About Orientation
Who: Orientation is required of all students new to Hebrew College Online.
What: The two-week Orientation course walks you through- Preparing for the discipline and skills needed for online study.
- Making sure all the necessary technology is working on your computer.
- Introducing yourself and getting to know your fellow students.
- Learning the communications technologies used, which may include asynchronous text discussion boards, asynchronous audio discussion boards, and synchronous Web conferencing as well as the more familiar e-mail, telephone, and fax.
- Where to find online study resources and where you might start shopping for textbooks online.
When: Orientation takes place during a two-week time window before a semester starts. Plan to log in as soon as it begins, survey the requirements, plan ahead, and participate regularly for successful completion. Spend an hour or two online every 2-3 days throughout the two weeks of orientation to accomplish the tasks most smoothly. You may be able to finish in less time, yet you will still need to check in regularly to monitor and participate in ongoing conversations and meet your fellow students. The Week 2 materials typically become visible over the weekend between the first and second weeks.
Why: Orientation answers your technical and social questions about online study up front, before you need to focus on the course materials. You must pass orientation before you receive access to your class.
Where and How: You'll receive an e-mail with login information and instructions on the day orientation begins. Follow the instructions in the e-mail and on the site to log in and complete the course. You will have a head start on passing some topics in orientation if you have already reviewed the information in this Web site.
Orientation materials include:
- Some reading on the Web site.
- Some technical tests to make sure your computer components are configured as needed.
- Some several-step processes and assignments that take time for students to digest and compose.
- One live Web conference, for which you sign up from several available times.
HCO highly recommends that you purchase for reference, or at least borrow from a local library and use during orientation, the following recommended reading for anyone learning online
Ken W. White, Jason D. Baker. The Student Guide to Successful Online Learning: A Handbook of Tips, Strategies, and Techniques. Student edition (Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 2003)
