Tips and Tricks to be Successful in an Online Course

If you're taking Winter classes this session, you might be taking an online course. If you are, we have some tips for you on how to be successful taking your online course.

We made a video. You can watch it here.

If you would rather read the tips, follow the jump.

Gear Up for 2017 Fall

Here are some answers to common questions to help you get ready for the upcoming semester!

	Can’t see your courses? Students aren’t added to Fall courses until August 17th. After that, if you add a course in MyHusky, it takes 24-48 hours for you to be added to the course in BOLT. Students won’t see courses until instructors make them active in BOLT, and some instructors won’t use BOLT. If you have questions about when your instructor is giving you access to BOLT, please contact your instructor.
	Can’t login to BOLT? BOLT uses your HuskyID credentials. If you can’t login to BOLT, try logging into your email. If you can’t login to your email, you may need a password reset. If you can, are you a transfer or Grad student? They don’t have access until August 17th!
	Using Clickers? If you are in a course using clickers, register your clicker via the Clicker Registration link in BOLT (under University Resources). You MUST register via the link.
	Need help in BOLT? We have 24/7 technical support from our vendor that can be accessed via the Support Portal widget in BOLT. Click through the widget to access live chat support, email support, and a knowledge base. Telephone support is available at 1-866-921-0473. We also have a student blog at http://bloomuboltstudents.blogspot.com. We maintain student support information at https://intranet.bloomu.edu/imdc-bolt-student, and have a YouTube channel with video tutorials at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV32JrmLma4pJ4F_SE_MJrg.
	Using Proctoring? If your instructor is using Respondus LockDown Browser, download it via our link: http://www.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=666246493 If your instructor is using ProctorU, check out our student guide: https://tinyurl.com/y8t4u3ky

Coming Soon to BOLT: Video Notes

In 2016 Fall, your instructors will have use of a new tool in BOLT called Video Note. Instructors may choose to include Video Notes in their course materials, or as feedback for work you submit. 

Be sure to watch any video content your instructors include in your courses for you!

BOLT Tips: End of Semester

An End of Semester Checklist... for BOLT!

	Back up course materials and assignments. Download files and submissions you want to keep. (You can use Binder to save course content!)
	Update ePortfolio. Update your ePortfolio to inlcude any learning artifacts you want to showcase from this semester. If you are graduating, export your ePortfolio. See the Did you know you can create an EduDentity account and export your ePortfolio to myDesire2Learn?
	Be prepared to take any finals in BOLT. Think ahead and be sure to know what time the exam or dropbox will be available in BOLT. Don't wait until the last minute to attempt your exams or submit to a dropbox. Contact BOLT Support immediately if you have any issues while taking an exam on BOLT.
	Know how long you'll have access to your courses in BOLT. Ask instructors how long you have to access their course in BOLT so you can download your work or any course content you want to save. If you are graduating in 2016 Spring, you will have access to BOLT with your Husky ID until approximately February 20, 2017.

2015Winter Courses in BOLT

The 2015Winter session begins December 14, 2015.

TIP: You will not begin to see your 2015Winter courses in BOLT until December.If you don't see your 2015Winter course in BOLT  and you haven't heard from your instructor, ask your instructor if they are using BOLT for class!

BOLT Session Start Tips

• Make sure you can login to your Bloomsburg University email with your HuskyID. If you can't access your email, try to reset your password or contact the Help Desk at (570)389-4357. 
• After December 1, access BOLT using your HuskyID and find your Winter courses in the My Courses widget on the right of the My Home page. If you don't see a course you're registered for listed, it may be because:
• You just added the course. Courses take 24-48 hours to show up in BOLT after you add them in ISIS.
• The course is inactive. Instructors need to activate courses before students can access them. Some instructors don't use BOLT so they don't activate the course. 
• Watch your Bloomsburg University email for messages from your instructors. They may be sending you important information about your course(s) in the weeks leading up to the Winter session.