Tips and Ideas

Organize with folders

Create a new folder on your computer for each week or module in your course. All assignments you submit to D2L should also be saved to your computer in the appropriate folder. This will help you study for exams and stay organized so you can quickly find the assignments you are working on.

Backup, backup, backup

Computers crash, the power can go out, and your devices can be lost or stolen. Keep all projects and assignments on TWO types of devices. (Your computer and a flash drive; Your flash drive and a CD Rom; etc) Always save your work often in case of a power failure. 

You may also want to look at cloud based backup solutions. There are many services such as Carbonite that work completely in the background to save your data off site. Once the data is saved to the cloud it can be accessed through any computer or smartphone. In the event of a major catastrophe (floor, fire, theft, etc.) you know you data is safe and retrievable.

It would be wise to compose lengthy discussion postings into a Word document, saved to your computer, and then copy/paste the text into D2L when you're ready to submit. Should your computer lock up or the power flicker, you will have a Word document on your computer with your original text. 

Utilize Netiquette 

The following core rules of netiquette are available online at http://www.albion.com/netiquette/. The Core Rules of Netiquette are excerpted from the book Netiquette by Virginia Shea. Please visit this website which elaborates on the following rules.

  • Rule 1: Remember the Human.
  • Rule 2: Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life.
  • Rule 3: Know where you are in cyberspace.
  • Rule 4: Respect other people’s time and bandwidth.
  • Rule 5: Make yourself look good online.
  • Rule 6: Share expert knowledge.
  • Rule 7: Help keep flame wars under control.
  • Rule 8: Respect other people’s privacy.
  • Rule 9: Don't abuse your power.
  • Rule 10: Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes.

The above rules of netiquette are built into every course here at Mercy College, and strict adherence is expected. Each of you will work with and support the same peers throughout your educational journey here at the College. After all, you never know when you might have to work with a certain person again, perhaps as part of a group. College is all about building bridges and forming relationship’s with individuals whom you may need to use as a reference or point of contact sometime in your professional or personal life.