Orientation
Is Online Learning at UWG Right for Me?
Many students prefer online learning. They enjoy taking greater control of their studies and working at their own pace to meet deadlines rather than attending scheduled classes. Some report that online discussions are more interesting than classroom discussions, because the participants reflect more carefully on what they write and because discussions are less likely to be dominated by one or two individuals. For others, online classes are the perfect way to combine higher education with work, family, or other responsibilities. Interviews and surveys show that high-performing online learners share some important characteristics. Students are most likely to succeed in online courses when they:
- have reliable access to an Internet-connected computer.
- know how to navigate web sites, manage email, work with files, and do other basic computer tasks.
- can organize their own time to complete assignments and meet deadlines.
- participate actively in online discussions.
- are comfortable asking for help or clarification when needed.
- are prepared to work as hard online as they would in a face-to-face class.
On the other hand, online learning is not for everyone. Some students find it difficult to manage their time and effort without the regular face-to-face contact of the traditional classroom. Others feel that they learn better by hearing lectures than by reading. Some are unprepared for the amount of reading and writing required by online assignments and discussions. Use the Student Online Readiness Tool (READI) to assess your readiness, your goals, and your learning preferences.
If you are undecided, talk to a UWG Online representative and to your family and friends. Will UWG Online help you achieve your academic goals? Will you have the time, technical resources, and moral support you need? If so, UWG Online might be one of the most rewarding experiences of your educational career.
Options for Getting Oriented
All new on-campus students to the University of West Georgia are required to participate in a campus orientation, before starting classes. Exceptions to this rule:
- Before students are allowed to enroll in any online eCore course, they are required to review this online eCore Orientation and submit a short quiz
- Students wishing to enroll in most other UWG online courses or programs may opt to review this UWG Online Orientation and submit an optional self-test
- Some full degree programs may have additional orientation requirements or options available. See the program descriptions available on the UWG Online homepage.
Prefer an all-in-one guide to online learning at UWG, technical requirements, and related student services?
See the UWG Online Student Guide
Want a one-on-one live orientation from a dedicated staff member? (academic courses only)
Talk to a UWG Online representative
Need help learning how to use our online learning management system or check out a demo course?
Go to http://westga.view.usg.edu/ /user name = guest_user / password = guest