How do I contact my teacher and other students in the course?

When studying online, the familiar face to face communication of the classroom is replaced by the use of online communication technologies. Contacting your tutor and talking with other students is conducted using e-mail, bulletin boards and chat rooms. Using e-mail will probably be the most convenient and fastest way for you to contact your tutor. An important feature of e-mail is the ability to attach files to your messages. For example, you could send a completed assessment task to your tutor for marking.

Warning: Attached files can contain a virus so make sure you have the latest virus protection software installed on your computer.

It is important to maintain contact with other students. While this is possible using e-mail, most courses encourage the use of bulletin boards or web forums where you can post messages, read other people's messages and reply to them if you wish. The interaction between participants is usually delayed but it helps to build up a sense of belonging to a class.

Some courses also facilitate chat sessions where you can "talk" with other students in real time. Your typed message appears on the screen (often in a chat room) and other visitors may respond. You then see their response on your screen. Response time can be affected by your Internet connection, other traffic, and the typing speed of the participants. The simple rule is to be patient!

Remember that all communication should be carried out in a courteous and civil manner.

back

 

 


How is reading online going to be different?

If you already use a wordprocessor, you will be used to reading text on screen and should know how to scroll up and down pages. Reading web pages is no different. They are usually presented as text and pictures; some have animation and sound as well.

If the content of the page is more than one screen in length, you will need to scroll down and/or across the page using the scroll bar and arrows to see the rest of the page. You can also use the page up/page down keys to move through one screen at a time. Your reading style may determine which method of scrolling you use.

  • Scanning - glancing at text very quickly to find a specific item.

  • Skimming - looking through very quickly to get a general idea.

  • Surface reading - reading everything but not stopping to think about the information.

  • Study reading - making sure that you understand the text fully, often re-reading the information and deciphering new/unfamiliar words.

 

back

 

 

When should I print out information?

Studying online means that your course materials are mostly web pages you access via the Internet. It may take a while to get used to not having a text book or print based course guide on your desk. However, your teacher might suggest that you print out certain sections of the course notes to keep as a reference, for example, an essay plan.

If you are viewing a web page that does not contain frames, to print that page is the same as printing from a wordprocessor - choose File : Print from the drop down menu.

If the page has frames, make sure you click in the frame you wish to print. Then choose File -> Print Frame from the drop down menu.

back

 

 

How can I takes notes while reading online?

Many students take notes during classroom lectures. Studying online is no different, take notes with pen and paper if you wish. Another way is to use a word processor.

While you're studying online, have your word processor open. Switch to the word processor to type notes, then return to your course when you want to continue reading.

HINT: To swap quickly between programs press the Alt and Tab keys if using Windows or the Apple and Tab keys on a Macintosh. A small window appears to show which program will appear next.

To copy a section of text:

  1. Use your mouse to highlight the text.
  2. Choose Edit -> Copy from the menu.
  3. Switch to your word processor.
  4. Click your mouse pointer where you want to put the text in your notes.
  5. Choose Edit -> Paste from the menu.
  6. Save your notes document regularly.

Always acknowledge the original author and URL (web address), and keep the URL handy so you can get back to that site later. See How do I indicate web references in assignments.

back

 

 

How do I download files?

You may need to download a file and save it to disk for future reference, for example a template to use for writing a business letter. When you click on a download link you will see a window like this.

Your browser will select its own folder as the default setting or you can select your own directory and path if you wish.

Downloading can take several minutes. The download window will show the approximate time for this to happen. You can cancel the operation and try again later if the time seems too long (and you are paying for it!)

back

 

 

How can I keep track of useful websites?

To help manage your online time, keep track of any websites that you visit regularly. This is called bookmarking a site.

To bookmark a site:

  1. Go to it.
  2. Choose Bookmarks -> Add Bookmark from the drop down menu. The title of that web page is recorded as a bookmark and the page can then be accessed in the future by choosing its bookmark name from the same menu.

Note: If you are using Internet Explorer, bookmarks are called Favourites. If you collect a lot of bookmarks, group them into folders containing websites with similar information.

You could bookmark the login point of your course to make it easier to find (and don't forget your login details!)

back