Student Orientation in the Distance Education Classroom

Institutions offering distance education courses realize the value that well-trained and well-prepared faculty contribute to the success of their distance education programs. However, taking approximately a half-hour in the first session of any course to prepare the students for their distance education experience will add to the success of the course. Such student preparation establishes reasonable student expectations, the theme of a learning community, the parameters of learner responsibility, and the "rules" of the classroom. Having someone other that the designated class instructor deliver this orientation allows the instructor to develop rapport with students since all are hearing this orientation together. It also allows the instructor to reinforce what was covered in the orientation as students begin assuming their responsibilities. This paper discusses the student orientation presentation currently being used at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire that aims to increase students' comfort level with the equipment, raise students' awareness of their responsibilities as learners, and involve students actively as they test the equipment and begin to assume their responsibilities as learners. Comments from students and future issues for student orientation sessions are also discussed. (Author/DLS)