Online Classes

Each winter, Stony Brook offers a wide variety of online classes that provide current and visiting students opportunities to continue their studies utilizing virtual classroom technologies (typically Blackboard). Connecting via the Internet, students receive instruction, discuss issues with their instructors and classmates, submit assignments, and actively participate in their classes.

Preparing for Online Learning

Being a Successful Online Student

While online courses are convenient and flexible, they also requires a combination of skills to succeed academically. Students must be self-motivated, disciplined and have strong time-management skills:

1. Before the intersession begins, read over the syllabus carefully, and make note of due dates for required daily/weekly assignments. Understand the expectations of the course before it begins, and make sure that you can effectively budget your time accordingly, balancing your studies with work, family and personal obligations. It is especially important to avoid falling behind in required assignments in a short, 3-week term, so be sure develop a plan on how you'll stay on track for the duration of the course.

2. Online students must feel comfortable expressing themselves in writing, as some classes only require written assignments (while others combine essays with other forms of assessment like online quizzes).

3. Be proactive in asking and responding to questions from your instructor, as well as other students. Unlike a large traditional classroom, there's no hiding in an online classroom environment, and staying engaged in the learning process (including asking for help when you need it!) is especially important.

4. Online learning does not mean you'll be on your own, working independently. Many online courses require group projects, interactive discussion boards, and instant chat. Building relationships with your peers (even in an online environment) can help you build a network of support and be more successful in your studies.

5. Online students must be comfortable with their computers, and have access to a reliable high-speed internet connection. They must have knowledge of word processing software, web browsing and e-mail, know how to download and install a program from the web, and in some courses, know how to upload items from the PC to the web or have other technical expertise. Course descriptions will note if students are required to have a higher level of computer ability.

6. Review your syllabus to see which learning platform(s) your course will use, and test your connections to them before the intersession begins. If enrolling in a fully online course while in another nation, determining your access to all course materials in advance is especially important.

7. Make sure you have access to a good study environment, free from distractions like television and video games.

8. Focus on your course work. It is easy to get distracted while working in an online environment, and tempting to browse unrelated websites and social media platforms. While it's important to take breaks from time-to-time, be wary of online distractions that obstruct productive learning.

9. Keep your behavior professional, and treat your instructor and peers with respect. Even in an online environment, students are still expected to abide by Stony Brook's code of conduct, and bullying, intimidating, or threatening others will not be permitted.

10. Some courses may require in-person examinations at Stony Brook University or an off-site facility. Be sure to read over the notes on your course in the SOLAR System at the time of registration.

Blackboard

Most online Winter Session courses (though not all) use Blackboard, Stony Brook University's learning management system (LMS). Blackboard includes a variety of features that allow instructors and students to do anything from uploading course documents, to posting an announcement, to collecting and grading assignments. Blackboard is available 24/7, from any computer with internet access. Instructors of online courses frequently use Blackboard to:

Post online announcements
Post course content (ex: syllabi, videos, podcasts, handouts, presentations, etc.)
Send e-mails to students
Pose questions for online discussions
Collect and grade assignments/assessments
Manage your grades and/or make them visible to you
Create groups for discussions and projects
And much more...

Blackboard Mobile
Blackboard's Learn App can be downloaded on many smartphones and tablets:

Video Tutorials

Blackboard Learn: For Students: Complete series of short video tutorials to help students use the various Blackboard Learn tools to be successful online.
Working in Your Course: A playlist to help students learn how to access course content, take tests, turn in assignments, and other course related activities.
Staying Organized and Communicating: A playlist to help students use course tools to communicate and and manage course work.
Setting Your Preferences and Environment: A playlist to help students customize their Blackboard experience and set their preferences.

Student Resources

Academic and Transfer Advising Services: Have questions about choosing the right course? Contact an advisor today.
Amazon: Order your books before classes begin.
Bursar: For help with billing and payment.
Counseling and Psychological Services: CAPS staff are available by phone, day or night.
Disability Support Services: Students in need of special accommodations should contact DSS.
Library: Access to online databases, electronic journals, eBooks, and more!
Registrar: Having a registration issue? Let us know.
Writing Center: Students are able to schedule face-to-face and online appointments.

Technical Assistance

Students that need help with Blackboard or any other technical issues related to their online course can contact DoIT's Service Desk , M-F 9am - 4:30pm at 631.632.9800 or submit a ticket online at: service.stonybrook.edu

Blackboard is Stony Brook University's learning management system (LMS), which allows instructors to supplement face-to-face classes, or launch online classes. Blackboard includes a variety of features that allow instructors to do anything from uploading course documents, to posting an announcement, to collecting and grading assignments. For students, Blackboard offers an easy way to contact instructors, download and access course documents, and check grades.

Academic Info