Getting Started

Basic Steps

To help you get started with your course, please follow the important steps below:

• Syllabus: Read the syllabus thoroughly. The syllabus contains important information about the course, including the course objectives, technological requirements, grading requirements, and reading and assignment schedules. Make sure that you read it carefully, and ask questions if you need the instructor to clarify any points.
• Explore Canvas: If you haven't already done so, take some time to complete the Canvas Orientation. This space has been designed to give students an overview of all of the resources available through Canvas. As time allows, explore the FAQ questions created by the developers of Canvas to learn more.
• Academic Integrity: In any course, whether it is face-to-face or online, as a student of Penn State, you are required and expected to understand and accept our policies on academic integrity and plagiarism.
• University Libraries: Please note that there are course reserves identified for this course. Click on the following link and take a minute to familiarize yourself with the Library Course Reserves for this course. As you progress through the lessons, the course reserves for each week will be listed on the Course Syllabus.

Be Proactive

As a distance learning student, you should be proactive in engaging in your personal learning experience; should you desire to research other sources to better understand the material, please do so.

• Regulate Your Own Learning: You should take responsibility for your own learning as well as your peers' by completing readings and posting meaningful, course-related discussion. Monitor and access your own learning and progress.


• Regulate Your Schedule: Please adhere to the deadlines stated in the syllabus by completing the activities by the due dates. If you find difficulty adhering to a due date, contact your instructor immediately.
   
• Communicate, Communicate, Communicate: When you communicate in person, you can use tone of voice, hand gestures, and body language in addition to your words; however, when communicating online, you cannot rely on those additional methods. There are generally accepted methods of behavior for online communication. Keep your lines of communication open at all times and keep asking questions if necessary. Please note the generally accepted methods of behavior for online communication and respect the comments and postings of your fellow students. To minimize unacceptable behavior, it is a good practice for you to read and to acknowledge that you understand the expectations of online netiquette.