Hi, Teacher! Meeting your online instructor

In my last column I talked about signing up for a class. Once you are signed up, what next? Typically a few days before the class starts you will receive an email from your instructor with instructions for accessing your course. If you don't hear from the instructor, be sure to contact ClassroomManager@interactiveonlineclssroom.com. The Classroom Manager will ensure you and your instructor get in contact.

I don't know about you, but my spam blocker seems to be confused - spam ends up in my inbox and my real mail goes to the spam folder.

Once you get into the online classroom, take a moment to introduce yourself to your instructor and your class. Your instructor will use the information in your introduction to get to know you and to help you get the most from the course. Your instructor can provide examples that you can relate to.

Your instructor is one of the keys to your success in your online learning experience. When you have questions or problems - about anything related to the class - ask! Your instructor will do their best to find an answer or help you work through your problem. Ask for advice or for more examples if you need it. Have a specific issue with a project? Your instructor can give you help from their experience.

It may feel like you are sitting there all alone, but your instructor is just a discussion post or an email away. You won't necessarily get an immediate response, but you will get a response.

When I first started learning online I hesitated to ask for help when I needed it. I felt like it was my responsibility to figure it out. I finally got so frustrated I just gave up. That afternoon I got an email from my instructor asking if I had any problems since I had not posted in a few days. I responded and admitted my frustration. She had a fix for my problem right away and I was off and running. That was about 10 classes ago. Now I just ask! Sometimes I get it figured out before I hear back, but I always get a response.

If you feel frustrated, lost, confused - just email your instructor or post a comment in the discussion boards in the classroom. My instructors have always been very supportive.

Yours will be, too. Just let them know what they can do to help you!

posted by Peabody McGillicutty @ 12:54 PM