Sure, online classes have become common in the current pandemic, but have you thought about simple strategies you can use to do the best you possibly can? Some strategies are common in all modalities and some are specific to online classes. I have taught Humanities online for twenty years and have observed a few things along the way.
It should go without saying that it is important to read the assigned material each week. The DAVE School also offers helpful links to videos and other sources in each module. You will gain a lot from watching as many as possible. There is also a recorded conference each week. If you can’t be there to participate in the conference, be sure to watch the recording. If you can find a way to be there, you can interact with your professor, contribute ideas, and get your questions answered. There is also a scheduled office hour each week. This gives you the opportunity to speak with your professor, discuss course topics, and ask questions. If you can’t attend the conference or office hour to get your questions answered, don’t despair! DAVE School professors are open to Canvas Inbox notes, emails, texts, etc. Lastly, check the Announcements area every time you log in. Don’t be left in the dark if there is a change of conference or office hour schedule or an interesting tidbit related to course content.
Your hands-on classes, such as video effects, are based on creative ideas and mastery of the technology that allows you to bring those ideas to life. Many online classes are more academically oriented and require essay writing. Moreover, your essays will need to be formatted in APA style. Huh??? Those letters stand for American Psychological Association.
Don’t worry – just take one step at a time. Your first task is to do some research to learn more about your topic. Pick out a few key ideas that you can use to support the premise you are putting forward in your essay. Here is where you need to be careful. Any words or ideas you take directly from your reference sources must be documented. That means you follow those words or ideas with a parenthetical citation. If you are using the words verbatim, those words must be enclosed within quotation marks to avoid the dreaded P-word: Plagiarism. Here is a great website where you can find just about anything you need to know about APA formatting, plagiarism, grammar, syntax, etc.
Your ideas are important and of course account for the largest part of your grade. Even so, why risk losing grade points due to poor presentation of those ideas. You are earning your credentials at the DAVE School; now is the time to practice presenting your ideas in a professional manner! You can do it, and of course your professor is ready to help you along the way. Your online classes will broaden your outlook and sharpen your critical thinking skills. Read and follow all module instructions and any extra instructions from your professor, turn your work in on time, and immerse yourself in learning.
- Professor Jean
Humanities Instructor