technology

Tech-Wise Test Preparation

Most of the programs at UAMS have at least one board/certification exam, and scheduling some group review time is an effective test preparation strategy. Trying to explain a concept to someone else tells you just how well you understand the material. However, some students attend their classes online, and aren’t able to come to campus to meet with their peers. Using a tool like Google Hangouts is a great way to meet online to answer questions and review content. You can share your screen in a video call, which makes group test preparation sessions much easier to facilitate.

Up to 9 people can join your Hangout, which will accommodate most study groups. But, what if you wanted to host a larger review session? Maybe you wanted to combine with several study groups for a comprehensive test preparation session, or to share information about the exam. Is there a tool that could broadcast your session and allow more people to participate?

Test Preparation for a Bigger Audience

I recently learned about live reviews for AP exams in US History, European History, and Government hosted by Keith Hughes and Tom Richey using Hangouts on Air. The two teachers broadcast their discussion of AP exam topics through their YouTube channel. Students from all over the country joined the hangout, submitting their questions through Twitter and Instagram. The teachers had their students monitor the Twitter and Snapchat feeds, identifying questions for the teachers to answer. In addition, they were able to guide students to their video resources for more information about topics they should review before the exam. Using a platform like Twitter or Instagram as a backchannel for questions, comments, and suggestions allows more people to participate directly.

Google provides plenty of resources to help you get started with your own Hangout on Air. You can get started with step-by-step instructions on Google Help or by visiting the Google Help YouTube channel.

Whether you are a distance student or just looking for alternative ways to host group study sessions, Hangouts on Air can offer you options for large group test preparation.

Connect and Collaborate with Stoodle

The ability to work with others is a critical skill for academic and professional success. However, it can be difficult when you are separated from others due to schedules or geography. Online collaborative whiteboard services can help you connect with your classmates, a tutor, or a teacher at anytime from anywhere, but they are often costly, difficult to set up, and have limited capability for real-time communication. Stoodle was created to provide an alternative.

What is Stoodle?

According to the website, Stoodle is “the ultimate online learning experience”. Basically, Stoodle is a free online collaborative whiteboard service, designed for students, tutors, and teachers to share information. It is an excellent way to connect those with information to those who need it.

Stoodle is simple. It includes just the features needed to make online collaboration with a whiteboard effective and efficient. Those features include

Communicate in real-time through voice and text chat
Invite any number of people into the session
Add whiteboard pages easily
Share your whiteboard with others
Use basic drawing tools
Upload images

Stoodle is free, doesn’t require an account, and is incredibly easy to use. You go to the Stoodle website and click on Launch Classroom. Stoodle will ask for your name. Type your name in the box, click OK, and your whiteboard is prepared. Stoodle will remind you to send the URL to those you want to invite. It’s that easy. The video below by ER’s EdTech Tutorials gives an good overview of how to use Stoodle.

Stoodle Tutorial

Watch this video on YouTube

Why Use Stoodle?

Stoodle is such an adaptable tool that it can be used for many different purposes. It requires almost no set-up, so it’s ideal for impromptu review and brainstorming sessions or informal tutoring. Because Stoodle is free, it is open to everyone. It is also ideal for non-traditional students who would like to work with their classmates, but are separated by geography. The Stoodle whiteboards can be used for all kinds of process work, from brainstorming, creating concept maps for reviews, problem solving, or editing writing projects. And you can store your whiteboard sessions to review later.

Communicating with your peers shouldn’t be difficult. Whether you are a non-traditional student or taking classes in a face-to-face environment, Stoodle offers you the opportunity to connect with your classmates, a tutor, or a teacher at anytime from anywhere, at no cost. With real-time communication options, unlimited whiteboard pages, and the ability to save your whiteboard for review later, Stoodle is a terrific alternative to other online whiteboard services.

Master the Online Tools

Do You Know the Online Tools?

Whether you are an online student or taking classes in a traditional classroom, most, if not all, of your courses will have an online element. The most common is Backboard, the web-based learning management system used to host online courses and provide supplemental materials for face-to-face classes. But your instructors may use other web-based tools such as ExamSoft, O2, or blog sites, wikispaces, and Google apps to support teaching and learning. Whatever the tools, it is a good idea to become familiar with them and learn how they work before you need them to complete assignments or take a test.

Begin with Blackboard

Blackboard is a good place to begin, because your courses will likely have a Blackboard site. Check out your courses in Blackboard as soon as they are available to get the information you need to plan your semester. Then work your way through the following components.

Navigation

Instructors set up their Blackboard sites differently, so it is a good idea to navigate around the site to learn how things are organized and where information is stored. Chances are you will like some organizational systems better than others, but the key is not to be surprised when you go to find something. The more you explore the more you will master navigating through all of Blackboard’s features. Learn how your instructors label and use folders. Click on the discussion feature to see if your instructor will be using discussions in the course. You can learn a great deal by just touring the site.

Syllabus/Calendar

Two of the most important documents you need to access are the course syllabus and calendar. Don’t let yourself be surprised by the course schedule and requirements. Learn where the calendar and syllabus are, and download.

Course Content

Usually the course content folder or tab will contain most of the materials you need to complete the course. Remember that instructors organize information differently. Some may have everything organized into module sub-folders within a content folder, while others may simply have a series of links in the side navigation bar. This step will be easy if you take the time to navigate through the course.

Assignments/Assessments

Find the Assignments and Assessments folders and see what your instructor has posted. Often, instructors upload assignment instructions and rubrics. You will see how you are expected to turn in your assignments, and how the instructor will choose to administer quizzes and tests.

Blackboard Collaborate

If your instructor intends to have synchronous meetings online, you will see a link for Blackboard Collaborate. Learn how to join a Collaborate session and make sure your browser, virus protection, and software are up to date before you have to attend a scheduled meeting.

Identify Other Online Tools

Many instructors use other online tools in their courses, so learn what they are and become familiar with how they work. That way, you aren’t trying to learn new tools when deadlines become pressing.

Many instructors use ExamSoft for testing. The College of Medicine uses O2 to provide students with a calendar and a host of other information. Some instructors will use other web-based tools, apps, and websites in their courses. Find out what the tools are, and get to know them.

Site Support and FAQS

What should you do if you need help learning how to use the online tools? Support forums, tutorials, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) will help you get started or solve problems.

Blackboard

Blackboard Help Site

Blackboard Collaborate Requirements

ExamSoft Support

O2 (College of Medicine)

Student Success Center Tech Support

Mastering the online tools you will use in your courses is a good way to help maximize your time. Whether you are a traditional student or taking courses online, you will have to use a variety of online tools in your academic career. Whatever the programs or tools, it is best to know how they work before you need them.

6 Tips for Student Success

The start of a new academic year is filled with a sense of new beginnings, possibilities, and optimism. It’s a fresh start. It’s about what you can achieve as you strive toward academic excellence. It’s a chance to take control of your intellectual development and drive your professional success.

Now is the time to set yourself up for academic success. Here are six tips to help you start out on the right path.

1. Set Your Academic Goals

If goal setting isn’t part of your academic preparation, it should be. Goals provide structure in your academic life. Setting and prioritizing goals helps you to focus on what is most important and ignore other distractions. Without specific and realistic goals, you’ll find yourself making random decisions you may regret.

Set goals that are time-specific and measurable, so you will know when you have accomplished what you set out to do. Make sure you re-evaluate your goals on a regular basis. If things aren’t working, ask yourself what you need to change. Do you have to change your behavior? Would your goal be more achievable if you broke it down into smaller chunks? Is your goal realistic? Determining the answer to these questions will get you closer to achieving your goals.

2.Check the Technology Requirements

Several of the colleges and programs at UAMS require students to have a laptop. Therefore it is wise to understand what the technical requirements are before you start. Make sure your computer will work with Blackboard and any other online tools your instructor uses. You don’t want to waste time solving compatibility problems after your courses have started. Check the 2015 Laptop Buying Guide for more information.

3. Master the Online Tools

Access your courses in Blackboard as soon as they are available. Instructors set up their Blackboard sites differently, so it is a good idea to navigate around the site to learn how things are organized and where information is stored. Many instructors use online tools in their courses, so take the time to learn what they are and become familiar with how they work. That way, you aren’t trying to learn new tools when deadlines become pressing.

4. Employ Time Management Tools

Success at UAMS is dependent on time management. You have multiple courses, projects, exams, study groups, and deadlines, and keeping up with them can seem like a part-time job. To help you manage it all, get a calendar and combine it with a To Do list. I prefer to use an online calendar and to-do app that will sync across all my devices, but if you prefer a hard-copy calendar and to-do list, that’s fine too.

As soon as you can, download the schedules for all your courses and put all your assignments, projects, tests, and deadlines for all your courses on your calendar. This will show you when you are going to be the busiest. Break down your big projects into manageable chunks and work on them a little at a time so you aren’t overwhelmed when the deadline is upon you. Keep tasks on a To Do list and check them off when complete. Having a good system for your calendar and tasks will keep you organized and make your academic life much easier.

5. Sharpen Your Study Skills

Good study skills are a requirement for student success at UAMS. Even if you’ve never had to study much before, you will need strong study habits to meet the rigorous academic requirements at UAMS. Don’t wait until you are falling behind to develop you study skills. Take control and start now!

Preview what you have to do and prioritize your workload. Don’t try to cram for tests. Instead, spread your studying out over time. Organize the information and test yourself. Find someone from class to review with before a test. Try to select someone who doesn’t understand the material as well as you. Answering their questions will strengthen your own understanding.

6. Know Where to Find Help

At some point during your time at UAMS, you may need help. Become familiar with all the services that UAMS and the Student Success Center have to offer. You might find yourself falling behind in your courses or struggling to pass a class. Don’t wait to seek help. Go get the support you need right away.

Over the next six weeks we will be exploring these tips in more detail. Check back for more information and tools you can use to achieve more in your academic pursuits. And please, stop by the Student Success Center on the 3rd floor of the UAMS Library to discover more ways we are here to help you achieve academic excellence.