How to Be Successful

Communication | Tips for Success | Stay Informed | Still Unsure?

Communication

Netiquette

Keep your posts short unless given a specific assignment by your instructor.
Make sure all language is appropriate. Show respect for your fellow students and your instructor.
Check grammar and spelling.
Always sign your name to your messages. Some e-mail addresses don't include the person's name and you have no clue who is sending you a message.
When sending messages to your instructor, include the course number in the subject. That helps them identify what class you're in with just a glance.
Try to keep your messages limited to one subject. Don't respond to several e-mails in one message. It makes it very hard to keep track of what you are responding to.
Be careful when you use humor in a post. Since I can't see your facial expressions, I may not know you're joking. It is easy to start a flame war when you were just trying to be cute. Try using emoticons with your messages (ex. :-) is a smiley face on its side).
Acronyms are widely used in messages, but people can get carried away with them and not everyone may know their meaning.
If you belong to a mailing list, make sure you understand how to reply. Some lists automatically reply to the whole list while some will reply to the individual person.
It's ok to challenge ideas but not people. Don't be confrontational.
Just because you can - doesn't mean you should! Think before you react.
Don't use all capital letters when writing messages. It is the equivalent of shouting on the Internet.
Copyright laws apply everywhere. Don't copy something in an e-mail without citing your source.
Don't forward anyone's e-mail message unless you have permission. If someone posts a message to the class that is not class related, don't respond. Keep your messages relevant to the course.

Communicating with Professors

Use professional language. This is your professor, not your buddy so stay away from texting lingo.
Give your professor time to respond. Follow their communication policy and remember that just because you are up late doesn't mean they will be.
If you don't understand some of the material, ask for help! Professors can't see your face to know if you are confused; so you must communicate when you don't understand something.
Take advantage of virtual office hours. If your professor is available on certain days and times to speak to you over the phone or via chat, this is your opportunity to get one-on-one assistance. Go for it!
Let your professor know if you will be unable to check-in to class. They can tell when and how often you check-in to the class and some figure that into your participation grade. So if you are sick or know you will be unable to access your class, let them know so that they do not assume you don't care about the class.

Portal Email

Remember from the Blackboard section that your official, University email account is through your Pioneer Portal account.
Check it everyday.
If you don't want another email account to check, you can forward your TWU email account to another, personal account.You can do that from the Pioneer Portal home screen. Log-in to Pioneer Portal and under Important Links, "Forwarding" will be listed under the Email heading.

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Tips for Success

Time Management

Set aside a specific time to work on your class each day. This will help you manage your class time well and not get behind.
Give yourself plenty of time to get online, do the work and submit assignments before the deadline. Don't lose track of time on the Internet.
Online classes are not easier so allow plenty of time during the week to study and complete assignments.

Organization

Keep your notes and assignments well organized both on your computer and with anything you print off. Since you essentially have one "classroom" it can be easy to get course materials mixed up.
Keep one calendar that has assignment deadlines written on it so that you can plan ahead and allow plenty of time to complete assignments.
Have a designated area in your home where you can study and not be bothered. Keep this area organized so that you know at all times where material for each of your classes is located.

If Technology Fails

As far as technology, know what you have and what you need.
Have a back-up computer that you can go to in case your home computer quits working. Some examples of back-up locations are at the local library or a friend or family member's home.
If you experience a technology failure and won't be able to turn your assignment in on-time, communicate that to your professor as soon as you can!
Back-up your work on an extra jump-drive, CD or external hard drive.

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Stay Informed

TWU Connection

The TWU Connection is a blog for current Distance Learners. It keeps you informed of events, important dates and policies. Check it out at http://twuconnection.blogspot.com/.

Boldchat

Boldchat is a live chat service that is available Monday through Friday, usually from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you ever have a question, click on the "Click to Chat" icon located on the Distance Education home page as well as the future and current students pages. You'll get connected to one of the Distance Education support staff members in the Office of Lifelong Learning.

Email and Phone

You are welcome to email or call Distance Education anytime you have a question. Our email address is DE@twu.edu, or you can reach us by phone at our main number, 940.898.3409.

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Still Unsure?

Hear From Others Who Have Been There

Have you decided to take your first online class, but you are still wondering if you made the right decision? Watch these brief clips from current and past distance learners who can tell you about their experiences and what you can expect.

Ms. Cheryl Ronald; Graduate Student, Library Science (3:43)

Distance Learner Panel Discussion Part I (12:48)
Topics of discussion include: assignment due dates, technology requirements, course load, isolation and group work.

Distance Learner Panel Discussion Part II (10:54)
Topics of discussion include: on-campus requirements, class caps and cancellations, course length, online degree credibility, library resources and textbooks.

Freshen-up Your Skills

If it's been awhile since you've been in school or if you aren't quite up to speed with your technology skills, the Continuing Education unit of the Office of Lifelong Learning can help. They offer some online refresher courses in areas such as Microsoft Office, writing and time management. Check them out!