Student Survival Guide - Introduction
Foreword
CDLI aims and strives for a 100% success rate for student’s enrolled in its courses. In an effort to better understand the issues contributing to student success in CDLI courses, a project was initiated during the summer of 2006 to review factors affecting it. A third year university student, Ashley Hayter, was hired under the Tutoring Work Experience Program (TWEP) to complete the project. She was given the task of investigating factors contributing to success in courses and developing this guide as a means of enabling “first time” CDLI students and parents to transition smoothly into online distance education. Ashley conducted surveys and interviewed students and teachers to better understand the issues associated with distance learning. The results of her surveys and interviews have been used to develop this guide.
My name is Ashley Hayter and I have been hired as a TWEP tutor. I have designed this handbook for you – the students. The CDLI team is dedicated to helping students reach their full potential. With this guide, I hope to help you become better prepared for courses with CDLI and learn more about what it takes to be successful with CDLI. This book takes advice from both teachers and students, who’ve been there, and know what it takes to master the art of E-learning. So together, let’s make it an enjoyable year! And with less work! Seem too good to be true? Keep reading!
Introduction
Welcome to the Centre for Distance Learning and Innovation (CDLI). You are joining more than 1000 students and a supportive team of educators and technical support staff, all committed to providing a high quality learning environment for students. E-learning with the assistance of electronics and technology, provides exciting opportunities for students to learn and develop. Therefore, students in many rural and remote communities located throughout Newfoundland and Labrador have benefited from the variety and range of courses they are able to complete with CDLI. E-learning has provided many students opportunity to complete their high school education and pursue post-secondary studies that otherwise might not be available to them. In addition, students have expressed that they have become more independent learners and feel better prepared for attendance at post-secondary institutions after taking CDLI courses.
Success with e-learning (distance learning) is influenced by many of the same factors that influence learning in the typical face-to-face classroom. Surveys and interviews suggest that there are several key areas that are crucial to ensuring both ease of transition to this type of learning and mastery of the material. Recommendations based on these key areas makes up the bulk of this guide.
Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.
Henry Ford