Orientation for Online Courses

What you need to know before starting a fully online class.

Each instructor approaches class differently, but most require that you participate in some online interaction at least weekly. Some require participation at particular times or on specific days. Most instructors will have a ‘start here’ or ‘welcome’ button in their course to give you an introduction to the material and expectations.

Almost all classes have assignments due within the first week.

Each student registered in a fully online class should sign into the course and read the syllabus on the FIRST DAY OF CLASS – which is typically the first day of the semester or course period. To check semester start dates, check the University events calendar.

All students must have previously demonstrated they have the skills to navigate and use FerrisConnect prior to starting their fully online course. See below for the link to the online tutorial and quiz.

In addition to the technology needed, online learning uses different skills than a typical course. Find out more about both in ‘is online learning right for me’ below.

Technical support is available to students 24x7. The first place to contact is TAC at (877) 779-4822 or (231) 591-4822. If you are a ‘do it yourself’ person, you might also take a look at their quick help guides.

Required online learning tutorial

Ready to take an online class? First you need to complete our online tutorial, which will give you the FerrisConnect skills to be successful in your online class! The tutorial includes: how get to your course and where to start; how to find your way around the course; how to post discussion board threads...used in most online courses; how to upload your assignments; how to look up your grades; how to email your instructor or classmates. After completing this self-paced tutorial, you will take a quiz and submit your name as a completed! Please give our staff one to two business days to review your information and enter your completion status so that you can register for online classes.

The online learning tutorial takes less than two hours to complete, but will give you the skills you need to be successful!!

Access the online learning tutorial here.

Have you already taken several fully online classes from Ferris and been successful? If you believe you have the skills needed for an online class, and do not require any help in learning how to navigate through the courses, then you can submit a waiver form. We will verify your prior coursework and grades, and then allow you to register for online classes without completing the short tutorial. Please note that by submitting the waiver form you are indicating you know how to use FerrisConnect, and need no additional information to navigate through your online courses.

Want to check that we have recorded your orientation completion (or waiver submission)? Go to the "Academics & Services" tab in MyFSU, and click on "Test Scores." If you see a test score of '1' for Online Readiness, that means your completion has been recorded!

Is online learning right for me?

Are you considering a degree which is mostly or fully online? Online learning IS different, and there are some things you should know before getting started!

A successful online learner^* is:

Able to use a variety of new technologies with ease, especially online learning technology
Has strong interpersonal communication skills, especially verbal and written skills
Is able to read difficult text and reflect upon those readings individually
Is skilled in time management and organizational strategies
Understands and values collaborative learning in groups; can provide written feedback in a collaborative and positive manner
Has a strong desire to learn, and is able to learn from peers
Is self directed and able to manage their time on task

Not sure? Take this quick quiz to get some instant feedback on your skills and abilities as they relate to online learning.

In addition to the characteristics needed to be successful online, there are certain technology needs as well!

^*From The Online Learner: Characteristics and Pedagogical Implications by Nada Dabbagh from George Mason University.