Topic outline

  • Course Overview

    This short online course is designed to give you a preview of what it will be like to learn remotely in the 1st semester. After going through the course, you should be able to:

    1. Differentiate remote learning from traditional or conventional classroom-based instruction;
    2. Improve your readiness for remote learning; and
    3. Become familiar with the basic features of this learning management system (LMS) or virtual learning environment (VLE).

    There are four sections. Read the instructions for each and do the activities indicated.

    You can complete the course in 1-2 days (with each section requiring 2-3 hours of study time) depending on your pace. The course will be available until 3 September 2021.

  • 1.0 What is Remote Learning?

    After going through this section, you should be able to:

    1. Define key concepts in remote learning;
    2. Describe the course pack as an essential feature of remote learning; and
    3. Differentiate synchronous and asynchronous remote learning.

    Go through each of the resources below (click open each link) and take note of the key points presented.

    • Key Concepts and Principles in Remote Learning File
      View

      Read this short article about what remote learning is and how it works.

    • What Is a Course Pack? Page
      View

      A course pack is a compilation or collection of learning resources and guides that a course instructor or professor prepares for you to use in studying a course. Watch this short video to learn more about course packs. 

    • Synchronous vs Asynchronous Learning Page
      View

      Remote learning can be synchronous (meaning happening in real time) or asynchronous (not at the same time). Check out this infographic on different types of synchronous and asynchronous learning activities.

    • Quiz
      View

      Take this five-item quiz to check how well you understood the discussion in this section. The quiz has a time limit of five minutes. When you are ready, click on the quiz name to start. When you are done, click 'Finish attempt' and then 'Submit all and finish'.

  • 2.0 Time Management

    After going through this section, you should be able to:

    1. Discuss the benefits of good time management relative to your academic goals;
    2. Determine the best approach to effective time management to suit your needs and circumstances; and
    3. Apply techniques or strategies to overcome challenges or obstacles to effective time management.

    Begin this section by answering the self-assessment quiz on time management below. And then go through each of the two sub-topics. Conclude the section by participating in Forum 1.

  • 3.0 Reading Strategies

    After going through this section, you should be able to:

    1. Explain the benefits of reading strategies to your academic goals;
    2. Assess the appropriateness of particular reading strategies relative to your needs and purposes; and
    3. Apply relevant strategies to overcome challenges in reading and optimize learning.

    Begin this section by answering the self-test. And then read the Introduction followed by the lessons on Quick Reading Strategies and Slow Reading Strategies (take note that the lessons consist of several pages).  Lastly, submit feedback on which reading strategy you found the most helpful.

    • Introduction: Effective Reading at University Book
      View

      Read this short discussion of why you need good reading skills to thrive in the university. Some general advice on how to read effectively is also provided. 

    • Quick Reading Strategies Lesson
      Go through the activity to the end

      Three quick reading strategies are discussed here: scanning, skimming, and identifying information words. Be sure to try out the short exercises for each of these.

    • Slow Reading Strategies Lesson
      Go through the activity to the end

      The slow reading strategies discussed here are: phrase reading, marking the text, and note-taking. Try out the short exercises provided.

  • 4.0 Keeping Engaged

    To learn productively especially in a remote learning setup, you will need to actively participate in a range of asynchronous and synchronous activities. Your level of preparation for these activities will spell the difference between a good and an unsatisfactory learning experience.

    After going through this section, you should be able to:

    1. Practice active listening to understand lectures better;
    2. Improve comprehension when viewing videos;
    3. Apply techniques to write better assignments;
    4. Enhance your virtual presentation skills;
    5. Participate more effectively in online discussions;
    6. Plan how to make group work more productive; and 
    7. Explain the importance of attending consultation sessions.

    • Tips to Keep Engaged Book
      View

      This "book" has seven pages. Navigate using the table of contents in the upper right hand corner.

    • 5 Ways to Listen Better URL
      View

      Listen to this short (7 minutes and 34 seconds) TED talk on listening. Try out the strategies for academic listening and video viewing comprehension.

    • Forum 2
      View

  • Personal Action Plan & Course Evaluation

    Armed with the ideas and strategies presented in this course, look ahead and articulate your goals as a learner for the new academic year.

    • Personal Action Plan Template File
      View

      Download this personal action plan template, fill it in, and save it under a new file name as follows: YourFirstName_YourSurname_Personal Action Plan (example: Juana_De La Cruz_Personal Action Plan) 

    • Personal Action Plan Submission Bin Assignment
      Due: Friday, 3 September 2021, 11:59 PM
      Make a submission

      Upload your personal action plan to this submission bin.