How Much Time Should I spend in my Online Class?

Online Classes Take The Same Amount of Time

 When you take a class on ground it is scheduled for 4 hours. Then there is the time you spend outside of the class to do any reading, homework, and projects. Let's say that is about 6 hours a week on a low estimate. Your online class requires that same amount of time commitment. Now there are some variables in the online class. You have to read everything instead of listening to lecture. Many times that can take less time to read the material, and in some cases it can take more. 

In online it is easy to think that we spend more time because often we are doing it at home and you are constantly interrupted. You can not count that time. If you set aside time that is dedicated to your work each day you will find it takes no more than the time a ground course takes. So all in all you need to set aside 6 hours a week per class. Some classes will not take as much time because they are easier, or they are not your best class.

Are you dedicating time on specific days to work on your online class? If not, why? You are paying for the class and it has the potential to very engaging - but it very much depends on how engaged the students are. Are you engaged? Why or why not. please write comments below and tell us how many hours you spend of un-interrupted time dedicated to your online class.

How To Get a Good Grade in Online Class

Anything Good Takes a Little Effort

To be successful in online learning you have to read all the material that is given to you. Just like an on ground class you have a syllabus, and you also have a document "Due Dates" to tell you exactly when deadlines are. 

I would recommend that you get a 3-ring binder and 5 tabs (1 for each module) to put your online class assignments in. Print out the Syllabus, the Due Dates, and the Benchmark pages and put them in your 3 ring binder. Each tab will represent a module. Print out the assignments for each module and put them in the tab for that module. This will organize you as well as, give you the ability to do work without being online. You can jot down notes by hand as they come to you. Be proactive and know what is due and what is coming up next. If any of you would like a workshop on how to better organize yourself for your online class please let me know I would be happy to do a workshop on campus for 30-45 min or I can do a video. Which ever you prefer.

Cheryl

Communication

Good Communication Can Improve Your Grades

One of the keys to being successful in an online class is communicating with your instructors, online coordinator and your program director. Many students are under the assumption they should know it all. This stems from our pride we take in doing things ourselves. It is a great thing unless it gets in the way of moving forward in your class, your work, or your relationship. We all need a little help once and awhile.Asking a simple question can often times unlock two or three obstacles for you.

Email your teacher when you have a question concerning the curriculum or assignment. Make sure your email is comprehensive. Do not merely write, "I don't understand this assignment". The instructor is going to ask you to read the syllabus and the book. Let them know you have read the syllabus, the chapter but there are a couple things confusing you. And then list the issues. Ask them do you mean.... or are you looking for me to....? This way the instructor can give you appropriate advice and knows you have put effort forward.

You should always let your instructor and your online coordinator what is going on with any issues you are having (computer, personal, taking a vacation and things of that nature). Your online instructor has nothing to do with attendance but your online coordinator is the one who checks your progress on a daily basis whether you have posted work, or are attending your online class. The online coordinator is the one who does any administrative paperwork (PMC, Letter of Intent, grade changes and general issues you are having in the class). For example, if you have issues with posts from instructors that are contradictory to what you think or know to be true then I will ask you to send me a screen shot to upload to help ticket. As online coordinator I can not see into your class. So you will need to send me proof of anything you have questions about.

If you need tutoring get it sooner rather than latter. Don't let things build up where you are so far behind you don't think you can catch up.

Any questions please contact me.

The Course Guide and it's purpose

The course guide in orientation is not the same information as the course guide in your classes. They have vastly different pieces of information in them.

The Orientation Course Guide

The Class Course Guide

In the course guide for your class you will find the information you need about how attendance works, a bit about the course, all of the grading rubrics for discussion threads, connections, homework, project and tests. It also lays out the expectations of time and logging in. It talks about the Announcements and how important they are to get all kinds of information from downloading access, codes for some classes and information for you to be successful. 

Make sure you read all the information in your class. Each class syllabus will be a little different.

What is New for July Quarter 2014



New for July 2014

Starting in the July Quarter we will be changing up the way we do the Discussion and Connections Threads. During week 1 you will only be working on the Discussions. This means that Weds will be the deadline for the Main post and 4 responses will be due by the Saturday of the first week of the Module. Then week 2 we will focus only on the Connections. Week two of the module the main thread will be due on Wednesday and the 4 responses will be due on week two Saturday by 10:59 pm. 

What does this mean for you?

You will only focus on one thread assignment per week. You will have a deadline every Wednesday of the quarter for your main posts. And, all other assignments will be do by the second
This also means that you may not post Discussion threads on the second week and get credit because they will be late.

So to wrap that up:

• Do Discussion Threads in Week One of Every Module
• Do Connection Threads in Week Two of Every Module.
• You will not get credit for Threads if they are posted late.
• Homework, Project, and Test are due by Second Saturday of the Module. You do not have to wait to turn them in you can turn them in at anytime during the course of that modules two week span

Late Penalties will apply to Homework, Projects, and tests never lose points.

If you have any questions please contact me via email at: cheryl_gleason@heald.edu

Week 2 of the April Quarter 2014

Online Students are finishing up Module 1 this Saturday May 3rd at 10:59 pm. If you are a first time online student you have probably been a little stressed out trying to figure out this new platform of E-learning and fitting it into your life schedule. Don't worry it takes a couple Modules before things really start to feel normal, and you understand the weekly flow.

When doing anything new there is a learning curve. Usually students feel comfortable in week 2 of Module 2. This is normal so don't get frustrated at yourself and think you need to drop a class. Everyone can learn from an online environment -  most people set it in their mind they can't so they don't. Can't = Won't. Working through an online course proves your ability to work independently, follow instructions as they are giving to you, and these are qualities that every employer is looking for.

I didn't think I could be an online learner, so before I jumped into an entire online program for my Masters Degree I took an online class at Heald College. I am a visual person (artist) and a kinisthetic learner as well (those of you who took Success 100 will know what that is). I learned there are many types of learning styles needed for online. I figured out that I could be successful and the learning was actually more engaging than the classroom because everyone's voice is heard in disscussion threads. I learned I had more time to think through my assignments and it was not so stressfull because if I did a little each day it didn't seem overwhelming.

How are you attacking your online class? Share your thoughts in the comment section. Learning online is a skill that in today's world is very valuable. Don't set your mind in a single direction. Don't set your self up for failure by saying "I can't do this", or "this is too hard". Do and overcome what you never thought possible of yourself. It really feels great! But ask for help where you need it. Notice I didn't say if you need it but where you need it. We all need a little help now and again.

Everyone have a great quarter.
Cheryl

What is New for the April 2014 Quarter?

In the upcoming April Quarter online classes will be changing the "Point Structure" from the current 500 Points Plus system where it is possible to earn up to 35 points extra credit to a 1000 point system. This will be more benificial for the student. The other thing this changes is the points for the various assignments, now instead of a homework assignment being worth 15 points it will be worth 40 points.

Make sure you all read the new point structure and rubrics in your Course Guides for the classes you are taking next quarter. Make sure you read all notes on the "Home" tab so you are informed about your classes and changes that have been made.

The late poicy will be the next item that will be changing so start this quarter with that in mind. Take a little time each day so it is not so overwhelming.

Feel free to post your comments in the comment section in the blog I want to hear from you.

Week 4 of January 2014 Quarter

1/3 the way there!

 

Now is the time in the quarter that you take a moment to see where you are. How are my grades? How is my attendance? What area's of the 5 (Discussions, Connections, Homework, Project or Test) areas do you keep losing the most points on? And why?

This analysis at this time in the quarter can turn your grade around. In online their are extra points involved in Module 2 and 4 I believe. The Points Plus is explained thoroughly in your "Course Guide".

Remember the following regarding Late Policy:

• Discussions and Connections can not be made up once module has passed.
• Assignments lose points once module is over;
• One module behind = 10% late penalty
• Two modules behind = 25% late penalty
• Thee modules behind = 50% late penalty
• Four modules behind = 75% late penalty

This will probably be the last quarter we use this policy for late work. It will get much tougher. If you have questions, want to talk something over with someone for ideas - call me 916-414-2763.

It is not too late to finish strong in this quarter. Even if you have an F right now you could end up with an A in the class. Call me and I will tell you how.

You can do this!

Whiteboard Collaborative learning Tool

Vyew - Free Whiteboard and Webinar Software

 

Create a study group with students in your class!

 

 

 

This is a great FREE tool that allows you to have your own meeting space complete with webcams, voice, and whiteboard for collaboration. This is a great online tool to use when you have to do partnering or group work activities. This can also be used with just a couple learners who want to share ideas and brainstorm with someone without having to leave the comforts of your home.

 

 

If you would like to know more about how to use this magnificent technology just call or email me  and I would be happy to assist you at any time.

 

 

Cheryl Gleason

Online Coordinator

916-414-2763

cheryl_gleason@heald.edu

 

 

 

 

Virtual Office Hours

Virtual Office Hours

Tuesday 11-12pm and Thursday 2-3pm

The link to the office hours site is http://vyew.com/room#/null/Virtual_Office_Hours/1502977434
And the Number to dial into the conference so you can ask questions and hear the responses is:        218-862-6114 
The Access Code is 749089#

Need help or have questions please email me at cheryl_gleason@heald.edu

See you there!