Course Index

Lesson 1.01 – Being Successful in an Online Course

OBJECTIVE:  To be able to write about what it takes to be successful in an online course.

INSTRUCTION

What do I have to do to be successful in an online course?  There are many aspects to taking courses online.  Most of all, it means being organized. 

Keys to Being Successful in an Online Course:

·         1.        Schedule time each day to work on the course.  Make sure you log in so we know you are actively taking the course!

·         2.        Read the information.  The directions for completing assignments are written in the course!

·         3.        Communicate with your teacher on a weekly basis via email or by phone.  (If you’re going to be out of town for several days during the week, let your teacher know).

4. Have your parent or other caring adult check your work each day to verify that it has been completed.

4.

Doing the Online Work Doesn’t Mean Being Online All the Time: 

Even though this is an online course, it doesn’t mean that you have to be online to do the course work.  Before completing a module, scan over all of the lessons in a module to see what you’re going to need to do.  Once you start to actually do the work, you have many options including:

• Read the material online
• Print out the material to read offline
• Copy and paste material into Microsoft Word to read offline
• Take notes as needed and follow the directions!

Keep Organized!

• 1. Complete every assignment in a word document.
• 2. Save assignments in one folder on your computer.  Label them 1.01, 1.02, etc.  Put each assignment in ONE document.  (You may want a separate folder for each module). 
• 3. Make a copy of your answers for EVERYTHING you submit to your teacher except for online tests and quizzes. 

How do I actually do the course?

In most online courses, you will find three different parts.  Whether these words are written or not, these parts are included:

INSTRUCTION:  This explains what you’re going to learn and the information the teacher wants you to know.

PRACTICE:  This explains what you need to do to practice the learning.

ASSESSMENT:  The assessment may be a quiz, assignment or project.  This shows that you have learned the material.  Once you complete assessments, you should be able to tell others what you have learned!

To do an online course, you read the material, then do the material and then complete some assessment/assignment that shows you are learning or have learned the materials.

You will be working in an online system called “Moodle”.  In Moodle, there are assignments, grades, places to share work, places to write, chat rooms, online discussion boards and many other components. 

Since you're reading this, you have already logged into Moodle.  When you first log into Moodle, this is what you’ll see:

1. COURSE ORGANIZATION.  The course is organized by modules and lessons.  Each module represents one unit of learning.  Within each module are lessons that need to be read.  At the end of most lessons, there are assignments that need to be completed.  
2. LEFT SIDE OF WINDOW:  Participants, grades
3. RIGHT SIDE OF WINDOW:  Shows calendar, the latest assignment turned, etc…
4. CENTER OF THE WINDOW: This is where all of your assignments will be.

TURNING IN ASSIGNMENTS/ASSESSMENTS: 

Once you have typed out your work in a word document, then you will go into Moodle and chick on the assignment.  To turn in an assignment, there is a two-step process:

A) Type your assignment.  Click on “Edit My Submission”  (see picture below).  Copy and paste your text from your word document into the submission box.

B) Turn in your assignment.  Click on “Save changes.” (see picture below).

Turning in an assignment. Step 1:

Turning in an assignment.  Step 2:

 REMINDER:  It is important to read the lessons BEFORE doing the "Assignments!!”  It is also important to keep a digital copy of every assignment for yourself on your computer!!)  NOTE:  You can tell you have completed the assignment by checking in the grading area

ASSESSMENT/ASSIGNMENT for Lesson 01 

Now, it is time for you to complete your first assignment.  Here it is: 

Write three complete sentences explaining what a student needs to do to be successful in an online course.

Turn in your assignment now.

Course Index