Once you have procured all the necessary course materials, your responsibility for doing the work of the course includes completing course assignments (see Preparing and Submitting Assignments), making sure the written assignments reach your mentor, identifying a proctor for your examination (see Examinations and Proctors), and studying for and taking your examination.

Online courses at Thomas Edison State College use the Blackboard delivery platform. If you are new to Blackboard, please take the time to familiarize yourself with the Blackboard learning environment and how to navigate it before you formally begin the course. If you know what to expect, where to go, and how to find things, you can better pace yourself and complete your work on time.

HOW TO PROCEED

For each online course you take, start by reviewing the General Information and Online Student Handbook links provided in the Information area of the course Web site. Then read the Course Syllabus so that you understand clearly the goals of the course and its organization. The syllabus typically consists of "Course Essentials" and a "Course Calendar" (or assignment schedule). Both components require your careful attention.

As you work on each unit of study (i.e., weekly assignment, lesson, or module), keep the following general sequence in mind:

• Skim the assignment and related course documents to acquaint yourself with the learning activities and materials. This will help you plan the time needed to complete the work required.
• Check the information on unit objectives, which will help you focus on key points in the reading assignments and the commentaries that accompany them.
• Read the assigned textbook sections and any study notes or commentary in the study guide.
• Do any relevant self-test exercises and check your answers.
• Prepare and submit all written work to your mentor (see the section Preparing and Submitting Assignments).
• Participate in all class and group discussions.

QUICK JUMPS

Use the following links to go directly to the principal sections of the Handbook:

• Introduction
  
  
• Contacting Your Mentor
  
  
• Course Materials
  
  
• Doing the Work of the Course
  
  
• Preparing and Submitting Assignments
  
  
• Examinations and Proctors
  
  
• Online Discussions
  
  
• Extensions
  
  
• Academic Integrity
  
  
• Academic Standards