When students first log in to an online course they are faced with the immediate task of learning their way around the course site. In addition to this, they need to determine how the course content is structured, what the timelines are, and what is required of them. They may also be unsure about how to use technologies required to complete coursework. In some online courses students are provided with orientation materials during the first week of class. Other programs require that students pass through a mandatory boot camp or course to prepare them to learn online. This helps students gain skills needed to be successful online learners.

Rena Palloff and Keith Pratt (2003) have suggested that a good orientation for online students should include information about technological aspects of the course as well as what it means to be a successful online student. Information may be presented to students in a face to face orientation, by e-mail before the course begins, or during the first week of class.

What Students May Need:

Internet Basics

Basic Computer Skills

Successful Online Learning

Expectations

Instructor and Student Roles

Introduction to E-Learning

An introduction to e-learning guide is available to assist students and help them develop skills needed to be successful in their online courses. Items such as those listed above have been addressed in the student guide. This guide may be used as part of the orientation to the online course in Project Based Learning. Click the button below to open the e-learning guide for students.

References

Palloff, R.M. & Pratt, K. (2003). The virtual student: A profile and guide to working with online learners. San Francisco: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.