Student Guide to Success at the UTMB School of Nursing UTMB School of Nursing
Trish Richard, RN, PhD, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Program and Education Technology
Overview
Welcome to UTMB School of Nursing Undergraduate, Master’s & Doctoral Programs and Courses Helpful Hints and Tips for Success
SON Programs
BSN Traditional BSN Accelerated BACC2 RN-BSN Track Baccalaureate Program Clinical Nurse Leader Family Nurse Practitioner & Post Master’s Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Program & Post Master’s Neonatal Nurse Practitioner & Post Master’s Executive Nursing Leadership Nurse Educator with Clinical Concentration Doctor of Nursing Practice Nursing PhD Program
Student Centered Learning
SON focuses on student centered rather than instructor/teacher centered learning. You are responsible for your learning The instructor:
essential guide professional resource will assist you as you move through the content
Digital/Virtual Resources
Adobe Connect Presenter Voice Thread
Microsoft Lync
Classroom lecture capture, replay from Blackboard
Smarthinking
Virual meetings/tutoring, audio & video, etc.
Tegrity
Voice over Powerpoint
Online tutoring, writing lab, etc.
Turn-It-In
Plagiarism detection resource
Characteristics of a Successful School of Nursing Learner
Successful learners at the SON are: highly motivated independent active learners self-starters and self-directed
Possess good organizational and time management skills Make school the priority for the duration of the program
Characteristics of a Successful School of Nursing Learner
Have discipline to study without external reminders Can adapt to new learning environments Have an ability to prioritize Have good stress management skills Competent regarding computer skills (word processing, email, etc.)
Planning to Study
Set times with your family and others so you can work on your courses Divide up chores with other family members to free up time for study Organize your schedule to include planned study time Try to capitalize on your high energy times of day Plan family activities each week to give them the attention they deserve
Develop a Study Plan
Look over the course requirements and assignments Look at how you can minimize your commitments Decide on a study schedule for each week. . . and then stick to it
Reading assignments Reviewing presentations Working on projects
Environment
Create a Study Environment Find a quiet, convenient workspace Inform your family of your goals and your study schedule, and ask that you not be disturbed while studying Try to avoid interruptions and distractions while you're "in class" or doing homework Reward yourself periodically for completing study tasks
Hints & Tips
Take advantage of the course orientation at the beginning of the semester. Classroom:
Course review content Clarify expectations
Online:
Digital & virtual resources Provides course content review Post messages to discussion board for clarification as needed
Hints & Tips
On-line activities Provide flexibility Provide additional resources
Be committed: willing and able to commit 3 hours per credit hour a week per course. Prioritize: you will need to make some life choices. Take the program and yourself seriously
Hints & Tips
Plan in advance - avoid last minute assignments Plan in advance for exams For off campus online exams: setup proctor and make arrangements in advance. Plan to take the first exam when technical support is available (Monday-Thursday, 8:00-6:00)
Communication
Clear and concise online or email communication is a challenge Adhere to online/email netiquette recommendations
O U O NO SHOUTING!!!!!
U O U
MMMM NO FLAMING!!! MMMM
Communication
Questions: Post to
Discussion Board:
course related issues discussion that would benefit classmates
Private
email or phone call:
questions of a personal nature
Do Not Post:
Information on social networking sites
Study Partners
Some tasks are best done alone, however… Partners can:
generate additional ideas suggest improvements share the work explain things from a different perspective for better understanding help to keep you motivated and on track
Take advantage of the ability to connect with other students. Be a good team member!
Apply What You're Learning
Look for ways to relate and apply the knowledge you are gaining
helps you put the theory into practice helps you understand how it relates to the real world
Develop your clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills
Apply What You're Learning
Use clinical time to:
become comfortable in the setting develop communication skills with other professionals and patients develop your decision making skills by assimilating data and discussing with nurses and faculty
Share experiences with your classmates and instructor You all can learn from each other!
Speak Up!
Take responsibility: to ask questions get clarifications to let the instructor know when something isn't working for you
Technology should be a tool not a frustration
Experiencing technical difficulty?
ASK FOR HELP! Contact information is provided: in the syllabus of each course Don’t wait until you get frustrated to ask for assistance. username and password issues – call helpdesk at 409-772-5200, 281-5541577 or 1-888-898-2401 other technical issues – use the technical support Discussion Board or email course secretary
Technical Support
Test your computer system and Internet access prior to the first week of the semester. SON technical support available during normal working hours (Monday through Friday, 8-6) Helpdesk available 24/7
Local: (409) 772-5200, (281)-554-1577 Toll free: 1-888-898-2401
UTMB School of Nursing Student Resources UTMB School of Nursing: http://nursing.utmb.edu/ UTMB Website: http://www.utmb.edu UTMB Intranet: http://intranet.utmb.edu/iutmb/ Blackboard: https://eclass.utmb.edu/ eCamp: http://son.utmb.edu/currentstudents/technology/ ecamp.cshtml Information Services: http://www.utmb.edu/is/ Username and password issues –
[email protected] helpdesk call 409-772-5200 or 281-554-1577 or 1-888-898-2401
Good Luck! And Enjoy the Journey!
