Teaching and learning on the Web requires new skill and attitude on behalf of both the instructor and the students. The tradition of the "sage on the stage" gives way to the "guide on the side" as learning becomes more student-centered and as students become more responsible for their own learning. The transition of learning from instructor-centered to student-centered will of course encounter some problems and difficulties. This section provides useful information which may assist you to solve some of the problems you might have.
The section includes:
Floriday Gulf Coast Library Resources
Information on library electronic resources and how to access the resources
Library Resources Many FGCU Library resources are available through the Internet and the World Wide Web.The gateway to these resources is the library website at: http://library.fgcu.edu
There, the FGCU Library Catalog is available through a statewide system called WebLUIS, which also provides access to over 100 other databases. In addition, many full-text journals and information resources are available from the library website under "Electronic Resources."
Your FGCU network username and password, and/or the 14-digit number on your FGCU ID card are your keys to accessing these electronic resources.
One-On-One Assistance
Library reference staff provide research assistance and instruction in-person and remotely through the "Ask a Reference Question" service from the library web page found under "Reference" at: http://library.fgcu.edu/referenc.htm
You can also reach the reference staff by phone at (941) 590-7630.
There is additional support available through the Florida Distance Learning Reference & Referral Center which can be reached at: http://www.lib.usf.edu/distance
Also Toll-free: 1-888-772-8033 to reach Florida Distance Learning Reference & Referral Center
Or Email: rcc@lib.usf.edu
Most of the points that are made may appear to be obvious - but so often the obvious is overlooked. The message is not to take study skills for granted. A little investment of time early on your course will not only improve performance, but also will enable you to derive more pleasure from your studies and the satisfaction that comes from a job well-done.Take responsibility for your own learning
"Self Direction and Personal Efficacy" provides a series of articles and references with ideas for teachers to offer more student-centered learning and ideas for students to set their own goals. Taking responsibility for your own learning is critical in distance learning.
A touchstone of effective learning is that students are in charge of their own learning; essentially, they direct their own learning processes. In a discussion of indicators of engaged, effective learning, Jones, Valdez, Nowakowski, and Rasmussen (1995) describe characteristics of students who are responsible for their own learning. One characteristic is a student's ability to shape and manage change, in other words, self-directed. Covey (1989) recognizes the importance of self-directedness, which he calls proactivity, by including it as one of the habits characterizing highly-effective individuals: "It means more than merely taking initiative. It means that as human beings, we are responsible for our own lives. Our behavior is a function of our decisions, not our conditions. We can subordinate feelings to values. We have the initiative and the responsibility to make things happen" (p. 71).
For more information, check out the original paper.
Time Management
"How Much is Your Time Worth?" is a site about Time Management Skills. Topics include:
By using Time Management skills you can learn to:
- Determine which of the things you do are important, and which can be dropped
- Use your time in the most effective way possible
- Increase the time in which you can work
- Control the distractions that waste your time and break your flow
- Increase your effectiveness and reduce stress
By becoming more effective in your use of working time, you can reduce stress by:
- being more in control of what you do
- being productive, and secure in your job because of this
- enjoying what you do
- giving yourself more quality time to relax and enjoy life outside work.
For more information on Time Management, check out
- Time Management (a site in the United Kingdom).
- Making Your Time Count (More ideas on time management).
Efficient Reading
Like many students, you may be wondering whether you should take a speed reading course. The answer lies in asking yourself, "do you want to read quicker or better? "Speed reading improves your speed; developing efficient reading practices saves your time by making your reading much more evaluative and therefore your writing becomes more critical. For more information on efficient reading, check out the website.
http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/lsu/reading.html
Stress Management
http://ub-counseling.buffalo.edu/Stress/
This site has good links to information on stress management, time management, text anxiety, overcoming procrastination and more.
Keeping track of your grades
Keeping track of your grades is an essential part of GGP. If you notice that the grades in a certain class are at a good level that means that you are allocating sufficient hours to the course. On the other hand, if you notice your grades lower in a class you need to increase the number of hours you have for that class.
To help you keep tract of your grade in this class, we've created a Personal Grade Sheet. On the sheet are listed all the assignments and theirgrade points for this course. You can use the sheet to keep tract of your assignments and grade points. Extra grade points (A-student) exercises are availabe throughout the semester. If you find your grade points are
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What computing skills should I have in order to take this course? |
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Why is this course called issues in ecology and environment? |
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What computing skills should I have in order to take this course?
You need to have basic computing skills. Free computer workshops are offered to FGCU students. Check out the workshop schedule at
Do I need E-mail and Internet access for this course?
Yes. You will need E-mail and Internet access for this course. As an FGCU student, you will have an FGCU E-mail account.
What Internet browser software do I need?
You will need Netscape or Internet Explorer Browser 4.0 or above in order to view the course site properly.
What materials do I need to purchase for this course?
Why is this course called issues in ecology and environment?
What are the course objectives?
What is the class schedule?
See Class Schedule
When and where does my class meet?
Check the syllabus for times and places for the class to meet face-to-face. Your group will determine times for electronic-group (e-group) meetings and times and places for additional meetings.
How learning will be evaluated in this course?
See Course Outcomes on the syllabus page and grading policy in the information page.
How much of my time will this take?
You are expected to spend as much time on the Web session as you would in a face-to-face session. When you will not be in a face-to-face session at a specified time, you will have to devote a similar amount of time logged into the Internet. And, there are assignments to be completed within a timeframe, just like in a traditional face-to-face course.
How do I succeed in this course?
You will succeed if you can
- manage your time
- fully participate in learning activities of this class
Where to get help
If you need help regarding the course material, assignments, etc. contact the course professor Dr. Susan Stans (sstans@fgcu.edu). For office and phone number see Faculty information.
If you need technical help regarding the use of distance leanring techologies (email, webboard, Netscape, etc.), call 590-1188 or 590-7100.
Resources