Are you ready for online learning?

Are you thinking about signing up for an online course this summer? Not sure if online learning is right for you? Find out by completing the SmarterMeasure assessment.  It will take you about 30 minutes from start to finish but you may log out and complete it later if necessary.  After you login, you will receive an email from SmarterMeasure with a PIN number that will allow you to log back in later or view your results again.

SmarterMeasure is meant to be an interesting experience by which you may learn more about yourself, online learning, and how to succeed!  Your SmarterMeasure score will not prevent you from registering for online classes. Take your time to rate yourself honestly. It is a tool that will help you assess your strengths and opportunities for growth related to online learning in 6 areas.

1. Life Factors
2. Individual Attributes
3. Learning Styles
4. Technical Competency, Skills, and Knowledge
5. Reading Rate and Recall
6. Typing Speed and Accuracy

You will receive a report immediately following the completion of all areas of SmarterMeasure. You may email this report, print it, or download and save for future reference. It also provides some remedial tools related to each area.

To obtain the log-in information for SmarterMeasure, email ELICounselors@nvcc.edu from your VCCS email account.

Are you ready for Online Learning at ELI?

Online learning is different in from traditional face-to-face learning in many respects.  Some individuals feel more comfortable learning in an online environment than others.  

Are you a good fit for online learning?  Find out by completing the SmarterMeasure assessment.  It will take you about 30 minutes from start to finish but you may log out and complete it later if necessary.  After you login, you will receive an email from SmarterMeasure with a PIN number that will allow you to log back in later or view your results again.

SmarterMeasure is meant to be an interesting experience by which you may learn more about yourself, online learning, and how to succeed!  Your SmarterMeasure score will not prevent you from registering for online classes. Take your time to rate yourself honestly. It is a tool that will help you assess your strengths and opportunities for growth related to online learning in 6 areas.

      1. Life Factors

      2. Individual Attributes  

      3. Learning Styles – what is your predominant learning style?

      4. Technical Competency, Skills, and Knowledge

      5. Reading Rate and Recall

      6. Typing Speed and Accuracy

You will receive a full color report immediately following the completion of all areas of SmarterMeasure.  You may email this report, print it, or download and save for future reference.  It also provides some remedial tools related to each area.

To obtain the log-in information for SmarterMeasure, email ELICounselors@nvcc.edu from your VCCS email account. You can also plan to join us for a SmarterMeasure webinar to learn more about the assessment. More information about the webinar can be found here.

ELI - Important Dates, Events and Information: January 21-26, 2014

IMPORTANT COURSE DATES  

Ø  January 21 – ELI 1^st 8-week – last day to sign up for audit or drop with tuition refund

Ø  January 25 – ELI 1^st 12-week – last day to sign up for audit or drop with tuition refund

 EVENTS 

Ø  For a listing of upcoming ELI events, please click here.

Ø  For a listing of upcoming NOVA events, please click here.

TEXTBOOKS

Textbooks can be ordered online at the NOVA ELI Bookstore or purchased in person at the Alexandria Campus Bookstore.  If you are unsure about what book(s) you need, you can find the books via the Find Your Textbooks Here link on the website. Please Note: If you are using Financial Aid to pay for your textbooks, you must submit a signed Book Charge Authorization  form with your book order. 

UPCOMING ELI WEBNIARS (For a complete listing of our webinars, please click here.)

Attending an ELI webinar is a valuable way to invest your time to develop your academic skills and promote your academic success. If you are new to online learning, we strongly encourage you to attend our New Student Orientation webinar.

ELI Orientation: This one hour webinar for students enrolled in courses offered through the Extended Learning Institute (ELI) will focus on getting started in your courses, navigating in your Blackboard course site, identifying tips for success, and student support services. If you are unable to attend a live session, click here to request a recording of an earlier session. Upcoming live sessions (please click on the date to register): 

• Wednesday, January 22, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
• Monday, January 27, 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm
• Wednesday, January 29, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
• Monday, February 3, 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm

GOALS: Beyond Google
Have you ever been assigned a paper or project and don’t know where to start? Do you not have time to make it to a campus library to research for your assignments? Join us for a 30 minute webinar that will introduce library resources available to you online. This webinar will review conducting college-level research using the library’s online resources.  To register, please click on the date that fits your schedule:

·       Tuesday, January 21, 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm

·       Tuesday, February 11, 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm

GOALS: Netiquette: Have you thought about your online etiquette or “Netiquette?”  This 30 min webinar will serve as an e-guide on social interaction and communicating electronically. Areas that will be covered include communication in the online classroom, social media and overall online presence. To register, please click on the date that fits your schedule:

·       Thursday, January 23, 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm

·       Thursday, February 13, 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Exploring Career Options: This 45 minute webinar will focus on using various online resources to research career options.  The relationship between programs of study at NOVA, college majors, and career options will be discussed.  Resources presented will provide information on nature of work, educational requirements, job outlook, and wages. To register, please click on the date that fits your schedule:

• Tuesday, January 21, 12:15 - 1:00 pm
• Tuesday, January 28, 12:15 - 1:00 pm

The Webinars referenced below will not be streamed live; however, please feel free to request recordings:

Conducting a Job Search - This 45 minute webinar will focus on basic strategies for conducting a job search. Topics covered will include creating a plan, identifying sources of job leads, and resume, cover letter, and interview basics. To register, please click on the date: This 45 minute webinar will focus on basic strategies for conducting a job search. Topics covered will include creating a plan, identifying sources of job leads, and resume, cover letter, and interview basics.  For a recording, please email, chjensen@nvcc.edu.

Getting Ready for Your Next Semester - This 45 minute webinar for NOVA students will focus on answering key questions students have about preparing for their next semester.  Topics covered will include program identification, course selection, college resources, schedule planning, and registration/payment tips.  Click here to request a recording of an earlier session. 

Tackling Math Anxiety:  Click here to view the webinar recording:  Math can be a difficult subject no matter how smart you are.  Many students view math as overwhelming and scary—but it doesn’t have to be.  Learn how to study more efficiently for mathematics and apply relaxing techniques to reduce your anxieties.   

Beyond Google – Basic Library Skills for Online Learners- Have you ever been assigned a paper or project and don’t know where to start? Do you feel like you need extra practice for your assignments? Are you curious what library resources are available to you without going to a campus library? This 5 minute video will give you a brief introduction to what library resources are available to you as an online learner. There might be more than you expect!  Watch the video!  

Creating a Personal Mission Statement: Click here to view the webinar recording: Learn how to channel your goals into actions!  From visualization to motivation, this pre-recorded webinar will help you to create and fine-tune your personal mission statement.  

Creating Win-Win Relationships: Click here to view the webinar recording: Win-Win will teach you how to cooperate in relationships rather than compete.  This webinar will teach you how to share success with others by being respectful and assertive without being manipulated. 

Synergy: Click here to view the webinar recording: Learn how to integrate your knowledge, skills, and expertise with others to collaborate effectively.  This webinar is excellent for working in small groups and communicating with your instructor or teammates.ONGOING @ ELI

Spring 2014 Registration: Spring 2014 registration is currently underway.   Please click here  for registration information.  For a complete listing Spring 2014 ELI classes, please click here.   If you need assistance with ELI course selection, please email our counselors, elicounselors@nvcc.edu. 

Proctor Requests:  If you are out of the area, be sure to submit your Proctor Request.  Proctor Requests are processed in the order they are received.  It takes 3-5 business days for the form to be processed so please do not wait until the day before your test!

RESOURCES TO PROMOTE YOUR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Smarthinking Free 24/7 Tutoring:  Click here to access Smarthinking free tutoring.  Course Success is just a click away!

Student Lingo: Student Lingo is a series of interactive on-demand workshops, action plans, and valuable resources focused on helping students achieve their academic, personal, and career goals. Workshops include test taking strategies, time management, study skills, resume writing and more. Click here to learn more.

Success Coaches:  The ELI Success Coaching Team is here to assist you.  They are available to partner with you and provide assistance, time management help and resources to promote your academic success.  They can be reached at elisuccess@nvcc.edu or 703.764.5076.

ELI also offers resources and tips through our NovaELIfe social media channels. For links to our informational blogs, academic resources, Facebook and Twitter, please click here. 

Don't Get Lost In Your Online Classroom

The best thing to do when you are lost, driving in an unfamiliar area without GPS, is to pull over and ask for directions so why not have the same mindset in your online classroom. If you are feeling lost and confused, do not hesitate to take time to reach out and seek direction from your instructor.
 
Learning how to ask detailed questions and communicate them to your instructor, in the online environment, is one of the most important skills you need to be successful in your courses.  Since you are not face to face with your instructors, as in a traditional classroom, maintaining communication with your instructor is essential. 

Recommendations to promote communication with your online instructor:

Email: Do not hesitate or put off contacting your instructor.  Your instructor is there to help you and to promote your success.  You can send an email anytime.  Please Note: Always use your NOVA email address when communicating via email.  Instructors are unable to reply to a non-NOVA email address. Some instructors teach several courses, so please begin your email with your name, student ID and the course and section that you are enrolled in.

Office Hours: If you prefer one-on-one communication, consider contacting your instructor during their office hours, which are posted in your course syllabus.  Office hours are an excellent resource to get the extra help you may need.

Course Discussion Boards/Student Lounge: Discussion board forums, located in your course Bb, are another way to contact your instructor.  Some instructors may even setup a Student Lounge just for questions about the class, which they check regularly. This is an excellent forum to ask questions about assignments, concepts, theories, as well as to clarify policy and due dates. You would not want to use this forum to ask a personal question.

Course Chat: Some instructors hold regular chat sessions at specific times.  This is another excellent setting to get your concerns/questions addressed.

Expressing Your Question: When you are writing or asking a question, be sure that your question/concern is clearly stated. It can be confusing for an instructor to receive an email stating, “I don’t understand the week one assignment”.  It’s better to write, “I need some clarification about the week one assignment titled, ‘xx’.  I’ve downloaded the template that contains the exercises for week one but I’m having trouble answering question two and three.  I did the reading and took notes but I’m still not grasping the concepts in regards to the Freudian theory. I would appreciate any assistance you can provide”.  If your question is clearly stated, your instructor will be able to better address your concern.  Finally, always include the title and section number for your course in the subject line of your email. 

Responses: If your instructor does not reply to your email in a timely manner, check to be sure that your email was sent from your NOVA email, consider contacting your instructor during office hours or through the discussion board (if it is not a personal concern).  You can also try resending your email indicating, ‘Time Sensitive’ in the subject line.  In the body, write, ‘I am writing to follow through on the email referenced below."

Do no get lost in your class….if you are feeling ‘lost’ or confused with an assignment, lesson, or concept, contact your instructor right away!  For additional assistance in your online classes, feel free to contact the ELI Success Coaches.  They can assist you with time management, academic resources or study strategies to include free online tutoring for ELI Students. Please contact your ELI Success Coach at ELISuccess@nvcc.edu or call 703.764.5076.

Promoting Your Success: ELI Testing Tips

To promote a successful testing experience, the ELI Success Coaches encourage you to follow the tips outlined below:

Be Prepared – Begin reviewing/studying well in advance. If you need assistance locating helpful study resources, contact your Success Coach at elisuccess@nvcc.edu or call 703.764.5076. For a sampling of helpful study resources, please click here.

  Campus Testing Centers

• Do not wait until the last minute to take your exam(s). If you are able, we advise that you take your exam early. Not only will you avoid long lines, you many also avoid a last minute unforeseen emergency that could prohibit you from getting to a testing center. An exam must begin no later than 90 minutes before the posted testing center closing time. Regardless of the day, be sure to allow plenty of time.
• Do not forget to bring your completed Exam Pass for each exam and a photo ID. You may print your exam pass from the “Taking Exams and Using Exam Passes” portion of the Syllabus button in your Blackboard course site.
• Be prepared to stow your personal items, not permitted during your exam, including your cell phone (that must be turned off), in the manner required by the testing center (generally in a locker). Simply placing your phone on “silent” is not enough. You are not permitted access to anything other than your exam while testing, unless expressly stated in the exam instructions.
• If your exam is not working properly in Bb (ex. unable to type in a textbox, audio files not working, images missing) or if you feel your exam did not submit properly, please notify testing center staff immediately so they may help you troubleshoot the problem. The testing center staff is well versed in the “tricks” of Blackboard
• If you are taking multiple exams, you will be required to go through the line for each exam that you are taking.

ProctorU

Some courses offer online testing through ProctorU. Courses offering this option will be listed in Blackboard under the links, “Taking Exams and Using Exam Passes”, “Syllabus” or“Announcements”.

• If you choose to use this online proctoring service, schedule to take your exam(s) through ProctorU at least 72 hours prior to testing to avoid a late fee.
• If it is your first time using ProctorU, sign in 15 minutes early to set up your computer.
• Be sure to have your photo ID ready.

In addition to being rested and well-prepared, be sure to have a healthy meal or snack before taking your exam(s). The better prepared you are, the more relaxed you will be and the better your testing outcome.

As an ELI (NOVA) student, you are expected to follow the code of conduct for all NOVA students outlined in the NOVA Student Handbook

Good luck on your exams!

It is hard to believe that the fall semester is nearly over!  Depending on the sections that you are enrolled in, ELI classes will be ending December 10^th and December 17^th.   If you are looking for a valuable study plan, we recommend you consider the Four Day Study Plan from About.com.  The plan, which we have slightly tweaked from the original article, follows: 

Studying for an Exam Day 1: 
Communicate with Your Instructor, Find a Study Partner and Organize

1.     Type of Exam - Ask your instructor what type of exam s/he will be giving. Multiple choice? Essay? That will make a difference in how you study.

2.     Request a Study Guide-If there is not one in your Bb site, ask your instructor for a review sheet/study guide. Your textbook website may also have practice tests. 

3.     Find a Study Partner -- set up dates to meet to include the night before the test if possible – even via phone/Facebook/Skype.

4.     Organize - Print and organize your notes, old quizzes, textbook, assignments and handouts from the units being tested.  

As You Study: 

·       Organize handouts, past tests, and other information according to dates. Make note of anything you are missing. (Where's the vocab quiz from chapter 2?) Pay special attention to the questions that you missed and spend extra time studying those questions. 

·       Rewrite or type your notes.  Creating an outline of the information you need to know will help you understand how the material covered in the class is related.  

·       Review the material you have. Go through the review sheet to determine what material will be covered. Read through your quizzes/handouts/notes and study questions from your book's chapters.  Also, refer to the end of each chapter in your text – many have excellent summaries/reviews.  

Studying for Your Exam - Day 2:
Course Review, Review and Apply the Material to Better Comprehend

1.     Communicate with your instructor: If necessary, clarify areas you didn't understand and request any missing items (for example: vocab quiz from chapter 2).

2.     Couse Review – Continue to review notes and materials. Ask your instructor if there will be a review before the test and continue to review on your own and review with your Study Partner (if time permits). If there will not be a course review, consider organizing one - you can reserve a study room and meet in a campus library or local library. 

As You Study:

·       Create flashcards with a question/term/vocab word on the front of the card, and the answer on the back. Quizlet is a free website/app that will help you design flashcards, practice tests and quizzes. The website/app also has pre-made flash cards (a favorite app by many students).

·       Set a timer for 45 minutes, and review everything on the review sheet that you don't already know using mnemonic devices like acronyms or singing a song. Also, apply the material to your life in ways that you can remember and understand.  When the timer goes off, take a 15 min. break and revisit your review sheet.  Study again for a specified time, setting the timer if it works well for you.

·       If you are not using the Quizlet App, put your flashcards in your purse, backpack, or car so that you can review them when you are not busy.   

Studying for Your Exam Day 3:
Review and Apply the Material, Create Practice Tests

1.     When you have any free time, review your flashcards and ask yourself questions (when you're waiting for class to start, at lunch, when waiting for an appointment, etc.) As you review, think of ways to apply the material to help you recall.

2.     Create Practice Tests to study (see below).

3.     Confirm a study date, with your study partner, for tomorrow night.

As You Study:

·       Set a timer for 45 minutes again. Go back through your flashcards and review sheet, learning/applying material (especially reviewing areas that are causing you some struggles). Take a 5-minute break. If necessary, set a timer for 45 minutes again and continue if you're still unsure of any material!

·       Create a few “practice tests” for yourself and your study partner (you can create your own, use study guides or visit your textbook website for practice tests, and you can also use Quizlet.com which was referenced earlier).  A practice test should include questions about key terminology, facts, and concepts that are likely to be on the test.

·       Be sure to have your flashcards  or Quizlet App/website ready for review again tomorrow.  

Studying for Your Exam Day 4:

Review, Study/Self, Confirm Meeting Time with Study Partner

1.     Throughout the day, pull your flashcards out and review.

2.     Confirm your study date with a friend or classmate.   

 As You Study:

·       Again, review your flashcards paying special attention to the remaining material that was giving you some struggles.

·       Quiz. With your study partner, take turns asking possible exam questions to each other. You will learn the material better by alternating asking the questions. Stop once you've been through the questions a few times and get a good night's sleep.  

For additional study resources, consider visiting About.com and How To Study.org.  For free online tutoring available to ELI students, visit Smarthinking.   

If you are using a campus testing center, if possible, do not wait until the last day to take your test – emergencies can come up and in many classes, you will not be able to take the test late. 

If you have additional questions, do not hesitate to contact the ELI Success Coaches at elisuccess@nvcc.edu or call 703.764.5076. 

This Week at ELI: November 18-24, 2013

IMPORTANT COURSE DATES

Ø  November 19 – ELI 3^rd 8-week session ends.

Ø  November 22 – ELI 4^th 8-week session – last day to withdraw with grade of ‘W’ (no tuition refund).

Ø  Don’t put off studying for finals, be prepared---3^rd 12 week session ends December 10.

EVENTS 

v  November 18 – Open Registration Begins – New and Continuing students eligible to register

v  For a listing of ELI events, to include Native American Heritage month and our pedometer challenge, please click here.

v  For a listing of NOVA events to include college visits, symposiums and more, click here.

 

UPCOMING ELI WEBNIARS  

Attending an ELI webinar is a valuable way to invest your time to develop your academic skills and promote your academic success.  

Thursday, November 21 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm: Getting Ready for Your Next Semester - This 45 minute webinar for NOVA students will focus on answering key questions students have about preparing for their next semester.  Topics covered will include program identification, course selection, college resources, schedule planning, and registration/payment tips.  To register, please click on the date:  Thursday, November 21 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm

Wednesday, November 20 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm: Conducting a Job Search - This 45 minute webinar will focus on basic strategies for conducting a job search. Topics covered will include creating a plan, identifying sources of job leads, and resume, cover letter, and interview basics. To register, please click on the date: This 45 minute webinar will focus on basic strategies for conducting a job search. Topics covered will include creating a plan, identifying sources of job leads, and resume, cover letter, and interview basics.

The Webinars referenced below will not be streamed live; however, please feel free to request recordings:

Tackling Math Anxiety:  Click here to view the webinar recording:  Math can be a difficult subject no matter how smart you are.  Many students view math as overwhelming and scary—but it doesn’t have to be.  Learn how to study more efficiently for mathematics and apply relaxing techniques to reduce your anxieties.   

Beyond Google – Basic Library Skills for Online Learners- Have you ever been assigned a paper or project and don’t know where to start? Do you feel like you need extra practice for your assignments? Are you curious what library resources are available to you without going to a campus library? This 5 minute video will give you a brief introduction to what library resources are available to you as an online learner. There might be more than you expect!  Watch the video!  

Creating a Personal Mission Statement: Click here to view the webinar recording: Learn how to channel your goals into actions!  From visualization to motivation, this pre-recorded webinar will help you to create and fine-tune your personal mission statement.  

Creating Win-Win Relationships: Click here to view the webinar recording: Win-Win will teach you how to cooperate in relationships rather than compete.  This webinar will teach you how to share success with others by being respectful and assertive without being manipulated. 

Synergy: Click here to view the webinar recording: Learn how to integrate your knowledge, skills, and expertise with others to collaborate effectively.  This webinar is excellent for working in small groups and communicating with your instructor or teammates.

ELI Orientation: Click here to request a recording of an earlier session. This one hour webinar for students enrolled in courses offered through the Extended Learning Institute (ELI) will focus on getting started in your courses, navigating in your Blackboard course site, identifying tips for success, and student support services.

ONGOING 

·       Proctor Requests:  If you are out of the area, be sure to submit your Proctor Request.  Proctor Requests are processed in the order they are received.  It takes 3-5 business days for the form to be processed so please do not wait until the day before your test!  

Resources to Promote Your Academic Success  

·       Smarthinking Free 24/7 Tutoring:  Click here to access Smarthinking free tutoring.  Course Success is just a click away!

 

·       Student Lingo: Student Lingo is a series of interactive on-demand workshops, action plans, and valuable resources focused on helping students achieve their academic, personal, and career goals. Workshops include test taking strategies, time management, study skills, resume writing and more. Click here to learn more