Early registration is open for the Summer 2013 semester, but Ferris State University
students interested in taking classes offered fully online must complete a tutorial
first.
The new prerequisite was added after students and faculty members indicated a need
for better understanding of learning platforms before taking classes offered solely
online, said Deborah Thalner, the university’s executive director of Online Learning.
“We have learned through survey responses from students who took online courses that
they have felt unprepared or struggled to navigate an online course successfully,”
said Thalner, who noted that in a similar survey of professors, 81 percent said students
would benefit from orientation to online learning platforms.
The E-Learning Management Advisory Team (E-MAT) developed, pilot-tested and implemented the online-course tutorial, which is designed
to better prepare students for success, she said. The tutorial covers how to use the
discussion board, submit assignments, view assignment grades, send email and messages,
and access classes within FerrisConnect.
Students who have already completed online courses from Ferris can submit a waiver
form. Those who have not can complete the Online Readiness Orientation tutorial in
60 minutes or less. Links to both are available here: www.ferris.edu/online.
Last updated: 01-21-2013
