Tips and Tricks for Success
Latin 1 Course: Help Guide
Mrs. B's Top Ten Tips for Class
Don't feel overwhelmed about learning online. This may be a new way of learning for you. It's a different way of learning than the traditional classroom. There are lots of benefits to being a more independent learner. Below are Mrs. B's suggestions for working in our online class.
Print Your Calendar
Just like your traditional classroom, the online classroom has a daily agenda. This helps you to stay on track and complete modules and assignments in order. Be sure to print your assignment calendar and refer to it daily. For a feeling of accomplishment, strike through each assignment you complete and submit.
It is best to submit work daily or every other day to receive timely feedback from your instructor. All work must be submitted by midnight on the orange Friday due dates.
The calendar is located in the Course Information box on the right side of our main class homepage. Look for blue links titled 18, 16, 14 or 12 weeks. The calendar is located at the bottom of the syllabus.
Where do I find my calendar?
Helpful Handouts
Similar to a cool video your traditional classroom teacher might show to help you understand a topic, I also provide links, handouts, videos and resources to help you understand our Latin lessons. You should always check out Helpful handouts at the bottom of our main course homepage. Scroll down to the bottom of our main class homepage.
Class Chats
Sometimes there is no substitute for a question and answer session with your instructor. Our weekly online class chats are Tuesdays at 7:30 pm. This is a time to practice assignments and answer questions directly.
To access our weekly class chat, click on the link in the Course Information box on the right side of our main class page.
If you are unable to attend the live session, recordings are posted under User Links for your reference throughout the semester.
How to access class chats...
Active link to chat under Course Information.
Recordings posted under User Links.
Weekly reminders in the NEWS
Extra Credit Opportunities
Print Notes.
So maybe your learning style tends to be more kinesthetic. One helpful way to make the content more engaging is to print off the modules and use a highlighter or pen to make notations. This certainly isn't the high-tech approach, but the best part is you will be making a notebook to reference in Latin 2 and beyond!
Do the Review Activities.
This suggestion sounds simple but it is easy to rush through the content when you are trying to meet a deadline. The review page contains inline learning activities (these are the self-check, dragNdrop, sorting, and crossword activities). By practicing these items, you are preparing yourself for the quiz or test. Take your time and try, try again until you feel comfortable with the material.
Read the News.
Be sure to check out the News Announcements everyday. This is where I post important reminders, upcoming deadlines and updates for you. I also discuss policies and procedures too. Just like your traditional teacher, I post daily announcements in our online class.
Study Time.
It's important to plan for adequate time to complete your online lessons. Just like your traditional classes, you should work everyday Monday - Friday. If you are in the AB course, you should dedicate 1.5 hours of class work time each school day. If you are in the A or B course, you should dedicate 1 hour of class work time each school day. Remember that you should also plan for 30 minutes of study or homework time after school a couple of times a week as well. These are the minimum suggestions. Try hard to follow this plan for just Latin class. Avoid distractions like doing homework for another class or surfing the internet during Latin study time.
Read your Feedback and Check your Mistakes.
When your traditional teacher returns a graded test, he/she goes over your mistakes. This is an important part of the learning process. You can also access your graded quizzes and tests. Review your missed items and email me with any questions (see directions above.) You should also check your GRADES tab (click Assessments, then click Grades) for feedback on other assignments. (see examples below).
When an error occurs...
like a file will not open or is corrupted, you will be asked to resubmit.
When you need to try again...
perhaps you missed a key skill and Mrs. B wants you try again.
When you need to review...
your grade demonstrates review is necessary.
Help Discussion
In your traditional classroom, you probably work together with your peers sometimes. It's important to develop those classroom skills in the online classroom too. Post questions in the help discussion board. Often your peers have suggestions, tips and can explain things differently. Don't hesitate to ask a class related question. Someone else might have the same question. Mrs. B will also respond to questions there.
Email Mrs. B
In your traditional class, you would raise your hand to ask a question. Sending Mrs. B an email is the same as raising your hand. Feel free to send me any and all questions about our course, assignments, lessons, etc. I am here to help you. Be proactive. I respond to all emails Monday- Friday within 24 hours - and your questions are important to me. I do have lots of students, so if you don't hear back (this rarely happens, but just in case), email me again. I will provide individualized feedback, pinpoint areas of weakness, make suggestions and offer clarification with examples.
Does this help you get started in our course? Email me. Mrs. B