Frequently
Asked Questions | |
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| Will I need to type much in an online course? |
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| Do I need to purchase materials for online designation courses? |
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| Do I need to purchase any special software for the course? |
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| Do I need to have a computer for the course? |
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| How does this course differ from the same course delivered in the traditional face-to-face format? |
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| How does one ‘attend’ this course? |
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| What is Moodle? |
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| Is there a Moodle demonstration site? |
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| How do I get to my course on the Web? |
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| What do I do the first time to the MOODLE site? |
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| Where can I get more FAQ’s about Moodle? |
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| Are there any online tutorials other than on the Insurance Educators, Inc. site? |
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| What is Netiquette? |
Yes,
it would be a good idea to know how to type at least 20 to 30 words a minute but
it is not necessary. | |
Yes,
materials for your course need to be ordered from the Insurance Institutes of
America (IIA). Generally, there is a textbook and course guide – both are
required. Other study aids are available. Order materials online http://www.aicpcu.org
or 1-800-644-2101 | |
There
is no special software necessary to use a course, but you will need a recent version
of a web browser. Firefox is the recommended browser for Moodle. | |
You
need to have access to a computer that has a dependable Internet Service Provider
to participate in the course. Cable and DSL connections are best for accessing
Moodle. A 56K modem will work as well, but it will be a longer wait for Moodle
pages to load. | |
The
only difference is the way the course is delivered; there is no face to face interaction
between those in the course. Participants are required to complete assignments
on a weekly basis. Lessons include reading text, completing course guide questions
and attending the course online. Some students find that they need to devote more
time to their course as they will be reading more materials. | |
After
reading the week’s chapter and completing the course guide, you then go
online to ‘class’. Here, questions are posted on the Discussion Board
set up in asynchronistic format. This means the questions are posted to be answered
by each participant. The participants then respond to each other’s comments
and those posted by the instructor/facilitator. The same learning objectives found
in the traditional format are found in the online format. | |
Moodle
stands for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment. It is an online
course management system that is used to offer online, hybrid and web-enhanced
courses. You access Moodle with a browser like Firefox on any computer that is
connected to the Internet. Log in with your account username and password. | |
Moodle
has a full demonstration site. It has some sample sites you can try as a student.
(Demo options are also available for teachers and administrators). You don’t
need to worry about making a mess, the whole site is reset to a clean state every
hour.  Demonstration
Site | |
Locate
or search for the Insurance Educators, Inc. website, http://www.insuranceeducators.net.
From this location, click on the Online Classroom tab. This takes you to the classroom
server where you are to log in. Once you have logged in, to find your desired
course - you can click 'All courses...' in the 'My courses' block and click on
the course name. You will be given an enrollment key, enter it when prompted,
and click Enroll me in this course. Once you are enrolled in a course, it will
appear under "My courses" any time that you are logged into that site.
| |
You
will need to take a minute to create a new account for yourself
on this web site. Instructions are listed on the right side of the
log in window. Individual courses have a one-time "enrollment
key", you will need later in the process. Steps needed to create
a new account are specifically listed. Enrollment key is provided
by Insurance Educators, Inc. Click here
for detailed instructions on enrollment procedures. | |
Browse
to: http://docs.moodle.org/en/Student_FAQ | |
Yes,
browse to: http://docs.moodle.org/en/Student_tutorials
for more. | |
| What is Netiquette? | |
| Netiquette is a combination of Internet/Network etiquette. Netiquette guidelines are recommended guidelines for personal conduct that apply to all online communications. Good online manners are vital to a productive and supportive online learning environment. Here
is a some netiquette guidelines: • Be polite and respectful It can be tempting to “let yourself go” in an environment that feels anonymous, but ....remember that there are real people reading your messages. • Be tolerant of views expressed by others Your online classroom may well be bringing you together with people from all over the world. Keep in mind that you probably have something to gain from exposure to views and backgrounds different than your own. • Address the idea, not the person When reacting to someone else's message, address the ideas, not the person. Again, remember that there are real people on the other end of the modem. • Be careful when using sarcasm and humor Don’t include any obscenities in your messages. Without face-to-face communications, people may take your humor personally, and you never know who may be offended by expressions that are commonplace to you. Keep in mind that online forms of communication are absent of any emotion. Many times the instructor cannot determine how a particular comment should be taken. Be sure to word your communications carefully. • Think carefully about your content when you write Think carefully about what you write about others. Always assume that your electronic messages will be forwarded. Do not write anything that you do not want broadcast to the entire class. | |
Insurance
Educators Inc. © 2007
