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Home → TN eCampus Students → Getting Started in a TN eCampus Course → Semester Start Prep Tips
2.4. Semester Start Prep Tips
TN eCampus wants to help our incoming students be ready for starting a new semester by providing a few tips to get them off to a good start.
For ANY online class, you should:
- Have an updated computer with a working webcam and audio.
- Have a computer that can play and record video.
- Have a computer that will open all browsers (Chrome, Firefox, and Explorer or Safari) in their current versions.
- Feel comfortable navigating online in unfamiliar environments.
- Be prepared to dedicate additional time to learning and familiarizing yourself with your course environment.
- Feel comfortable researching and solving problems independently.
- Feel at ease communicating with your instructor.
- Be able to use common computer software programs for completing assignments such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, etc. (Note: most of our partnering schools can provide free access to these programs. Check with your home school for assistance.)
- Be able to resolve/communicate problems using computer screenshots or snipping tools.
- Commit 3 hours of study time per week per credit you are enrolled. For example, a 3-credit class would require 9 hours of study time per week. A 12-credit hour load = 36 hours of study time; almost the same as a full-time job.
- Have a dedicated space and time to read and study your course materials.
- Provide disability accommodation documentation to your instructor at the beginning of the semester, if needed.
Virtual tutoring resources will be available to you once you are logged into your class. Your home school should also have tutoring available. We encourage you to take advantage of these resources.
Please address any issues with your instructor early in the semester. If you continue to have problems that cannot be resolved, you can contact your Student Liaison (new window) at your home institution as well as the Student Success team by emailing tnecampus@helpspot.com or texting (615) 933-5436.
Special Tips for BIOL 2010 and BIOL 2020 Students
These biology course(s) are Gateway courses. According to the University of Texas at San Antonio, “Gateway Courses are generally courses that are necessary for students to progress through their chosen major and are usually those courses which contain material in which a student needs a clear-cut comprehension in order to be successful in completing other course requirements for the major.”
Students in the TN eCampus BIOL 2010 and BIOL 2020 classes are being prepared for future healthcare careers.
Here are some additional tips for students in our BIOL 2010 and 2020 courses:
- Add additional study time into your week – at a minimum of 3 more hours than standard. Since Biology classes are 4-credit courses (each), this would equate to 15 hours (12 hours base + 3 hours more) a week. If you are taking both (not recommended), 30 hours minimum a week.
- You will have online proctored exams. Your instructor will provide instructions in the class for this; however, be prepared to have a dedicated quiet space to test.
- Review ALL course material. Anything in the class, whether from the textbook, PowerPoint slides, images, lectures, etc. at any point, can be on an exam.
- It is best to view these classes on a desktop/laptop computer.
- Develop online study groups with classmates early in the semester for weekly reviews.
- Your textbook will be available as a PDF embedded in the class. If you want a physical copy of the book, you can order it from the Virtual Bookstore (new window).