survival guide for online learning...survival guide for online learning welcome back-i hope that you...
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Survival Guide for Online Learning
Welcome back- I hope that you were able to recharge a bit and take the necessary steps to remain heathy during these unprecedented times! As we return from Spring break, we are faced with many changes. Please know that we are all in this together; learning and adapting the best we can in a constantly evolving reality. This isn’t what any of us wanted, we all prefer the and enjoy the face-to-face interactions of a traditional classroom. Your faculty, and all of us at Central share the same goal – to pull together, navigate these uncharted waters, and provide you, our students, with the collegiate level learning experience you deserve. If you are worried, that’s okay (some of your faculty are too), we know and understand that you are now learning under very unique circumstances. This Survival Guide is designed to be a one-stop shop of resources to help you navigate this transition with as much assurance and support as possible. Its pages contain reminders to be kind to yourself, to continue to work hard and do the best you can, to take care of yourself, and reach out for help when you need it. There are also guides about the technological needs of online learning, time management skills, and the support services available to you. Please take note that this document will continue to receive regular updates in the days ahead. If there is anything, we can do to support you during this uncertain time, please reach out to us through [email protected]. Remember, we are all in this together!
Warmly,
Christina Robinson
Christina Robinson, Ph.D. Interim Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies, Research, and Faculty Development
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Table of Contents
Overview of Available Resources and Supports ...................................................................... 3
Technology Requirements for Online Learning ....................................................................... 4
Blackboard Learn Tools for Online Learning ........................................................................... 5
Time Management Skills for Online Learning ......................................................................... 7
Managing Stress while Learning Online ................................................................................. 8
Tutoring and Academic Support for Online Learning ............................................................ 10
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T I P S F O RO N L I N ES U C C E S S
Set up a dedicated learningenvironmentEstablish a routine Use headphones for videos or livelecturesHave the required coursematerials
COMMUNICATION
Reach out to your instructorat anytime if you are unsure ofcourse format, expectations,concerns, or assignments.
Set goals for yourselfHave a study partner or groupBe proactive in your learning Be self-aware of choices
ACCOUNTABILITY
Create a weekly scheduleFactor in prior commitmentsSet reminders Use Blackboard Learn or OutlookCalendars
TIME MANAGEMENT
STUDY SPACE
HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL WHILE LEARNING ONLINE
IT RESOURCESIT and Blackboard Help Desk: (860) 832-1720 or [email protected] IT AnnouncementsWebEx for Students Blackboard HelpBlackboard Mobile App FAQs
ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS
Turn notifications off on your cellphone and email while studyingSet aside time to study withoutSocial Media Organize your space ahead of time
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Technology Requirements for Online Learning
First and foremost, you’ll need access to an Internet-ready device – if you’re reading this, we already know you can access the Internet, so you’re on the right track! While you will be able to complete much of your work from any Internet-capable device, a Chromebook, laptop or desktop will provide the most successful experience.
If you are in need of technological equipment to support your learning experience please contact CCSU via [email protected].
If you encounter any technological difficulties, please don’t hesitate to call the IT Help Desk (860) 832-1720.
Operating Systems, Browser Support and other Required Software Operating Systems: Windows 7 or higher, MAC OSX 10.8 or higher, Chrome OS
Supported Browser on Your Computer In a nutshell Blackboard Learn supports these primary web browsers:
• Firefox (current release)• Chrome (current release)• Internet Explorer (versions 9 and 10)• Safari (versions 6 and later)• Microsoft Edge is supported but plug-ins might not work.
Click here to see a list of supported browsers.
Browser Checker: To check to see if your browser is support by Blackboard, please click here. This link will run a system check. If you see a green check mark, your browser is supported and you are ready to go!
If you have any doubts or concerns, the IT Help Desk (860) 832-1720 is just a phone call away!
Mobile Devices: Mobile browsers, such as Safari for iPad, are not officially compatible with Blackboard. However, Blackboard Mobile app for Students is available for iOS and Android devices. The Blackboard app is designed especially for students to view content and participate in courses. Taking exams is not encouraged through the app.
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Blackboard Learn Tools for Online Learning
Blackboard Learn, the primary course management system (online learning environment) used at Central, allows faculty and students to communicate and share content. There are many tools and features available in Blackboard that allow you and your professor to communicate using content like Word, PowerPoint, video, audio, animation and much more.
If you aren’t sure where to begin, the information below provides a quick and easy guide that will get you started in 5 minutes or less!
Log into Blackboard
The link to access Blackboard Learn is located on CentralPipeline, once there log-in using your BlueNet username and password.
Access your Courses
Once logged into Blackboard, your online courses are listed in the middle of the screen. Just click on the name of your course and you’ll have access to the information your instructor has provided for you!
Navigating Blackboard
• myCourses – in this area you’ll find your Blackboard course, related announcements,and/or alerts.
• Course Menu – this appears on the left-side of your screen and serves as the mainnavigation menu for your course. Use these links to access each unique area yourinstructor as created for you.
• Course Content Area - the information in the middle of the screen contains varioustypes of information, including, typed instructions/information, links to files/content,links to web sites, and links to other areas within the course. There may also be folderswith additional files, etc.
Tools
Your professors have the ability to choose which tools are used in each Blackboard course. Below is a list the few most commonly chosen:
• Calendar tool - contains important dates such as assignment due dates, exam dates,and/or project deadlines. This information may appear inside your course or in theNotifications area.
• Communication tools - My Announcements will appear in the myCourses area when youlog into Blackboard. Professors use Announcements to communicate time-sensitive
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information and course updates. It can also contain information about upcoming outages or server maintenance.
• Collaboration tools o Online Discussions - enhances communication between you, your classmates,
and your instructor. o Forums - an area where a topic or group of topics are discussed within a
discussion board. o Blogs, Journals, & Wikis - ways to share ideas, opinions, thoughts, observations,
and reflections with the class • Assignment tool - used to submit/upload homework and/or projects to your professor
and receive feedback and grades back from your professor. • My Grades tool - gives you a list of grades for assignments, projects, tests, etc. • Assessments tool - the area where you take tests. Typically, these are released by your
professor on a certain date and are timed - which means you have a set amount of time to complete the test once you have started.
If additional information would be helpful, please visit the Blackboard Support page for Students.
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Time Management Skills for Online Learning
Online courses give students the flexibility to take their class anytime, anywhere which may be more important now than ever before. The trick is to stay on top of your coursework and try to devote just as much time to your studies as you did in the first part of the semester. You may now find youself juggling many tasks simultaneously, be kind to yourself, practice self-care, review some time management tips* that can help you stay ahead of the game, do the best you can, and let someone know if you need help! Below, are a few suggestions to help you balance your time over the next few weeks of the semester.
Plan time to devote to your school work
While we hope you have heard from each of your professors about the plan for the rest of the semester, if you haven’t, please check in with them and let us know by sending a quick email to [email protected] – we’ll help connect you to your professor! Once you’ve heard from your professors, you’ll know what is expected of you. Create a calendar and create a schedule that will work for you, and do your best to stick to it. Treat that time as if you were in a classroom.
Check the course daily
Checking the course daily will make it less overwhelming and will prevent you from getting caught off guard by syllabus or course changes. Fight the urge to procrastinate.
Speak up
If you are struggling or falling behind, ask for help. Instructors may offer extensions or extra credit if a situation warrants it. However, you need to be proactive before it's too late.
Managing your time in an Online Course is very important. Are you good at managing your time? This quiz will help you to assess you time management skills, identify the aspects of time management that you need most help with, and point you to specific tools that will help you to work more efficiently.
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Managing Stress while Learning Online Shifting quickly to an on-line college learning environment can present added stress while working to complete the Spring semester. The information below is intended to provide you with some information and tips for managing that stress! Above all, know that you are not alone, mild to moderate levels of stress are typical for college students, and the Counseling and Wellness Center staff is here to help. As you adapt to new technology, feeling less connected to peers and campus supports, and coping with other changes can leave students feeling overwhelmed and not in control. Taking the proactive steps outline below will help you minimize the stress can come from making this rapid change while simultaneously coping with the stress and worry associated with COVID-19. Central’s Student Wellness Center recommends the following 8 strategies to cope with these unusual circumstances: 1. Know you are not alone and ask for assistance when you start to struggle- we are here to
help! • Talk to your professor • Talk to peers and others you are close to at CCSU • Seek out tutors and other campus supports • Contact the CCSU Student Wellness Center- you can reach them at 860-832-1926
and they can set up a telehealth session on-line while the campus is physically closed!
2. Find relaxation and stress reduction techniques that work for you • Yoga • Mediation • Deep breathing • Progressive muscle relaxation • Mindfulness • Music • Dance • Art • Physical activity
3. Bring humor into your day, every day!
4. Stay organized and manage your time
• Create a timetable that includes all of your activities for the day • Set a study schedule • Avoid procrastination • Take breaks
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• Make a list of tasks you need to complete each day • Create a realistic plan that’s broken out into smaller, manageable and attainable
tasks • Create deadlines for each task
5. Create a positive and comfortable work environment with as few distractions as possible
6. Connect with friends and those you are close to you daily using social media (text and
video) 7. Stay healthy
• Get enough sleep • Eat well • Exercise • Practice social distancing • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, and avoid touching your face •
8. Focus on positive thinking • Focus on the present and the near future • Stay connected with others who are positive and avoid negativity • Engage in positive and healthy activities you enjoy • Focus on small steps needed to reach your goals • Have confidence- you can do it!
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Tutoring and Academic Support for Online Learning Starting March 26, academic coaches from The Learning Center will be available to support students requesting assistance in time management and study strategies. Please keep an eye on the Learning Center website for information about scheduling appointments.
Tutoring centers are transitioning services online as they are able:
• The Academic Center for Student Athletes, March 23 • The Learning Center, TBD • The Writing Center, March 23 • School of Business, March 30, contact: Dr. Adina Elfant
([email protected]) • School of Engineering, Science, and Technology, TBD, contact: Allison
Audet ([email protected]) • Computer Science, March 25, contact: Geneva Deutsch
([email protected]) • Psychological Science, April 1, contact: Dr. Caleb Bragg
We are also in the process of securing additional online tutoring services. Continue checking e-mail for updates.
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