E-learning

The dos and don'ts for new students

More and more universities are using online learning systems to supplement traditional face-to-face classes. This new trend is commonly known as e-learning.

Whether you are using WebCT, Blackboard or some other online learning system, it is likely that you will need to engage in some form of e-learning during your career as a university student.

Some lecturers will use these systems to post lecture materials and other resources for students, and encourage online discussions between students, while others may ask you to complete online quizzes, which count towards your marks.

Regardless of how you use these systems, it is important to remember that there are certain rules that should be observed when engaging in e-learning.

1. Familiarise yourself with the system
Each online learning system is different, although most systems will offer similar functions such as the ability to download documents and post messages on the electronic bulletin boards.

It is important that you know your way around so that you don't miss out on important information. Some lecturers will post messages to their students about assignments, which may include helpful hints or even an extension.

Taking the time to familiarise yourself with the system also means that you won't be asking your lecturer questions all the time about things to which an answer has already been given. Lecturers like to see initiative and they don't like students asking the same questions all the time.

2. Check back regularly
You should log on to the online learning system regularly and at least once every couple of days.

You will probably find new messages from your fellow students on the bulletin board about important topics and your lecturer may also be online, so you can ask questions using the chat facility.

3. Read carefully
Often lecturers will provide important information and other resources for students through the online learning system. Make this your first starting point before you go and see the lecturer in person.

It's easier and quicker because you can get to the system any time from home or any other location with internet access.

Read through the bulletin board to check for updates or new messages, look for any new readings, practice tests or additional information that your lecturer may have uploaded.

Most lecturers will provide you with extra readings using the online learning system to supplement what you have covered in lectures and help you understand the topic. They may also provide you with specific instructions regarding assignments that need to be followed.

4. Participate
Almost all online learning systems have electronic bulletin boards and chat facilities enabling you to interact with your classmates and your lecturer.

Make use of these facilities by participating in discussions. Even if you are shy, you will often find that most students have similar concerns so don't be afraid to post a question on the bulletin board.

If you're at home on a Friday afternoon trying to finish off an assignment that's due the next day, and you suddenly realise that you don't understand something, chances are you won't find your lecturer around to answer a question.

But if you have access to an online learning system, you can simply log in and post your question. One of your classmates may be logged in at the same time and know the answer. Problem solved and your assignment can be handed in on time.

5. Respect other students
When using the bulletin board and chat facilities, remember that you have to observe the etiquette for online communication.

That means avoiding personal messages or anything that may offend other students. Bear in mind that your classmates come from different countries and may have values that are different from your own. Don't assume that everyone will ‘get' your sense of humour.

Keep your messages simple and brief and stick with the right thread or topic. For example, don't post a message about the final exam in a thread about the assignment.

Also, avoid posting messages that don't add any value to discussion, such as, "Yeah, same here".
For more information about online etiquette go to www.onlinenetiquette.com

6. Finally, go to class
Some students see online learning systems as a substitute for attending classes. While some universities do have online courses without any face-to-face contact, most universities use what is known as a "blended" approach, which means they combine lectures with e-learning.

In these cases, the online learning system is not intended to replace a lecture. On the contrary - it is designed to supplement it.

Simply downloading your lecture materials and reading through the bulletin board does not mean that you will make up for having missed the actual class.

To be an effective learner you should engage with the subject material in a variety of ways - through lectures and face-to-face and online interaction with your lecturer and classmates, by reading the textbook and other readings provided by your lecturer either as handouts or online, by doing research in the library and the internet, and by solving problems and tests set by your lecturer either in class or using online learning systems. For best results, make the best of both "offline" and online learning.

Dr Lejla Vrazalic and Lois Smith are award-winning educators and teaching/learning researchers at the University of Wollongong in Dubai