Orientation
Is Online Learning for You?
If you haven't taken an online course before and are curious about it, take the Online Course Readiness Assessment. It takes about 5 minutes to complete and will help you decide if you're ready.
You will need to ensure you have the appropriate technology requirements before participating in an online course. Access Computer System Requirements here.
If you would like to preview Blackboard, you may take this free Blackboard tutorial. It takes less than 30 minutes of your time and will allow you to experience an actual Blackboard course. Use this information to log on to the tutorial: Username: bb-01 Password: umonline.
Orientation to Online Learning
Having the right computer and Internet connection is not all there is to learning online. Online courses are just as demanding, if not more demanding, than face-to-face courses. The reading and writing requirements of the course may be heavier than you're accustomed to. You'll spend more time typing than speaking. Assignments for online courses will be challenging. And you'll sometimes feel like you're on a journey alone.
On the positive side, you may be surprised by the quality connections you make with instructors and classmates. You may find that you learn more and that you learn at a deeper level in an online class. Challenging though it is, online learning can be a deeply rewarding experience. Here are some tips to give you a leg up in your first online learning experience:
- Be prepared. If you think an online course will be easier than a face-to-face course, you're mistaken. It will be a rewarding experience, but it won't be easy.
- Get organized. Identify a time and place to get online and study. Order your textbook as early as you can. Learn how to contact the Library before you really need to. Keep a calendar to track assignment due dates and tests.
- Enlist the support of family and friends. Set aside enough time to study. Understand how taking an online course will impact your life. It may take away from time you would usually spend with friends and family. Most of the time the people in your life will support you in achieving your goals if you communicate with them.
- Ask for help. Don't be shy about asking for assistance; it is part of the learning experience. Having your questions answered will help you to become a more successful student overall. If you experience technical problems, academic difficulties, or just need clarification on an assignment, ask. The University of Montana provides support staff to help you in all these areas and more. Ask early. Don't wait until the problem compounds.
- Don't fall behind. Online learning offers a flexible study schedule, and that makes it easy to procrastinate. No one will remind you to get the course work done. Schedule an appropriate amount of time to complete assignments and study each week and stick to your own schedule. Personal time management skills may be the best tool you have.
- Keep in touch. Interact, discuss, chat and email. Join in. Make your presence known in the course. Communicate with your instructor. Become part of the "learning community." At the same time, enjoy your independence.
- Become an active learner. Take responsibility for your learning. Seek out the answers to your questions. Understand what is required. Do the work. Review the material as much as you need to.
- Persist. Find your path. Go around, over or through obstacles and pursue your dreams!
If you have clear educational goals, are determined to reach them, but need flexibility in your schedule, UMOnline may be for you. If you're ready to get started, go to The Process.
