Get the maximum benefits from your online learning experience:
Are you ready to learn online? If there are any reasons why you might find it difficult to learn online, notify your lecturer. Some things to consider are;
Internet access or mobile data restrictions
No computer, internet enabled device, or smartphone
Have accessibility requirements that might cause barriers to your learning
Check your Moodle modules to ensure you have the required access, and inform your tutor if you experience any difficulties locating modules
Agree learning expectations with your tutor, and ask any questions you may have around changes to assignments, how and when to ask further questions, and when you should be online.
Actively engage with activities online, you will find the experience far more motivating if you do so! Take part in forums, and encourage others to do so too, but remember to keep it positive and respectful to all.
Be disciplined. Have an area in your residence that is exclusively for studying and learning online, and is somewhere you can focus and avoid interruptions. This will help you stay engaged and motivated. Creating a daily routine helps some students to stay focused and self-disciplined.
Moodle is your virtual learning environment online so it is crucial you become familiar with your module pages on Moodle, and ask your tutor if you are struggling to locate anything.
Connect with, and support your fellow students. In these unprecedented times it is important to support each other where we can, and keeping in touch with each other, as well as engaging in learning can be highly beneficial to positive mental health.
Please be as patient as possible if experiencing technical difficulties, or frustration around this new way of learning as for many students and tutors this will be the first time this approach has been adopted.
Student Support. On the homepage of Moodle, you will find links to all the student support available to you virtually, take a while to explore these, and encourage your class mates to do the same.
Check out the Library resources available to you online, and share anything you may find of use to others. You will find a vast amount of resources here for you to access including the eStream platform that is loaded with 1000’s of films, tv programmes and more!
Minimise distractions: As much as you can, minimise distractions both in your physical environment and your digital environment. Close web browser windows not relevant to your learning, keep the TV off, etc.
Feedback and discuss your experiences with your tutor. If there are elements of online delivery you are not enjoying, or struggling with do let your tutor know as this is an opportunity for everyone involved to alter, or improve the activities you are involved in.