Distance Learning

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College

Distance Learning

STUDENT GUIDE TO ONLINE LEARNING SUCCESS

Students who are successful in Distance Learning Courses:

Are self-motivated
Are self-disciplined
Have excellent study skills
Have excellent time management skills
Take responsibility for their learning

Before the course begins you should know:

Distance Learning courses are demanding. Students often find that these courses require more time and effort than courses offered in a traditional classroom.
Web TV and AOL are not always reliable delivery methods for this type of learning.
You will need regular and reliable access to the Internet and a working knowledge of how to navigate the Internet.
Not to change e-mail addresses after you register for the course.
Differing hardware and software may be required for certain classes.
Some courses may require synchronous events - being on-line at certain times or being on campus at certain times.
Most courses are NOT self-paced.
You should purchase your text book and other required supplements or materials in advance.

When the course begins:

Make sure your password works on the first day class begins. This will be the same day on-campus classes begin, as printed in the ECTC Schedule of Classes, unless you are notified otherwise. If you cannot access your course, contact the KYVC Helpdesk immediately.
When you access the course for the first time, go to the course roster and check to make sure your information and e-mail are correct.
Familiarize yourself with the course syllabus.
Contact your instructor by e-mail on the first day class begins. Do not wait for the instructor to contact you. The instructor's e-mail address will be posted on the class site or can be located at the ECTC Homepage.
Be prepared to begin assignments on the first day of class.
Expect to interact with other students continuously by e-mail and forums.
Stay current with the text readings and assignments.
Ask questions and participate.

If you encounter problems in the course:

Technical: First, call the Help Desk (24/7/365) to report the problem and seek assistance. The Help Desk has trained technicians, who can assist with many technical problems. Reporting the problem also helps capture data that can assist BlackBoard in identifying and fixing common problems.
Course related: You should always contact the instructor for assistance with course material, understanding course requirements, or "life issues" that may complicate your completing course requirements. A calm, rational explanation or inquiry can often go a long toward solving your issue.

How to Succeed in Distance Learning Courses.

KCTCS provides greater access to education by offering distance learning courses over the Internet, using the BlackBoard Learning Management System. Even students who take classes on campus sometimes enroll in distance learning courses as a way to advance toward their degrees, while simultaneously working and/or taking care of their families. This guide provides suggestions and tips covering subjects like study skills, course organization information, and scheduling suggestions for distance learners.

Familiarize yourself with the course design. Check the college website to view the distance learning course syllabus. Spend time looking at the course syllabus even before you register. Decide if you can be a successful self-directed learner in this particular study content.

Read the entire course syllabus. The distance learning course syllabus contains all of the information the student needs to progress through a distance learning course. This includes information about the course description, objectives, and requirements, course meetings, assignments and testing, media and technology used, a course calendar or assignment schedule, and support contact information.

Identify tools necessary to complete assignments. Before enrolling in a course, make sure you have access to the tools necessary to complete assignments. A word processor can help you to organize your work and communicate your thoughts more clearly. Access to VCR, tape player, a fax machine, computer with adequate hard disk space and modem for e-mail transmission are "musts" for many classes.

Be realistic. You will not have to keep a class attendance schedule, but you will have to do regular academic work. Remember you should be spending at least two study hours each week for every credit you are taking. So if there is insufficient time in your personal schedule to do the work of the course, you will be frustrated.

Set interim goals and deadlines for yourself, and stick to them. Keep a calendar showing the number of weeks in the quarter and mark it off with the amount of work you need to do each week. Mark in the days when you will expect to take tests, submit projects, contact the instructor. Don't fall behind in your work! Keep reminding yourself that you will always have more to do near the end of a course than at the beginning.

Organize your goals in a study schedule. Identify study times when you are fresh and attentive and stick to those times every week. Think of the study times as "reserved time." If you miss too many study times, revise your schedule.

Avoid interruptions. Avoid all interruptions and distractions while you are viewing a video program, listening to a cassette, reading the textbook, working on the computer, or studying. Take the telephone off the hook if there is no one available to answer it but you.

Know where to study. Find a place that is free from distractions. You might consider work--before or after hours and on your lunch hour--a public library, or a separate room in your home.

Stay in touch with your instructor. Contact your instructor regularly, especially when you have questions about course content materials. Instructors are available by phone and/or email, or you may make an appointment for an on-campus meeting. You may also correspond with your instructor by mail or by FAX.

Prepare for assignments and tests. In distance learning, course assignments could involve the use from different mediums: print, videos, audios, and the Internet. Remember you are not just watching or listening. You are learning from the information on those various mediums. Take notes. Imagine questions that might be on a test from your study guide, from your textbook, from videos or audiotapes, or from the Internet course assignments.

Use good communication skills. Pay careful attention to instructions and be certain that you understand what is being asked when submitting assignments. It often helps to develop a brief outline before responding to questions whether they are submitted in writing, via e-mail, orally or on video/audio tape.

Evaluate your own progress regularly. Re-read the course objectives and standards often to see how you are progressing with them.

Time your tests wisely. Before you take a test, make sure you understand the information covered in the course assignments that will be the basis for a particular test.

Find some study-buddies. If you feel the need to study with other students from the class, ask your instructor for help in identifying other students who may want to work with you.

Discuss your progress. Ask your instructor at various points in the quarter how your progress is going. Also ask for help and point out any areas that you think are difficult or unclear.

Use relaxation techniques to focus better. Relaxation techniques can benefit learning in a number of ways: heighten concentration, heighten attention focusing and lessen anxiety. Some common relaxation techniques include deep breathing, stretching, and soothing music.

Courtesy of Terra Community College

1. HOME

2. BLACKBOARD

3. KYVC HELPDESK

4. ECTC ONLINE COURSES

5. ECTC KET COLLEGE COURSES

6. ECTC ITV COURSES

7. STUDENT GUIDE TO ONLINE LEARNING SUCCESS

8. FAQ'S ABOUT ONLINE LEARNING

9. KCTCS TUTORIAL FOR ONLINE STUDENTS

10. ASSESS YOUR LEARNING STYLE

11. ARE DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES FOR ME?