SIX RULES FOR SUCCESS:
Rule 1: Get in contact with your instructors as soon as you
can.
Make sure they know both your name and your email address.
For me this means send email to me at
dmcf34@yahoo.com
Rule 2: Check your online syllabus. See what textbook you
need
and what other things you need to do in order to get started.
For me this means (1) get your text
either
online or at the bookstore and (2) above all make sure you follow the
directions
to work with the Nicenet ICA that I am using for online courses
Rule 3: If there is a definite schedule for readings and
assignments
print this out and keep it with your textbook--or maybe posted near
your
computer.
For all my online courses there is a
definite
schedule for tests or assignments. However, make sure you consult
the online syllabus rather than just your printout, since much of the
material (lectures and quizzes) are clicked on from the online syllabus.
Rule 4: See what online discussion groups or message boards are
available
as part of your course. Make sure you know whether these are
actually
required for your grade. Even if they are not required make the
effort
to take part in them. Try to think of yourself as part of a
shared
activity, just as though you were in the old-fashioned classroom.
For me they are definitely a
requirement
for Philosophy 6 and Philosophy 33 (through Nicenet). I also do
make some use of discussion groups for Philosophy 9.
Rule 5: Set aside a definite time for your work, even if it
happens
that you need to change this at times. In general allow
two to four hours a week per unit in a standard semester
course.
This will include your reading as well as the time you spend online for
research or in preparing assignments. Putting things off is the
killer,
just as it is in the regular classroom.
Rule 6: Stay in touch with your instructor. If there
are
definite virtual office hours (chat-group style), take advantage of
them.
I do not use chat groups, but apart
from
holidays I check my email a couple of times a day and I try to respond
to students on the spot. If I do
not
hear from you one way or another at the beginning of the course, you
will be dropped!
OK, I understand and I'm
ready to go on with my
courses:
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Logic
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