Documentation:Distance Learning Support/Online Learning Competencies

From UBC Wiki

Online Learning Competencies

There are a few things you probably need to learn how to do in order to boost your comfort level with learning online.

If you are in a distance education course, you will be automatically enrolled in an orientation. If you are taking a course using WebCT Vista, you will have access to the Orientation to Learning Online (on your WebCT Vista course list). If you are taking a course using Connect, you will have access to the Student Orientation (on your Connect course list). If the orientation is not there, contact dl.helpdesk@ubc.ca with your CWL.

The below table points to resources on the Orientation to Learning Online (for WebCT Vista courses). Other resources are listed here as well.

What Do I Need to Do? Example Where Can I Find Some Help?
Meet the expected time commitment per course.
  • Commit to approximately 10-15 hours per week for study and online work per course
Use a problem solving approach when encountering technical or other difficulties.
  • Use your resources effectively when you first encounter a problem.
  • Let your instructor know if you can’t solve it right away.
 Tech support

Learning Resources

Demonstrate basic level of technical proficiency.
  • Upload file attachments using the assignment tool in WebCT Vista.
  • Post to a discussion.
  • Understand what a threaded discussion is and post correctly to a thread (topic).
  • Know how to work with word docs and pdfs.
Demonstrate effective time management strategies.
  • Participate in discussions according to the course schedule.
  • Complete assignments in a timely fashion.
  • Contact your instructor immediately in the event of unexpected problems.
  • Make use of university resources to help you overcome challenges.
Use effective research skills (online searches using library databases).
  • Locate full-text journal articles online.
  • Cite research appropriately.
  • Refer to research in discussion postings as appropriate (with citation).
Communicate effectively online.
  • Use principles of “netiquette”.
  • Respect and encourage the sharing of ideas that may be different from your own.
  • Follow the guidelines for discussions outlined by your course instructor.
Collaborate effectively with a group online.
  • Develop a clear understanding of the components of effective group work: group process, establishing trust, communicating effectively and managing conflict.
  • Be familiar with the tools used for online communication (Skype, wikis, other)
Demonstrate how to write an effective reflection on an activity or event.
  • Be familiar with different types of written reflections.
Retrieved from "https://wiki.ubc.ca/index.php?title=Documentation:Distance_Learning_Support/Online_Learning_Competencies&oldid=235317"