Student Resources

An online class is not easier than an in-person class. It is simply delivered differently. Both require the same expectations as far as course objectives and learning outcomes. An online course may require more student reading or viewing of videos than an in-person course because course instructions and lectures often are delivered asynchronously, meaning they can be read and viewed at a time convenient to the student as opposed to a regularly scheduled class time. However, some courses meet synchronously online, meaning students still meet face-to-face with their instructor utilizing online conferencing tools such as Zoom. In this case, differences between a traditional, in-person course and a synchronous online course may be minimal.

Students with good time management, organization, and communication skills are generally successful with online courses. In asynchronous online courses (no prescribed meeting time) in particular, it is important for students to schedule time to work on their courses throughout the week. Otherwise, the workload might be too great immediately prior to due dates. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, also contribute to success with online courses. Today's learning management systems often provide for both written and audio/video communication.

An online student should be comfortable using various technology tools and have the following skills:

• Understand basic computer hardware and software
• Be able to manage files and folders using operations such as save, copy, rename, delete, etc.
• Be competent in the use of Microsoft Office or applications similar to Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Be able to send and download files and attachments
• Be able to communicate using email
• Be able to use the Internet to access content and to use search engines.
• Be able to utilize online conferencing tools including camera and microphone.

Depending on the duration of the course semester, the amount of time to be dedicated to an online course per week varies in much the same way it would for an in-person course. Typically, an in-person course requires a certain number of "seat hours" or the hours that you attend the course in-person. A synchronous online course would be the same. Then, outside of those "seat hours" students are generally expected to spend approximately 2-3 hours of preparation time for each hour of seat time. As an example, if a course meets for 3 hours per week, students could reasonably expect to spend 6-9 hours per week working on homework, completing assigned readings, studying for exams, etc.

In asynchronous online courses, the expectation is the same. Afterall, a 3-credit course in one learning modality should require the same amount of work as learning in another modality, in order to earn the same 3 credits. The difference is that a student should expect to add the "seat time" to the total asynchronous hours devoted to the course each week.

There are numerous resources available for accessibility of course content. Mount St. Mary's University's Learning Services is available to support students with their learning needs through both robust technology tools and personalized support.

Canvas is where course content, grades, and communication will reside for this course. Should you need assistance using Canvas, visit Canvas Support and click on the Help icon in blue global navigation panel. From that link you will have access to:

• A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document with direct links to support.
• Canvas Guides for Students.
• Live chat with Canvas Help Desk (24/7/365). MSMU has the premium subscription. Please don't hesitate to contact Canvas for help.
• Live phone support, also 24/7/365. Call 1-866-562-1237.
• CIDD is also available by phone at 301-447-5805.

For Canvas passwords or any other computer-related technical support contact the ITSC Help Desk. itsc@msmary.edu.

Strategies to support students having difficulty with Zoom include:

• Contact ITSC at itsc@msmary.edu
• Log out of Zoom and re-enter the Zoom session
• Email professor