What are the minimum technology requirements that I need?

You will need access to a computer with a modern web browser, a working internet connection, and disk space to save your work. Your browser should support graphics, run JavaScript and accept cookies. Portions of the courses may require Adobe Flash Player. You should also have access to a word processing software (i.e. Microsoft Word, text edit, etc.) and the technical skills upload a word processing document. If you ever have technical difficulties, please contact Tech Support or click on the Support & Policies located on Canvas.

I've never taken an online class. How can I succeed?

Taking an online class gives students the flexibility to do coursework where and when they would like. However, an online class can be difficult for some students. I myself have taken online classes in the past and have found the biggest challenge is time management. When you take a face-to-face class you know you have to attend lectures a few times every week, which helps you keep up with the work. With an online class the schedule is more your own.

To help you stay on schedule, I have established firm, but clear deadlines. Most of the material is due every Sunday by 11:59pm CST (with the exception of your first discussion post, which is due every Wednesday by 11:59pm CST). I will not change those deadlines, so you can plan your work for the entire summer session. Please note that these are firm deadlines and makeup and extensions will not be given. (It is not fair to give only one student a make-up or extension, so I don't give them to individual students.)

The best recommendation I have is for you to schedule your work for the online class, as you might schedule your work for your job or appointments. On your calendar schedule several blocks of time through the week to work on Drugs & Behavior. Do not expect to do the work only at times when you are free. In addition, consider creating a good workspace that is quiet with a good internet connection and is free from distractions. Ideally, this should be a place you can routinely visit throughout the course so that when you are there, you know it is time to get down to business.

How much time should you schedule to devote to the class?

It depends on your skills, but a typical student should plan on at least fifteen hours a week to read the material, watch the videos, answer the quiz questions, write the paper and participate in discussions.

Finally, ask for help when you have a question. Even though we will not be meeting in person, I am available to answer questions via email (matb6b@mail.missouri.edu). As is stated in the syllabus, I will have "virtual office hours" every Wednesday from 1-2pm CST, during that time I will be online, monitoring my email and responding immediately to any emails that you send to me. In addition, I will make a point to check my email daily and my goal is to respond to questions within 48 hours. However, to get the benefit of the help, you should not wait until only a few hours before the deadline to complete your work.

Online Class Netiquette

I and fellow students wish to foster a safe on-line learning environment. All opinions and experiences, no matter how different or controversial they may be perceived, must be respected in the tolerant spirit of academic discourse. You are encouraged to comment, question, or critique an idea but you are not to attack an individual. Our differences, some of which are outlined in the University's nondiscrimination statement at the end of the syllabus, will add richness to this learning experience. Please consider that sarcasm and humor can be misconstrued in online interactions and generate unintended disruptions. Working as a community of learners, we can build a polite and respectful course ambience.

Below are some links to tips on how to be a successful online learner:

https://www.northeastern.edu/graduate/blog/2016/06/29/successful-online-learning-strategies/

http://onlinemph.berkeley.edu/9-tips-to-succeed-in-online-learning/

http://advanced.jhu.edu/5-essential-online-learning-strategies/