Preparing for online learning

Before or during the first week of the quarter, you can expect the instructor of each of your courses to be in touch with you about the course and the important next steps. 

Here are some tips to help you prepare for your remote courses. 

Set up your classroom 

• Get some peace and quiet. You will need a quiet place to work without distractions from things like television, family, or roommates. Have headphones for listening to lectures or discussions (especially important in shared spaces).
• Avoid social media. Consider installing website and app blockers that prevent you from using social media during specific times. 
• Turn off your cell phone. Let friends and family members know the hours that you will be "at" school. If you are in your own room, consider putting a sign on your door like "in class, please do not disturb." 
• Beware surfing. It is easy to lose track of the time as you wander from site to site.
• Consider ergonomics. Adjust the height of your chair, keyboard, and screen so that you are comfortable. Forearms and thighs should be level and parallel to the floor. Wrists should not be bent while typing.
• Set up good lighting and comfortable seating. Lighting in the room should be at least as bright as the computer screen to avoid eye strain.

Get comfortable with the technology

Your instructors may be using  Panopto, Zoom, Canvas, Office365 and Google G Suite for lecture capture, course management, online conferencing and collaboration. Get familiar with the platforms your instructors will be using. There are existing “how to” videos for each platform through UW Information Technology as well as online technical support. 

Here are some quick tips to be successful using these platforms

• Turn on Canvas notifications to ensure you receive alerts when there are changes or posts in Canvas.

• Learn how to find and submit assignments on Canvas.

• Familiarize yourself with Zoom. Practice a zoom conference with your friends ahead of time. 

• If your instructor uses Poll Everywhere, sign into the application with your NetID to sync your responses with Canvas.

Know your communication channels

You will be communicating with your instructors and classmates virtually. Many of the platforms used for your course will have the option for discussions, group assignments and peer feedback. 

Here are some quick tips to be the most effective in your communications:

• Check your UW email regularly if not daily. Your primary communication platform will likely be your UW email. Reply to emails promptly and professionally.

• Ask your instructor if there will be group chats, Facebook groups and other structured opportunities to interact with your classmates if it is not already noted in your course syllabus.

• Set up online study groups to give yourself structure and virtual support! Even if you just sit around and work independently, it can be helpful to be virtually together.