Preparing for Academic Success
Learner Interaction & Academic Writing
Online Learners
Course/Institutional Policies

Preparing for Academic Success

UVA Resources for Students
Library Services

Learner Interaction & Academic Writing

Plan to log in a few times a week.
You'll have self-directed, autonomous learning with due dates each week.
Plan for the specific timeframes for posting to discussions.
- By Tuesday-initial post
- By Thursday-post to a peer and follow-up to posts on your initial thread
Attendance and participation look like engagement and being present throughout the course as measured by the expectations described in the syllabus, assignment rubrics, and/or checklists.

When posting on the discussion boards, completing partner work, and interacting within the class, it is important to understand how to interact respectfully with one another online.
Best practices:

If you would not say something in person, then do not say it online.
If you would not share something in public, don’t share it with your classmates.
Respond to others promptly and thoughtfully.
Respect individual’s privacy and do not share class discussions outside of the virtual classroom.
Respect the opinions of others by engaging constructively with alternative perspectives.
Recognize one’s positionality and practice an awareness of and sensitivity to cultural differences.
You can respectfully disagree, challenge, or offer additional perceptions or insights.
If you are uncomfortable with another person’s post or language, reach out to Dr. Jewett for assistance.

Using academic writing is...

planned and focused.
answers the question and demonstrates an understanding of the subject.
structured: is coherent, written in a logical order, and brings together related points and material.
evidenced: demonstrates knowledge of the subject area, supports opinions and arguments with evidence, and is referenced accurately.
formal in tone and style: uses appropriate language and tenses, and is clear, concise and balanced.

Characteristics of Successful Online Learners

Self-motivation; internal locus of control
Setting appropriate expectations
Study Skills Managing and planning your time; Time management for autonomous learning
Develop a routine as to when you check in to your courses
There will be clocks present on weekly overview pages. These may serve as a guide to the required workload for the week.
If possible, create a dedicated study space.
Communication is key.
Figure out which note-taking style works for you; notebook? Typing?

Course/Institutional Policies

Please review the late work policy in the syllabus. Proactive communication is valued.
There are other policies available in the syllabus too. Feel free to reach out to Dr. Jewett if you have any wonderings.
The refund policy and the withdrawal deadlines are available if need to access them.

Online Refund Calendar is based on Class Start Date:

Up until 7 days after Class Start Date 100% refund
8 to 14 days after Class Start Date 80% refund
15 days after Class Start Date and beyond 0% refund Please review the late work policy in the syllabus. Proactive communication is valued. There are other policies available in the syllabus too. Feel free to reach out to Dr. Jewett if you have any wonderings.

How to Succeed in Your M.Ed. Program

As there are new M.Ed. students in the course and prospective students, this video provides a snapshot from the learners’ perspective no matter your program affiliation.

Need Help?

Contact me using the Canvas Inbox feature anytime with questions, concerns, wonderings, or ideas.