Getting Started

Here are several points to keep in mind as you begin an online course:

Self-motivation

• You are an online learner. This means that your instructor will not be meeting you face-to-face on a regular basis to motivate you, remind you of due dates, and clarify possible issues. Thus, it is up to you to remember to log into your course, remember due dates, and email me when issues arise. This is very important!

Plan, Plan, Plan

• Two of the most important characteristics of an online learner are time-management and proper planning. In order to complete an online course successfully, you must develop both of these qualities. For example, you must not wait to access the assignment for each week on the day it is due.  You should always do your best to look at each weeks assignment early to give yourself plenty of time to complete the work.  DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO SUBMIT ASSIGNMENTS OR TESTS. 

Required Software

• Please view the IT Wiki for recommendations for technology. 

NCSSM e-mail

• All NCSSM students are automatically assigned a student e-mail account when they are accepted to NCSSM via Gmail. Please use this email account and not your personal email when contacting NCSSM staff or faculty via email.

Emailing Your Instructor

• We encourage you to email your instructors and/or CAAS advisors if you have any questions or concerns.  When you email with questions, please always include your full name and the specific class and section you are in at the end of your email.

For example:

If Jane Doe is in CLS110-41 (class number and section), she should end all her emails like this:

Jane Doe

CLS110-41

Remember to…

• Read the Course Syllabus. This is a great guideline to keep available as a hard copy.

• Check the course announcements frequently.

• Ask questions and seek feedback from your instructor. 

• Explore the course to become familiar with its layout, navigation, etc.