Page 27 - Keys to College Success

Connect with students and instructors. Engaging with classmates and your instruc-
tor is just as essential in the online space as in a traditional classroom—maybe more,
since you don’t have the opportunity to meet in person.
■ Exchange ideas on the discussion boards or chat area on your course website.
■ Use videoconferencing tools or group chat apps to meet with fellow students, such
as to work through a problem set or discuss a reading.
■ Ask your instructor questions using email or the LMS messaging tool.
Get help and support. Help from the folks at your college is as important, if not more
important, for learning in the online space as for in-person attendance. You can reach
support personnel through email or phone contact information available on the col-
lege’s website. Some schools have videoconferencing capabilities that allow meetings in
real time. Don’t hesitate to reach out to:

■ Academic advisors, deans, and other administrators
■ Tutors, mentors, or academic coaches
■ Research librarians and other library staff

■ Counselors and student health off cials
■ Financial aid and career advisors

FIGURE 1: Discussion Board Success Tips

KNOW WHAT IS REQUIRED Check emails and your course web page for how
many posts you need to make each week, what type (response to instructor’s origi-
nal question or to a fellow student), and minimum word count, if indicated.

SCHEDULE YOUR POSTING DEADLINES Pay attention to when you need to
post. Instructors may set separate due dates through the week, because when
everyone posts in the last two hours before deadline, it doesn’t allow students to
respond to one another or learn from the conversation. Put each deadline in your
schedule or planner.

KNOW WHAT DISCUSSION BOARDS ARE WORTH Some instructors use dis-
cussion boards as participation points, and others adjust the grading plan to accom-
modate for the task of posting. Get clear on what your work is worth to your
grade, and know the consequences if you miss posting deadlines.

READ THROUGH DISCUSSION BOARDS Insights may come from taking time
to explore the discussion. You may want to schedule a time each week to read the
boards, perhaps on the last day that postings are due.

COMMUNICATE YOUR QUESTIONS There are no stupid questions. If anything
is unclear, ask for clarification.

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