The University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana will be offering online orientation sessions for students who are new to online courses next week.
The courses are held online through Blackboard Collaborate. Topics covered will include how to log into a course, navigate a course, as well as other tips for virtual participation in classes.
The orientation is not mandatory but is highly recommended, says Melanie Dillard, who serves as an Academic Skills and Math Instructor and Distance Learning Coordinator at UAHT. Dillard will be conducting the orientation.
"The orientation gives them the chance to hear how to be successful, as well as tips on accessing content, taking tests, completing assignments, etc.," Dillard said. "Students are given the opportunity to ask questions during the session. I am able to access the courses in question and can help students navigate through their problems. Students who are confident in knowing 'what to do next' are much more likely to succeed."
After moving their orientation for online courses from an on-campus experience to an online experience in the spring semester of 2020, Dillard said there have been advantages and challenges to the virtual method.
"Two major benefits: Students are able to join the sessions from the safety and comfort of their own home. Students get to experience our Blackboard Collaborate technology through which they can meet/tutor with their instructors. The challenge is that like me, I believe that some students miss face-to-face interactions," she said.
Dillard said one positive thing to come out of COVID-19 from an academic standpoint was moving from on-campus midterm/final exam proctoring to using the platform Respondus Lockdown Browser with Monitor.
"Respondus allows our students to test from home in a secure environment," she said. "This allows our students and staff to remain safe, while maintaining the integrity of our courses."
Throughout the changes, Dillard said the goal of their orientation ultimately stays the same.
"Our primary goal of orientation for online courses is always the same: help students understand what it takes to be successful as an online student," she said. "We want students to be open-minded, both independent and collaborative, willing to work hard, self-sufficient and good time managers."
The following options will be available next week:
- Option 1: Monday, Jan. 11 at 4 p.m.
LINK: https://bit.ly/2HyKCds
- Option 2: Thursday, Jan. 14 at 6 p.m.
LINK: https://bit.ly/2TuGm1c
Google Chrome must be used to access the sessions.
(For more information, contact Dillard at 870-722-8167 or [email protected])