Learning Remotely

Following University Guidelines

Be sure to check messages from your university regularly throughout your week, including keeping your phone on to receive incoming calls.  Many universities have websites (like this one!) or COVID-19 dashboards where you can get the latest information when you need it. If you are currently in the US and living on campus, please pay attention to any COVID-19 testing requirements.

Tips for Online Studies

Many of you have taken hybrid or online courses this fall. Connecting to your instructors, your peers, and your other KGSP students is key! A feeling of connection with one's instructor is crucial for perseverance, satisfaction, and motivation. Be on the lookout for tools like discussion boards, video discussion groups, daily learning buddy check-ins, and open video office hours in all of your courses. Other tips include:
  • Confirm technical requirements for online classes.
  • Log into the learning management system to ensure access.
  • Connect with instructors early.
  • Create a schedule and manage your time wisely.
  • Have a consistent workspace and routine
  • Update contact information for emergency communications.
  • Make sure there is adequate internet connectivity or smartphone access.
  • If internet access is spotty, download the content from the learning management system.
  • Take time to navigate through the online learning platform and explore its features.
  • Check on Americans with Disabilities Act issues immediately, such as the need for closed captions or transcriptions.
  • Discuss possible emergency procedures with professors.
  • Attend virtual office hours and participate in online study groups.

Students Who Succeed in Online Courses Focus on Three Key Areas

  1. They stay organized: Since your computer will be your classroom, make sure that you have a good system for keeping track of your assignments, your class notes, and any other academic files.
  2. They make time to meet other students: Remember that you are not alone! Fostering meaningful relationships with other students in your classes will help you get more out of your courses. Take time to introduce yourself to others, set up virtual study groups, and exchange contact information.
  3. They seek help: In online courses, you need to be even more proactive when you need help or have questions. Even though your classes are online, your instructor is still available. They can recommend tutors or other academic support, if you need anything!

Online Tutoring

 

Even in an online environment, it is just as important to maximize tutoring and other academic support. Tutoring gives you the individualized attention that you may not get in your online classes. Especially now, tutoring can help you stay on track in your courses. Remember that KGSP has funds set aside to help you pay for any tutoring fees. Here are a few websites that will help you connect with a qualified tutor!

  • Varsity Tutors: Varsity tutors will choose your tutor based on your learning profile and personality. They specialize in introductory math and science courses, including calculus, physics, and microbiology.
  • Wyzant: Wyzant offers a great page of free resources, including more than 1 million interactive lessons and videos created by private tutors.

Avoiding Cyber Scams in the Age of COVID-19

“Criminals have been exploiting fears over the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic to launch an ‘unprecedented wave’ of cyberattacks around the world…[with] thousands of digital crime incidents related to the outbreak reported as countries battle to bring virus infections under control. Hackers have been using the fear and panic surrounding the global health crisis to run money making scams, spread false information, and steal data.” Arab News

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), such scams often take the form of fake CDC / health organizations offering information on the virus, phishing emails, or the selling of counterfeit treatments or equipment.  The FBI advises the following to avoid cybercrime:

  • Never open attachments or click links within emails from senders you do not recognize.
  • Do not provide your username, password, date of birth, personal identification numbers, financial data, or other personal information in response to an email or robo-call. 
    • U.S. government agencies (IRS, Immigration, etc.) will never ask you to provide private information over the internet / phone, nor ever require direct monetary payment.  If you are being asked to provide this, it is a scam.
  • Always verify the web address of legitimate websites and manually type them into your browser.
  • Check for misspellings or wrong domains within a link (for example, an address that should end in a ".gov" ends in .com" instead).

Further details on how to identify and avoid COVID-19 cybercrime is available here.