally, we’ll go over some of the basics of “net etiquette” and how to interact with your professors and classmates. Remember, online courses, just like face-to-face courses, require that you are fully aware of your professor’s expectations and requirements!
- Succeeding as an Online Learner: What does it take to succeed in online courses? While online courses offer flexibility and convenience, especially for those juggling competing responsibilities and obligations, being a successful, efficient, and productive online learner requires you to demonstrate certain strengths and qualities as a learner. In this module, we will go over some of the strategies and qualities needed to excel in an online environment.
- Getting Started on Canvas: When taking an online or hybrid course, your participation in Canvas is a key aspect of your learning experience. Prior to enrolling in this course, how much experience did you have using Canvas? Do you consider yourself to be comfortable with Canvas?In this final module, you will learn strategies and techniques on how to best navigate and use Montclair State University’s Learning Management System (LMS) Canvas along with some tips and tricks to help you manage your time and keep track of upcoming assignment due dates.
For additional resources specific to Montclair Online, please visit their Student Resources webpage.