Distance-Based Instruction Resources and Tips
What is happening?
All academic courses offered by Idaho State University will transition from in-person classroom to distance-based instruction through the end of the Spring 2020 semester. Instructors are working hard to make the necessary changes to successfully support your academic goals through distance-based instruction.
If you do not have any distance-based or online learning experiences, it can feel overwhelming at first. The purpose of this section is to provide resources to assist with your adjustment to distance-based instruction for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester.
What should I do to prepare for distance-based instruction?
- Check your ISU email frequently.
- Communicate regularly with your course instructors.
- Log into Moodle ISU and routinely access your Spring 2020 semester courses.
How do I learn with distance-based instruction?
Make a study plan for your courses. Learning remotely means there will be a lot of changes, and you will want to re-establish your own routine.
General Tips, Skills, and Readiness Tools for Being a Successful Online Student
What do I need for learning with distance-based instruction?
The university has dedicated a website for up-to-the-minute news on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact on the university. A special student FAQ section was created to help alleviate your concerns.
Student Questions - Frequently asked questions for students taking classes in the Spring 2020 semester at ISU.
How do I communicate with my instructor and classmates?
Communication with all of your course instructors is absolutely critical to your success as the university transitions to this distance-based learning environment.
- Consult the course syllabus to identify your instructors’ preferred method of contact.
- Check your ISU email to see if your instructor posted any updates for communicating with them.
- If you have not heard from your instructor, email them and ask for the preferred method of contact and strategies on how to communicate with your classmates.
Minimum Technology Requirements for Moodle ISU
In addition to a good computer and consistent internet connection, there are some basic general skills required to be successful in this distance-based learning environment. Here are some resources to help you identify general hardware and software.
What if I do not have a computer, hardware, or software required to complete my courses?
There are limited numbers of laptops or Chromebooks available for students to check out. To borrow a laptop computer, hardware (webcam, headset, etc.) or to inquire about software, contact the IT Service Desk at (208) 282-HELP (4357) or send an email to help@isu.edu. You can pick up the equipment at the IT Service Desk in the ISU Rendezvous Center.
My internet Wi-Fi is too slow. How do I boost my home wifi speed?
- A good article from thewirecutter.com with helpful tips on fixing slow internet wifi.
- Contact your internet service provider.
Accessing and Navigating Moodle ISU
If you have not used Moodle at ISU, please review the Frequently Asked Questions from Students about Moodle.
How can I work collaboratively with my classmates?
Contact your instructor. If group projects in your courses are still a requirement in this distance-based classroom environment, your instructor will communicate instructions on how to participate. There are various tools such as the Moodle ISU discussion forum and Zoom for you to engage with your classmates online. You are also welcome to be creative to connect with your classmates using other telecommunication methods.
Getting Started with Zoom on Windows and Mac (sign up is free)