What do I need to know to be a successful ESC

studentTerry VamvalisAcademic Support SpecialistCenter for Distance Learning

2Discussion will cover…

• Introduction

• Short exercise / Student Comments

• Considerations / Benefits

• What does it mean to be an effective on-line learner

• What skills, abilities, or strategies are needed

• What services does ESC offer to support online learner success

• Questions

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Let’s take 3 minutes and in the chat box, I would like you to:

• List what YOU think it takes to be an effective learner (what skills do you need, what promotes academic success, etc.)

• List what YOU think detracts from academic success (what makes studying online more difficult, what actions will surely decrease your grades, etc.)

• List some of YOUR concerns/stresses/unknowns about on-line learning / coming back to school.

To start, I want your thoughts…

4You are not alone!

• I am new and overwhelmed.• I have been out of school for sometime, where do I start?• Angel is scary and confusing; technology is difficult.• Where do I find tutoring help for my courses? Can I go to a center or

can CDL help?• Instructions are confusing what do I do?• On-line research, I don’t know where and how.• Different deadlines and assignments. Having a hard time tracking

these dates/assignments for different course.• E-Library, this is new and difficult to use.• I have a disability, where do I find support?• I am having technical difficulties, where do I find help and for what?• How do I contact my instructor?

5More comments…

• I need writing help, where can I seek this help?• I am having technical difficulties, where do I find help and for what?• How do I contact my instructor?• What if I am having difficulties with my instructor or if the instructor

does not response?• I need writing help, where can I seek this type of help?• I am building my degree plan, can I receive credits for knowledge I

have acquired through a job, hobby, reading, etc. When do I ask for these credits? What is PLA anyway?

• What is an academic coach and how can they help me?• What is a mentor and what are they there for?• Can a CDL student take a center course? • Where can I find a list of center courses?

6What I gained from these comments was…

• Perception change is needed.

• Information regarding support, resources and information need to be accessible and easy to find. (Cheat sheet)

• Student needs to be accountable and COMMUNICATE, we are not mind readers.

• Keep moving forward…Don’t stall or go backwards.

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Considerations / Benefits

• Translate traditional college environment to on-line learning environment.• On-line discussions mimic the classroom environment just virtually.• Typically a traditional student attends a classroom twice a week for one

course. How much time is spent in a traditional classroom and how much time is expected in an on-line course discussion area?

• Typical course requires 12-16 hours a week of dedication. Consider the driving time to the college, this takes time.

• Written assignments / homework • Stress – part of the experience, its how you deal and place the stress.

• On-line environment allows time to think / research a thought before sharing as well as time to absorb someone else’s perspective/comment before responding.

• Provides student to work at their own pace / environment. • You are the boss but with this role comes accountability / responsibility.

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• Assignments are done on time and are of high quality

• Assistance is sought when it is needed. You may not know where the help is, but you have a network of people and offices to help guide you

• You take action, respond appropriately and explore each option that is available in a timely manner

• Realistic about what you can and cannot do

• View education as part of your life, not simply as an “add on”

• The final educational goal is ultimately reached

What does it mean to be an effective and successful learner

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• Appropriate time management• Understanding of individual learning styles

and how different learning styles interact • Academic risk taking• Persistent, active, and engaged• Reflective, not reactive / Be open minded• Acutely aware of personal and situational

limitations• Utilize the services and resources that are

available when needed

Skills and Abilities

10Broader Assistance

• Smartermeasure : access your online readiness. http://empire1.esc.edu/coursesspecial/epresources.nsf/b16a48984cff1f758525660300768195/04248ee8e1464d2d852579a6004bac84?OpenDocument

• List of services: http://www.esc.edu/collegewide-student-services/contact-for-support/

• Angel Help: https://techinfo.esc.edu/kb_article.php?ref=1889-UPGJ-8277 and https://techinfo.esc.edu/kb_article.php?ref=1889-UPGJ-8277

• MyFoundationsLab: Accessing your reading, writing and math skills http://bookstore.esc.edu/buy_courselisting.asp?

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• “Learning Support” tab

– www.esc.edu/learningsupport• Study Skills, Organization/Time

Management, Note taking, etc.

• Workshops

• CDL Peer Tutor Program

– www.esc.edu/CDLPeerTutor

• Smarthinking.com– www.esc.edu/smarthinking

• Writing Coach

– CDLAcademic.Support@esc.edu

• CDL Academic Coaching Program

– CDLAcademic.Support@esc.edu

• ESC Library

– www.esc.edu/library

CDL Cheat Sheet

Contact the Office of Academic Support

CDLAcademic.Support@esc.edu800-847-3000 ext. 2300Alt email: CDLStudent@esc.edu

Contact Terry VamvalisTheresa.Vamvalis@esc.edu800-847-3000, ext. 2478

Other:Khan Academywww.khanacademy.org

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Questions?