Online courses don’t meet in person. Instead, course content is delivered via
the
internet, TV, CDs or DVDs. There may be opportunities for live events like conferences or lectures
as well.
As an online student, keeping up with weekly assignments and deadlines is vital to your success.
Since your
class attendance isn’t tracked, assignments are used to determine how well you are completing the
course. If
you are not timely with your assignments, your grade will reflect that.
Classes are conducted through a learning management system, Moodle. This Unique learning
environment facilitated by Bluefield State faculty contains both material recorded during
in-person
classes and material created primarily for online courses. Students can use Moodle from anywhere
they can
connect to the internet.
Learn How to Get Started with BSU Email and Technology
Accessing Moodle
First log on to Bluefield State's campus portal, myBSU, using your Bluefield State username
and
password. If you’ve forgotten your username or password, you can reset it using the Forgot Password
link on
the login page of myBSU.
Once you’re in the myBSU system, you can find your course by selecting the Moodle
icon. Every
instructor designs their courses differently, and although there may be many similarities, be sure
to follow
all directions posted by your instructor whether in course materials, discussion boards or
announcement pages.
myBSU
Tips for Success
- Be organized. These courses do not meet in person. Therefore, you must use
the
syllabus and course outline to complete assignments by the deadlines listed. Mark your calendar
with test
dates. Recognize your due dates and schedule preparation days to stay on track. Plan several
hours per week
to read the text or materials, post questions and comments, and complete and submit assignments.
Each
instructor maintains the course structure and facilitates classroom expectations, which should
be spelled
out in the syllabus.
- Don’t procrastinate. Viewings, readings and assignments should be done
weekly. Don’t put them off until the last minute.
- Keep deadlines. Instructors may drop you from classes for failure to
complete
assignments. If you are not completing assignments in a timely manner, when grade time comes,
instructors
will be forced to give you an F (they are required to follow the university’s academic
regulations).
- Ask for help early and often. Ask questions. Communicate with the
instructor using
email if you are uncertain about anything. Most online courses are writing- and
reading-intensive, so
falling behind will have a negative bearing on your success. Use resources like Student Services
Center and
Smart Thinking™ to receive tutoring on subjects presented in the course.
- Practice. Practice any online activities such as glossary flashcards. Use
the study
guides and exam reviews that are posted on the homepage for each exam. Take practice tests,
if offered.
Most give immediate feedback and answers. When workshops are scheduled, try to attend them.
Rules for Online Conduct
The rules of conduct and the institutional policies laid out in the Bluefield State School Catalog and Student
Handbook apply to
online students as well as campus students.
A Computer System Use and Abuse Policy can be found in the handbook, which grants students the use of
lab and
online resources subject to university policies, local, state and federal laws. Such obligations are
suggested
but not limited to copyright, intellectual property rights, and academic honesty and ethics.
Online Learning Help Desk
Instructional Technology Center
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Phone: (304)-327-4057
Toll Free: 800-344-8892 or or 800-654-7798
Moodle
Phone: (304)-327-4545
Email: moodlesupport@bluefieldstate.edu
These services are part of the Instructional Technology Center and are available to anyone within the
Bluefield State student or faculty community.