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Orientation Information for Online Learners
For those interested in attending one of the following "face-to-face" orientation sessions, please send e-mail indicating your name, orientation date & time interested in attending, Web-based course(s) officially enrolled, and any particular course-related questions you'd like answered. If possible, please bring your UMnet account information with you.
| Date | Location | Room | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
If you are not interested or unable in attending any of the "face-to-face" orientation sessions, please visit our Virtual Orientation Center. Each virtual orientation contains detailed step-by-step instructions, audio/video clips, and guided tours. Also, here are ways to help resolve problems that may develop during your Web-based course:
- General questions: online@son.umaryland.edu
- Specific course-related questions: contact your instructor as indicated in Blackboard
- Internet Access: please contact your internet service provider directly
- Blackboard: bbsupport@umaryland.edu
Remember that proper e-mail "etiquette" indicates the inclusion of your full name as well as the officially enrolled Web-based course(s) in the body of your e-mail message.
Web-Based Learning
Web-based courses are designed as "anytime, anywhere" learning environments offered via the Internet using a web browser, such as Netscape Communicator or Microsoft Internet Explorer. You will engage in course content and communicate with peers and instructors online. Therefore, you must have access to a computer with Internet connectivity and you will need to plan your learning time as it fits your schedule. Each online course is a different experience, implementing various instructional strategies best suited for varying content and learning styles. Students taking a three-credit course spend at least six hours online each week in order to:
- View online lectures and presentations with audio/video
- Explore course-related internet sites
- Engage in discussions and post messages
- Collaborate with other students during group projects
- Participate in research using electronic library resources
- Complete and submit course assignments
The main benefit of distance education is convenience - the freedom to take courses where you want on a more relaxed schedule than in a traditional course. Course content is divided into modules which students are expected to digest on a set schedule. However, students choose when and where to complete each module before the deadline. Although you have more freedom in completing assignments, there may be occasions when you are required to interact with your instructor or classmates at pre-scheduled times.
The other benefit of distance education is flexibility in communicating with the supporting organization and instructor. Options include using both asynchronous (ie. bulletin boards) or synchronous (ie. chat rooms) communication modes, e-mail, fax, and telephones. Students also have access to a number of online services including completing administration functions and accessing library resources.
With this freedom comes responsibility. Since you will be interacting with others remotely and will be more responsible for your schedule than a traditional student, online students must be able to:
- Develop and maintain their own schedules for completing coursework
- Write clearly and effectively
- Adapt to working in a new learning environment
- Learn new computer skills to complete assignments
Is online learning for you?
It is important to reiterate that as an online student you have more freedom and convenience in completing coursework. However, with more flexibility, you have more responsibility in completing assignments on your own with an Web-based learning environment.
