Goodwin College Student Manual Created by Department of Online Studies,

Goodwin College Student Manual
Created by Department of Online Studies,
REV 2 July 10, 2014
Page 1
Table of Contents
You and Online Learning.…………………………………………………………………......3
What is Online Learning? …………………………………………………………………........4
Myths of Online Learning…………………………………………………………………..........5
Am I Ready? ............................................................................................................7
Tips On How To Be
Successful…………………………………………………..……………… ……….…...8
Different Types of Electronic
Learning……………..…………………………………………………………………………....9
System Requirements and Mobile Devices ……………………………………………....10
Getting Help ……………………………………………………………………………….…...12
Your LMS: Blackboard ………………………………………………………………….........14
Logging In …………………………………………………………………………………......15
Resetting Your Password ………………………………………………………………….16
Selecting Course and Getting Course Announcements………………...………………..17
Basic Navigation………………………………………………………………………………18
Accessing Your Syllabus……………………………………………………………………..19
Accessing Course Materials.......................................................................................... 20
Getting Your Grades ..................................................................................................... 21
Discussions
........................................................................................................ 21
Submitting Assignments................................................................................................ 24
Safeassignment ........................................................................................................... 26
Taking A Quiz/Test ....................................................................................................... 27
Sending And Receiving Course Messages ................................................................... 28
Sending Email From Blackboard ................................................................................... 31
Census Day ................................................................................................................ 33
Glossary....................................................................................................................... 34
Goodwin College Student Manual
Created by Department of Online Studies,
REV 2 July 10, 2014
Page 2
You and Online Learning
Goodwin College Student Manual
Created by Department of Online Studies,
REV 2 July 10, 2014
Page 3
What is Online Learning?
To begin, we need to understand what online learning is, Online learning has various
definitions, but an essential component is the use of computing to deliver and receive
course materials. Online education utilizes the Internet to create learning communities of
students and facilitators (teachers). Course materials are provided on a web site via the
Learning Management System (LMS) – in this case, BlackBoard. Discussion forums are
used to interact with other students and teachers. Assignments are turned in online.
Students may also be asked to write journals, blogs or to participate in creating Wikis.
Online learning can also be “blended” with traditional face to face classrooms in hybrid
courses. For example, a 15 week course may meet every other week in a classroom and
do coursework online during alternate weeks. Or, in the case of a 7.5 week module, class
could meet once a week instead of the usual two times, with the other half of the work
conducted within the LMS online.
At Goodwin College online learning is asynchronous. This means that there are no time
requirements as to when students must be logged in. Learners and facilitators are usually
logged into the course at different times. This has tremendous benefits allowing
participants to log in and contribute when it is most convenient. One student may work
nights and log in early in the morning after work. Another student may have children and
do his or her school work at 9 pm after everyone has been tucked into bed. The point is
that everyone can work at his or her most opportune time.
Online Learning Benefits:





Take college courses with virtually no interruption to your career or personal
commitments
Study where you're most comfortable and when you're most productive
Interactive technology offers threaded discussions enhance learning
Technical support via CTDLC Help Desk
Support to enhance your technical skill set via the Academic Technology Training
Center
Goodwin College Student Manual
Created by Department of Online Studies,
REV 2 July 10, 2014
Page 4
Ten Myths About Online Learning
Myth 1 - I can take as long as I want to complete my online course.
Fact: No. Like classroom-based courses, online courses have definite time frames for
accomplishing assigned reading, writing, participating in discussions and other activities.
Deadlines and due dates keep all courses, whether online or face to face progressing and
on track.
Myth 2 - Online courses are easy credits.
Fact: No. Online courses have the same rigor and expectations as face-to-face courses.
They do allow flexibility and convenience, but online courses have definite time frames,
deadlines and due dates for accomplishing assigned reading, writing, participating in
discussions and other activities – exactly like face to face classes.
Myth 3 - You're on your own when you take an online course.
Fact: No. You have support from many sources when you take online courses at
Goodwin College.



Your instructor is the first person to contact when you have any questions related
to your course. S/he can be contacted via Blackboard “Course Messages,”
“Questions for the Professor” discussion thread, phone, email or face to face (on
campus) meetings.
Students have access to technical assistance via the CTDLC help desk.
The Academic Technology Training Center is in room 222 on the River campus to
help you with your Blackboard and other academic technology skills.
Myth 4 - Online courses do not follow the regular semester.
Fact: No. The truth is, courses at Goodwin College do follow the regular semester
duration.
Myth 5 - Broken computers are great excuses.
Fact: No. Most instructors will not accept excuses involving broken equipment.
Computers with Internet access are available at public libraries, Internet cafes, retail
outlets and, of course, on the Goodwin campuses.
Goodwin College Student Manual
Created by Department of Online Studies,
REV 2 July 10, 2014
Page 5
Myth 6 - You will be taught how to use a computer.
Fact: No. Students taking online courses must have basic computer skills. Contact the
Academic Technology Training Center if you need help with your technology skill set.
Myth 7 - I can hide out and remain anonymous.
Fact: No. One of the many beauties of online education is that there are no “shy”
students “hanging out” at the back of the classroom. Every student has the same
participation requirements. Online courses demand engagement and a high level of
participation.
Myth 8 - Cramming your work into one log-on session is fine.
Fact: No. Most online classes require students to log-on several times a week. This
ensures active participation and maximum learning. The nature of online learning requires
interaction to establish presence in the online classroom.
Myth 9 - It is okay to procrastinate in an online course.
Fact: No. Studies indicate that students who succeed in online courses are self-directed
and independent learners who can take responsibility for completing assignments on time
and meeting deadlines (Song & Hill 2007). It certainly is true that online students must
have excellent time management skills and discipline to develop and adhere to their
schedules. It is important to assess your ability to work without the structure of a standard
classroom before signing up for an online course.
Myth 10 - Employers don't accept online degrees.
Fact: No. Research tells us that online education is as good and, often better than other
instructional modes (Means, B., Toyama, Y., Murphy, R., Bakia, M., & Jones, K. 2010,
September). Online programs must meet the same rigorous accreditation standards as
their traditional on-campus counterparts. Employers know this.
References
Means, B., Toyama, Y., Murphy, R., Bakia, M., & Jones, K. (2010, September).
Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online
Learning Studies. US Department of Education, 18. Retrieved June 9, 2014
Song, L., & Hill, J. R. (2007, February). A Conceptual Model for Understanding Self
Directed Learning in Online Environments [Electronic version]. Journal of Interactive Online
Learning, 6(1).
Goodwin College Student Manual
Created by Department of Online Studies,
REV 2 July 10, 2014
Page 6
Am I Ready for Online Learning?
Intellectual Readiness
The number one prerequisite for success in an online course is student motivation. An
online course requires that you, the student, be in charge of your own learning.
An online course is not easier than a traditional course.
Students who succeed in this environment can answer yes to many (not necessarily all)
of the statements below. How about you?
I am a motivated and independent learner:





I can work at a project over a period of time without procrastinating.
I am comfortable asking my instructor and/or my fellow students for help when I
need it.
I am taking this course to fulfill a personal goal.
I have a place and time for my course work.
I have talked about my study needs with my family.
Technical Readiness
Learning online will require both access to computer technology and a willingness to learn
new things about that technology. How many of the statements below are true of you?
I have a backup plan if my computer equipment should fail and:








There is another computer (with internet access) I can use at work, home, or at a
community center like my local community college.
I have used this second computer to search the web, so I know it can access the
class materials.
I have a friend or co-worker who can help me troubleshoot my hardware or
software if it fails.
I know how to get help with software problems I am comfortable using technology:
I regularly communicate with email.
I know how to attach files to my email.
I am comfortable with basic software applications like Microsoft Word, Excel
Powerpoint,.
I will try using a new technology even if I feel a bit apprehensive.
Goodwin College Student Manual
Created by Department of Online Studies,
REV 2 July 10, 2014
Page 7
Tips on How to be a Successful Online Student
1. Be self-motivated and self-disciplined
With the freedom and flexibility of online courses comes responsibility. The online process
requires a real commitment and discipline to keep up. You can easily fall behind in your
online coursework if you do not stay motivated. Remember, you will not be going to a
classroom everyday where the teacher repeatedly reminds you of test and assignment
due dates and so forth. You have to be a dedicated student in order to perform well in
online courses.
It is up to you to




check your course’s announcement page daily,
ask questions when needed,
keep up with the due dates and deadlines of your assignments and tests,
read assigned textbook chapters and other materials.
2. Develop a time-management strategy
Time management is one of the biggest factors in succeeding with your online courses.
Successful online students have to take responsibility for their own learning. It is very
important that you manage your time and schedule your availability effectively to ensure
regular attendance and participation in your classes. Establishing regular study times
helps ensure enough time for class participation and timely assignment completion. Take
advantage of Support Services
Goodwin College offers a variety of services to assist its students in becoming successful
online learners. Continuing services include academic advising, library access, Academic
Success Center, financial aid and the Academic Technology Training Center. Make sure
to take advantage of these services to facilitate your learning experience online.
3. Communication
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and interact with your instructor(s): If you are experiencing
difficulty, you must communicate this immediately to your instructor. There are several
ways to get the answers you are seeking. You can e-mail your instructor, call him/her on
the phone, post your question in the “Ask the Professor” forum available in the Discussion
Board or communicate via “Course Messages” in Blackboard. Professors at Goodwin
College all have office hours. Even if you are an online student, you can still arrange a
face to face meeting with your instructor.
4. Know the Help You Need
 For technology issues, you need to contact the CTDLC Help Desk at 860-515-3711.
Examples of technology issues would be, error messages, discussion postings not
saving or showing, inability to log on to Blackboard.
 For user issues, contact the Academic Technology Training Center in Room 222 in the
main River Campus. Examples of user issues would be not knowing how to navigate
to the syllabus in your course, needing help uploading an assignment, or posting to a
discussion thread. The phone number is 860-913-2152. Email is
[email protected].
Goodwin College Student Manual
Created by Department of Online Studies,
REV 2 July 10, 2014
Page 8
Different Types of Electronic Learning
Goodwin College offeres three different types (modalities) of classroom experiences.
1. E-Supported (also referred to as “traditional” or “face to face” or “on ground”). This
2. Online (all materials are online – there is no physical classroom.)
3. Hybrid (some material online, some in a physicl classroom).
What these all have in common is that they all have Balckboard “shells” associated with them.
In this example from Sonisweb, you
see the “H” designates “Hybrid”
The “O” designates a fully online
course
Courses containing a number are
traditional, “e-supported” face to
face classrooms
Professors of traditional, e-supported classes use their Blackboard shells as “repositories”
(places) to store and (sometimes) to present course materials. That means that you can access
your syllabus and many of the in class handouts from any computer with an internet connection.
Your professor may require you to turn in assignments via Blackboard as well, so it is important to
be comfortable with using Blackboard even if you are not enrolled in any online or hybrid classes.
Hybrid courses will probably incorporate the “discussion board.”
This manual will instruct you in all the skills you will need to be successful here at Goodwin
College.
Goodwin College Student Manual
Created by Department of Online Studies,
REV 2 July 10, 2014
Page 9
System Requirements and Mobile Devices
Mobile Devices:
Please do not download and install the Blackboard App for your mobile devices It is not
compatible with our Blackboard license. It is also highly recommended that you do not use
any mobile device (this includes IPads and other tablets) to take your online course. Use a
laptop or desktop computer only.
All browsers require JavaScript, Java, Popups, and Cookies to be enabled
Browser Support for Blackboard SP 11
The following tables highlight the new platform and browser configurations tested for SP 11 using
the following support terms:




Certified: Fully supported technology with highest level of testing before release.
Compatible: Fully supported technology with minimal level of testing before release.
Unsupported: Unsupported technology because it is either impossible or not tested.
Provisional: (Client Technologies ONLY) future technologies considered supported by
Blackboard Support.
Microsoft Windows
Browsers Supported on Windows in SP11
Internet
Explorer 10
Windows Unsupported
XP (32-bit) by Microsoft
Internet
Explorer 9
Internet
Explorer 8
Firefox
ESR1
Firefox (Final
Release
Channel)2
Chrome
(Stable
Channel)3
Unsupported
by Microsoft
Compatible
Certified
Compatible
Compatible
Windows
Vista (32bit)
Unsupported
by Microsoft
Certified
Compatible
Certified
Certified
Compatible
Windows
Vista (64bit)
Unsupported
by Microsoft
Compatible
Compatible
Certified
Compatible
Compatible
Windows 7
(32-bit)
Provisional
Certified
Compatible
Certified
Certified
Certified
Windows 7
Provisional
Certified
Compatible
Certified
Certified
Certified
Goodwin College Student Manual
Created by Department of Online Studies,
REV 2 July 10, 2014
Page 10
(64-bit)
Windows 8
(32-bit)
Compatible
Unsupported
by Microsoft
Unsupported
Certified
by Microsoft
Certified
Certified
Windows 8
(64-bit)
Certified
Unsupported
by Microsoft
Unsupported
Certified
by Microsoft
Certified
Certified
Apple Mac OS
Browsers Supported on Mac for SP11
Safari 6.0.1
Safari
5.1
Mac
Unsupported
OSX
Certified
by Apple
10.6
Safari 5.0
Certified
Safari 4.0
Firefox
ESR1
Firefox4 (Final Chrome
Release
(Stable
2
Channel)
Channel)3
Compatible Certified
Certified
Certified3
Mac
OSX
10.7
Certified
(10.7.5)
Certified
Unsupported
Unsupported Certified
by Apple
Certified
Certified3
Mac
OSX
10.8
Certified
(10.8.2)
Certified
Unsupported
Unsupported Certified
by Apple
Certified
Certified3
Technologies Not Supported
The following technologies are not supported in SP 11:






Internet Explorer 6, 7
Firefox 1.x, 2.0, 3.0, 3.5, and 3.6
Safari 2.0, 3.x and any version on Windows
Windows XP 64-bit
Mac OSX 10.3, 10.4, 10.5
Java 5, although it may continue to work
Goodwin College Student Manual
Created by Department of Online Studies,
REV 2 July 10, 2014
Page 11
Getting Help
There are two kinds of assistance you might need when using Blackboard. For instances
where Blackboard is not functioning correctly, you will need to contact the
Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium (CTDLC). Their information is below:
Goodwin College Student Manual
Created by Department of Online Studies,
REV 2 July 10, 2014
Page 12
For instances when help is needed with your Blackboard skills, please contact Goodwin’s
Academic Technology Training Center:
Academic Technology
Training Center
Hours:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
9:00-4:30
9:00-4:30
12:00-7:30
9:00-4:30
9:00-4:30
Located in River Campus Main Building One Riverside Drive, Rm. 222 860‐913‐2152 [email protected] Goodwin College
Student Manual
Created by Department of Online Studies,
10, 2014
REV 2 July
Page 13
Your Learning Management System
(LMS): Blackboard
Goodwin College Student Manual
Created by Department of Online Studies,
REV 2 July 10, 2014
Page 14
Lo
ogging In:
From the Goodwin
G
we
ebsite, navigate to “Cu
urrent Students, and yyou will see
e this. Click the
Bl kb d i
Next, log in
n with your Goodwin/S
Sonisweb ID
D (which sh
hould be yo
our password as well). Click
“log in.”
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To Reset Your Pass
sword:
get Your Password” link
k shown as sshown below
w.
Simply cllick the “Forg
You will then see th
his screen:
Follow in
nstructions
s on the scre
een to reset your pass
sword.
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Selecting
g Your Cou
urse(s)
click
Y
You will see
e your instru
uctor’s currrent annou
uncement. There are vvarious me
enus to the left as
w
well.
Me
enus
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Annou
uncement
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Basic Navigation Within Your Course
After logging into your class, you will see menu
items to the left.

“Announcements” contains the latest
information about your course.

“Syllabus and Policies” contains your
course syllabus and college policies

“Weekly Units” contains your course
materials

“Discussions” takes you to your discussion
board

“My Grades” is where you will find your
grades

“Library” will take you to the college library
web site

“Course Tools” contains many useful tools
to use within your online classroom
Goodwin College Student Manual
Created by Department of Online Studies,
REV 2 July 10, 2014
Page 18
Accessing Your Syllabus
Clicking the “Syllabus and Policies” menu item will take you to this screen. The
“Syllabus” link will give you the option of opening and/or saving your course syllabus:
Syllabus link
Goodwin College Student Manual
Created by Department of Online Studies,
REV 2 July 10, 2014
Page 19
Acc
cessing Co
ourse Mate
erials
Clickking “Week
kly Units” will
w take you
u into your course, and
d what you will need to do. This iis an
onlin
ne course yo
ou are look
king at now.. If you are using Blac kboard in a hybrid or“ on ground””
coursse, it may lo
ook slightly
y different — but the main
m
idea is the same: to access yyour course
e
mate
erials.
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Seeing Your Grades: Your
Y
grade
es can be fo
ound by cliccking the “M
My Grades”” menu item
m:
For DISCU
USSIONS, click “Discu
ussions” or “Discussio n Board” frrom Menu, a
and you will see this
view:
Click th
he
discuss
sion
link you
u wish
to join
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Y
You are now
w seeing the
e actual dis
scussion thrread(s) . Cllick to enterr.
You now see the dis
scussion question. Scrrolling down
n, you will a
also see the
e responsess of your
classmate
es. You can
n respond to
o any posting by clickiing “Reply.””
Click
k “Reply” to
o post
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Fiinally:
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To submitt an assign
nment: first, navigate to
t it within tthe weekly unit. And click:
click
T
This next sc
creen will give
g
you ass
signment instruction
i
ns, and in th
his case, th
here is a gra
ading rubric
c.
T
There migh
ht be other kinds
k
of info
ormation ab
bout the asssignment a
as well:
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S
Submitting Assignme
ent (continued) Scrollling down, yyou will see
e options fo
or submittin
ng your
a
assignment:: (1) a link to
t “Type Su
ubmission” or
o (2) a buttton (“Browsse my Com
mputer”) to a
attach a file
e
w
with your finished work
k. The second method is safer.
Type
T
your s
submission by clicking
g
“Ty
ype Submiss
sion” Or atttach file by
clic
cking “Brow
wse my Com
mputer.”
C
Click “Subm
mit” after posting
p
yourr finished work.
w
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“Safe Assignment.”
Sometimes you may have to turn in what is known as a “Safe Assignment.” This
means that your paper will be submitted to an outside website to be checked for
plagiarism.
Here is a “Safe Assignment.” The link is below and labeled “View/Complete”:
Next you will see a screen almost identical to any other assignment screen except
for the “Safe Assign” disclaimer which reads: “By submitting this paper, you agree: (1)
that you are submitting your paper to be used and stored as part of the SafeAssign™ services in
accordance with the Blackboard Privacy Policy; (2) that your institution may use your paper in
accordance with your institution's policies; and (3) that your use of SafeAssign will be without
recourse against Blackboard Inc. and its affiliates.”
Goodwin College Student Manual
Created by Department of Online Studies,
REV 2 July 10, 2014
Page 26
To take a test or quiz in Blackboard, find the link within the weekly unit and click
Next, you will see a screen with instructions. You may have only one attempt; you
may have a time limit; these options will be clearly stated. Click continue, and then
take your test.
Goodwin College Student Manual
Created by Department of Online Studies,
REV 2 July 10, 2014
Page 27
Sending and receiving Course Messages
First, click on “Course Tools”
Next, scroll down to “Course
Messages.”
Goodwin College Student Manual
Created by Department of Online Studies,
REV 2 July 10, 2014
Page 28
Create a new message by clicking “Create
Message.”
The “inbox”
is
where you read
to
and reply
messages.
To select recipients of your message, click here
Goodwin College Student Manual
Created by Department of Online Studies,
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Page 29
Select recipients from list on
right. Move them into the
“Recipients” list by clicking
arrow.
Goodwin College Student Manual
Created by Department of Online Studies,
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Page 30
Sending Email Within Blackboard
Click on “Course Tools
Among other tools, you will find options for sending email to your classmates and/or
professor from within Blackboard.
Goodwin College Student Manual
Created by Department of Online Studies,
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Page 31
After selecting “SEND EMAIL,” you will see this screen, which shows you
options for whom you want to sent your email to.
After the selection, “ALL STUDENT USERS,” for example, you are presented
with a familiar email, which you can add subject and content and send in the
usual way.
Goodwin College Student Manual
Created by Department of Online Studies,
REV 2 July 10, 2014
Page 32
Census Day: Establishing Course Attendance
Students must establish attendance in each course that they register for.
Faculty report attendance on Census Day which occurs on the fifteen
calendar day of each semester/module and records attendance through the
fourteenth calendar day. Students who have not attended and/or participated
in their course by the Census Day will be withdrawn from the course.
In order to establish attendance, students must do at least one of the
following, prior to Census Day:




Student attends an on-ground class OR
Student posts to online discussion about an academic matter OR
Student submits an academic assignment either on-ground or online
OR
Student takes a quiz or test either on-ground or online
Please note that posting to an introductory discussion board assignment
does not constitute as establishing attendance.
Students who do not establish attendance will be administratively withdrawn
from the course(s).
For students who do not establish attendance for all/any course(s) by
Census Day a refund of 100% of applicable tuition charges less applicable
fees and books, less $500 for course withdrawn will be granted.
Students receiving Title IV funds should reference the Financial Aid and
Refund Policy in the catalog or on the Goodwin College website for any
financial consequences related to non-attendance.
From Goodwin College 2013-2014 Catalog
https://www.goodwin.edu/2013_2014_catalog/2840.htm
Goodwin College Student Manual
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Page 33
GLOSSARY OF ONLINE LEARNING TERMS
ASYNCHRONOUS LEARNING: When learners participate in an online learning course at
different times, it is known as asynchronous learning. This might also be called eLearning
or web-based training (WBT). Asynchronous learning allows learners to go through a
course at their own pace and on their own schedule.
Bandwidth: The amount of data that can be transmitted over a network in a fixed
amount of time, measured in kilobits, megabits, or gigabits per second (Kbps, Mbps, or
Gbps).
BLENDED LEARNING: Blended learning is an instructional approach that includes a
combination of online and in-person learning activities. For example, a 15 week course
may meet every other week in a classroom and do coursework online during alternate
weeks. Or, in the case of a 7.5 week module, class could meet once a week instead of
the usual two times, with the other half of the work conducted within the LMS online.
BLOG: Short for "web log." A blog is an updatable website that is chronologically
arranged, and updated at the user's discretion. What makes a blog different than a
regular website is the fact that it can be syndicated so that others can subscribe and have
the content delivered to a certain place automatically. Weblogs started out as journals
and chronologically arranged websites. However, it is common now for blogs to include
audio, video, graphics, and text. It is common for blogs to be available as RSS or Atom
feeds.
BROWSER: A software application used to view webpages and navigate the Internet.
Most web browsers can display text, graphics, sound, and video; additional plug-ins may
be required for some multimedia formats. Examples: Internet Explorer, Firefox,
Netscape, Safari
COMPUTER-BASED TRAINING (CBT): CBT refers to any type of course that runs on a
computer, either on a CD, on a person’s hard drive or on the Internet. The distinguishing
point is that computer-based training does not involve an instructor or facilitator who is
physically present. Now that most computer-based training occurs via the Internet, the
term is used infrequently. More common terms are online learning, eLearning and Webbased Training (WBT).
COURSEWARE: Courseware refers to any instructional software that is delivered on a
computer.
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DISCUSSION BOARD/FORUM: A discussion board is a tool that allows groups to
communicate online. A discussion board consists of "threads" and "messages." A thread
is a series of messages on a particular topic, and each message is an individual
contribution to a conversation. When a forum is first accessed, a page appears which lists
all the different threads in the forum. Participants can reply to threads that have already
been posted or post new threads in the forum.
DISTANCE LEARNING: Distance learning, also called eLearning, is a formalized
teaching and learning system specifically designed to be carried out remotely by using
electronic communication.
DOWNLOAD: To transfer or copy a file to a user's computer from another connected
individual computer, a computer network, a commercial online service, or the Internet.
F2F: Face-to-Face - Also shortened to "F2F." A term used to describe a "traditional"
classroom environment where the instructor and students are not separated by
geographic distance or time.
GIGABYTE (G): A unit of measurement equal to 1.024 megabytes or 1,073,741,824
bytes.
HYBRID LEARNING: See blended learning.
LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (LMS): Also called course management system
(CMS), an LMS is the technology platform through which online courses are offered. An
LMS includes software for creating and editing course content, communication tools,
instructional tools, grade books, assessment tools, and other features designed to
enhance access and ease of use. At Goodwin College, we use Blackboard. Others
include Angel, Desire2Learn, CaliQity, Moodle.
MOBILE LEARNING: Learning that takes place on a hand-held device, such as a mobile
phone, that can take place anytime and anywhere.
MSWord: Microsoft Word is a word processing application from Microsoft.
MULTIMEDIA: Multimedia refers to the presentation of information and instruction
through a combination of graphics, audio, text, or video. Multimedia instruction is often
interactive.
NETIQUETTE: (Internet Etiquette): Online manners and rules of conduct for Internet
users. One of the primary rules of netiquette is not typing messages in all uppercase
letters, which is considered the equivalent of shouting.
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ONLINE LEARNING: The term online learning is often used synonymously with
eLearning. It is an umbrella term that includes any type of learning accomplished on a
computer and usually over the Internet.
OPERATING SYSTEM: Software that allows applications (word processors,
spreadsheets, etc.) to run on a computer. Examples: Microsoft Windows, Apple
Macintosh OS (Mac OS), UNIX
PLATFORM: A platform is a computing framework used to deliver computer-based
services and applications
PLUG-IN: A program that adds a specific feature to a user's browser so it is able to
play/view certain files. Examples: Flash, Shockwave
PODCAST: Podcast is a combination of the words “broadcasting” and “iPod” that can
automatically download audio broadcasts to MP3 players
POP-UP BLOCKER: Any program that is designed to prevent "pop-up" ads from
appearing while you browse the internet can cause problems in Blackboard. The reason
for this is that many of these "pop-up" ads use the web programming language Java.
Unfortunately, several of the features in Blackboard use Java as well. Therefore, if you
have one of these programs installed you will have difficulty using the necessary features
in Blackboard such as quizzes, discussion postings, Wikis, blogs, etc.
POST: To contribute a message to an electronic bulletin board (such as a discussion
thread): more generally, to place any message or document on a web site.
SEARCH ENGINE: A web-based software program that allows users to search the
Internet using keywords to find specific information, documents, or web pages.
Examples: Google, Yahoo! Search, Ask.com
SELF-PACED LEARNING: Self-paced learning refers to the type of instruction that
allows a person to control the flow of the courseware. It implies the learning environment
is asynchronous.
SOCIAL MEDIA LEARNING: Social media learning refers to the acquisition of
information and skills through social technologies that allow people to collaborate,
converse, provide input, create content and share it. Examples of social media learning
can occur through online social networking platforms, blogs and microblogs (like Twitter),
online talk radio and wikis.
SPAM: Unsolicited email, often advertising or chain letters, etc.
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SPYWARE: Programs that hide on your computer and do a number of harmful and
annoying things without your knowledge. These programs can steal information from
your computer such as credit card numbers, email addresses, addresses, surfing habits,
and more.
STREAMING MEDIA: Video or audio transmitted over a network that users can begin to
play immediately. Rather than having to wait for a large multimedia file to download all at
once, streaming allows the user to see and hear that file as it is being downloaded to the
user's computer. Examples: RealMedia, QuickTime, Windows Media
STREAMING VIDEO: Video sent in compressed form over the Internet that you view as it
is being received, rather than waiting until for the entire file to be downloaded first.
SYNCHRONOUS LEARNING: When learners participate in an online learning course at
the same time but in different locations, it is known as synchronous learning.
Synchronous learning allows learners to interact with the instructor and other participants
in real time – at the same time. This is done through software that creates a virtual
classroom.
THREADED DISCUSSION: A chronological listing of students’ and teacher’s comments
is known as a threaded discussion. Responses are linked to participants’ names. In an
online course, the threaded discussion forum replicates a classroom discussion.
WEBCAM: A Webcam is a video camera, usually attached directly to a computer.
WEBINAR: A webinar is a seminar or workshop in which the facilitator and participants
view the same screen at the same time. Usually the webinar has an audio component
that the facilitator controls and functionality that allows participants to chat by entering
text, answering polls, raising their hands and asking questions. The facilitator can “share”
his or her screen to the other participants, or s/he can allow other members to become
“presenters.”
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