Now that I'm two-thirds of the way through my MSA program at the University of Phoenix, I'm ready to share more than just complaints, observations, and the occasional whine. I'm offering some sage advice.
This first installment isn't the most important set of tips, but it does make your near-daily posting to the online forum more efficient. In the Forums menu to the left of your screen in your OLS, you will see a Preferences option:
Click on Preferences. It will open a new window with a dialog with some important features:
Here's where you need to pay attention to detail. Every setting is useful, some more so than others.
First, set your display name. This is the name that will show on all your posts.
Second, decide what font size and type you want to use all the time. You can always make formatting changes later for special cases; bear in mind that sans-serif fonts are best for viewing on computer monitors, so keep things easy on yourself, your fellow stundents, and most importantly, your facilitator that will be grading you by using a reasonably-sized sans-serif font.
Third, enable auto spell check. This will automatically generate a dialog box when you submit a post, which will ask you to approve spelling changes. Read over each suggestion carefully; the spell checker is not always right.
Fourth, choose to compose your message in a new window. This will keep you from top-posting, which annoys most facilitators. If you want to quote another post, just copy and paste the relevant portion.
Fifth, apply a signature. This will automatically add anything you choose to your posts. It helps to add contact information in case your team members need to get in touch with you via any means that you know will be quicker than the forum or your student email.
Now, click on the Organize Messages tab:
This section will allow you to quickly spot the most important posts on the forums, namely those of your facilitator and your own. Choose a color other than blue, which is the default color for all contributors. I like a dark red for the facilitator, and light green for my own. Select the facilitator's name from the drop-down box, then select the color, then click on Apply Color. Do the same for your own posts, and then for any students whose posts you find especially insightful. You won't always have time to read every post, believe me.
Next up: essential resources for tackling your first writing assignment!
