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Online Learning @UWG

Programs & Opportunities

100% Online Education, 100% of the time: An interview with David Jenks, Criminology Professor and Chair. Dr. Jenks shares what’s new and what to look forward to for those interested in Criminology and completing a Bachelor’s degree 100% online at UWG. Check out our video: Introducing Criminology

An Additional Point: WGTC Criminology students catch a break when transferring to UWG ! Read All About It

Go UWG Mobile App

Connect to UWG on-the-go! Select your mobile device and begin getting organized and gaining access to all things UWG!

Important Dates!

Thinking Ahead...

3/26 Registration for Summer classes begins(except eCore)

4/1 Registration for eCore Summer classes begins

4/9 Deadline to sign up for proctored exams for eCore classes

4/21 Final exams begin

4/28 Spring graduation ceremony (Time TBA)

4/30 Payment due for Summer 2012 classes

5/7 Summer I classes begin

6/4 Summer II, Summer III, and Education Session classes begin

7/2 Summer IV classes begin

Additional Important Dates for Distance Students

eCore Academic Calendar

Important Dates from the office of the Registrar

Tips for Success

Easy to Remember, Easy to Use!

Extra support to boost your online learning study habits: Getting started with SmarThinking! SmarThinking has the online tutoring, writing services, and homework help that students need to succeed. Tutors are available up to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in a variety of subjects. See here for more details!

Check out these student testimonials: Best Practices. With increased freedom and flexibility comes responsibility: independence, self-discipline and motivation are integral to a positive online educational experience. These student shared experiences and tips may help you where you need help most!

Atomic Learning provides online training resources to show you “how do I do that” through a library of thousands of short, easy-to-understand tutorial movies and “how do I apply that” training.

UWG Online Student Services Wiki

Check out our Wikipage for an evolving list of resources and tools!

Ingram Library: Check out Distance Learning Support in the Menu on the left-hand side of this page. All Distance Education Students are entitled to receive library support services from the Distance Learning Library Services Office.

Free Software Downloads

Check it out: free quick and easy tools and resources!

Loosen Up! Enjoy a word or two from those who offer something to share: check out Lifehacker.com! We think the ‘What We Use’ feed may be helpful; let us know what you think!

Test Anxiety: Measure your level of anxiety and learn how to manage with some vital, positive tips!

Students Speak

Listen Up!

This segment is about the student: your online educational experience and perspective. Tell us your story here; your story is important to us!

Check out the Live Interview!

  After high school I attended UMASS in the Fall of 1991. In 1992 I worked a number of jobs in NYC, including doorman and bartender until landing a job with Sprint Communications as a maintenance technician. I moved to Georgia in 2002, staying with Sprint as a service assurance technician. In 2010 I was moved from Sprint to Ericsson, and kept the same position. In the Fall of 2010, I began taking classes again, this time at UWG. I continue as a full time employee and a part-time student.

  I chose UWG as the school for me for several reasons. For example, it’s the closest fully accredited university to Newnan, Georgia and the online classes fit my schedule better.

  With the idea of a traditional student being a 4 -year student straight out of high school, I can be described as a non-traditional student in many ways. I’ve come to believe that going back to school after living a little, out in the “real world”, is really one of the best ways to appreciate school. I am currently pursuing a degree in Business. So far, the courses are close to self-paced; I enjoy being able to log-in and work when I have the time to do so.

  I have come to believe that UWG needs to provide a more robust fully online list of degrees and programs. I would also very much like to see some classes geared to older, non-traditional students; the majority of classes that I have had seemed to be geared towards younger students.

  Depending on how much online programs expand here at UWG, I will continue to pursue my degree here. I have enjoyed my experiences at the university so far.

-Jeremy Morenzi

Student Steam

Express Yourself!

The purpose of this segment is to provide online students with real and genuine student insights. Our goal is to provide answers and tips that will help meet your unique needs.

If you would like to include a comment or question, fill out the following form; a pseudonym will be applied to your submission. Published comments will be chosen randomly and Sara will work to provide the best answer possible! As always, give our office a call if you have any questions.

Dear Sara,

I am taking three courses online this semester and I love it! It gives me the flexibility to learn and complete coursework whenever I have the time, versus a set time and traveling to school for class meetings. Although I miss the person to person interaction, it has been working out great for me!

-Susan Smith

Susan,

I’m so glad that you are loving your online classes. There are several ways to get around the perceived lack of person-to-person interaction that can make your online learning experience even more rewarding. Of course, there is always the option to communicate online through CourseDen via the chat and email features, but one thing to try out is video conferencing. Some examples of video conferencing options are Skype and Google+ (see Hangouts), both of which are free. All you’ll need is a webcam and a headset with a microphone if you don’t have a computer with both already integrated, but these can be found for a very reasonable price at places like WalMart or Staples. There’s also options to use social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to keep in contact with classmates.

Sincerely,

Sara

A Word from the West

A Student Service Announcement

UWG Online is here to support your educational experience, including students’ individual and unique needs.

While successful online students pro-actively seek solutions to technical or logistical challenges, it is also important that you speak up and ask for assistance when needed. This is where we come in!

Our offices are open from 8a-5p, Monday through Friday; if you are seeking technical or best practices support, navigating CourseDen or just have a general question and are unsure of whom to call, give us a ring!

You may also visit us in person if you choose to come on-campus. We are located in the College of Education, room 243B, on the second floor. However, we will always try our best to fully service your needs from a distance, whether by phone, email, screen share, or video conference.

This newsletter is specifically geared towards online student experiences and needs. If you have questions, suggestions, or comments, please call or email Rhea Wojcik at 678-839-5247/rheaw@westga.edu.

We look forward to hearing from you! Our goal is to provide easily accessible student-driven information and resources to help support your online educational experience!

Social Media

Like us on Facebook: UWG Online

Join our Facebook Group: UWGO Together Student Community

Phone Survey Opportunity!

Tell us how we’re doing! By participating and filling out this form you will be entered in a raffle to receive free online learning goodies! 

Click here for the full, PDF version.