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Remote Learners

The University has compiled these resources to help students transitioning to remote learning. As always, your first point of contact regarding your courses are your professors and advisor.  

On this page:

Technology for Learning Online

You’ll need to test your browser, internet connection, operating system, and some hardware to make sure your device can handle online coursework.

Chromebooks and iPads, for instance, may not have enough processing power and would not be suitable if your instructor requires proctored exams.

Here are some things you should do first:

For 24/7 IT Support, contact the Service Desk at 337-482-4357 or ithelp@louisiana.edu. 

Finding your course

All University of Louisiana at Lafayette courses use Moodle. Log in to find your courses in your Dashboard or under “My courses” at the top left of your screen.

If you don’t see your course by Wednesday, March 18, contact your instructor. It’s possible the course exists and simply hasn’t been made visible.

Moodle Overview

 

Moodle Overview

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Contacting your instructor

Unless your instructor has provided updated guidance, refer back to your syllabus to find your instructor’s preferred methods of contact.

Make sure to use your University email (ULID@louisiana.edu) to connect with instructors and other students. Include your ULID and course number on any emails to your instructors.

Participating in Online Discussions

Moodle Forums

Forums give you the opportunity to discuss course topics as you would in a classroom setting even when you and your classmates are logged in at different times. To make the most of these virtual discussions, follow these guidelines:

  • Post early.
  • Read others’ posts before making your own so you aren’t repeating each other.
  • Be clear and concise.
  • Follow grammar and punctuation rules.
  • Refer to others’ posts for context.
  • Explain your thoughts and arguments. 

Many of your discussions might be graded, so it’s important to:

  • Avoid casual text abbreviations (lol, ttyl, brb).
  • Don’t use ALL CAPS.
  • Don’t use sarcasm.
  • Avoid using too many exclamation points.
  • Be respectful.

Zoom

Your instructors may choose to use Zoom for real-time online class meetings and discussion or for office hours. Zoom allows users to log in to a web conference through unique meeting URLs. If your instructor provides a meeting ID, keep it handy just in case. Students do not need to download the Zoom app to participate in the meeting.  

VoiceThread

VoiceThread allows instructors and students to create and upload audio and video lectures or assignments. The platform also allows participants to comment and hold discussions. 

Learn about all the ways you will be able to use VoiceThread in your coursework as a remote learner.

Forum Netiquette

Students posting to online forums are still held to the University’s Code of Student Conduct. You’re expected to maintain a high level of professionalism and civility.

 

Netiquette

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Taking online exams

Taking exams online requires different preparation than simply studying course material. You should understand requirements for the exam (open or closed book), technical requirements, and time provided. 

Moodle Quizzes

Give yourself at least an hour before the test to make sure your computer is properly configured. 

Some Moodle quizzes are set with specific open and close times, giving you a window of time in which you must start and complete the exam.

Example:
This quiz opened at Friday, 22 June 2018, 9:30 AM
This quiz will close at Saturday, 23 June 2018, 9:30 AM

Don't wait until just before a quiz closes to start taking the quiz. A Moodle quiz or assignment must be completed and submitted before the closing time. You cannot trick the Moodle timer. If you navigate away from your quiz, you could be locked out of the exam. 

Learn more about Moodle quizzes.

Proctoring

Your instructors may require proctoring through ProctorU for exams to ensure academic honesty.

It’s vital that you test your equipment and make your proctoring appointment early to ensure a smooth experience and avoid extra fees.

Note: ProctorU will allow children under 8 in the room during an exam.

Learn more about proctoring on our Student Support page.

How ProctorU works

 

 

Online Library Resources

Electronic Resources

The library’s digital collections are available remotely 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Search digital collections, including research databases, electronic journals, and full-text e-books. View guides to resources and tutorials.

Reference Assistance

Interact with librarians through the “Ask a Librarian” service. It is accessible from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays. On weekends, the service is available from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and 2-9 p.m. on Sundays. Appointments are also available via email at reference@louisiana.edu. Librarians can set up calls or Zoom meetings.

Interlibrary Loan Services (ILL)

ILL is accepting requests for electronic journal articles, book chapters, theses, and dissertations. Materials will arrive in about 24 to 48 hours. ILL is unable to fill requests for physical items during the closure. ILL will not charge overdue fines for materials on loan from other libraries.

Circulation Services

Overdue fines for books and other library materials have been suspended and will not be charged. Please do not return books until Dupré Library resumes normal operations. Library staff will not be monitoring book drops. Email questions about borrowing physical materials, circulation rules, fines and renewals to circulation@louisiana.edu.

Monitor this page on the library’s website for potential changes to operating hours, events, and policies

Succeeding online

Learning online is a different experience than learning in a classroom, but your goals and objectives are still the same. To achieve those learning objectives, follow these steps:

Check your course frequently

Because you won’t be meeting your class face-to-face, it’s important to check your course in Moodle frequently for announcements, changes, updates, or discussion posts from classmates.

Similarly, check your University email daily for ongoing updates from the University.

Manage your time

Generally, a 3-credit course requires approximately nine hours of time per week (2-3 hours on content; 6-7 hours on other course components). Effectively managing your time to complete your assignments requires:

  • Making a study plan. Review your course syllabi and note when your assignments are due. Make a weekly schedule to stay on top of your coursework, discussions, and responses.
  • Designate a study space where you’ll feel comfortable working on coursework.
  • Set aside specific blocks of time throughout the week to work on your coursework and plan to have it completed, at the latest, the day before it is due.
  • Don't procrastinate.
  • Avoid distractions.

Effective Time Management

Self-Discipline

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Resources:

Downloadable Worksheet: Block Scheduler
External Site: Occupational Employment Statistics
External Site: Online Pomodoro Timer

Ask questions

If you don’t understand an assignment or something in your course, ask for clarification. Some courses may have a Q&A Forum for general questions about assignments or expectations. By using the forum, other students might also benefit from your question or can provide a response.

If not, email your instructor directly.

Academic Support and Tutoring

Remote Learners

This summer, the Learning Center will provide remote tutoring on numerous subjects through Microsoft Teams. All UL Lafayette students have access to Teams for free, along with the rest of the Office 365 suite.
 

Visit the Learning Center website for detailed instructions on making an appointment and what to expect during your virtual tutoring session.

Online Program students

Students enrolled in online and hybrid courses or programs have access to online tutoring services. If you are enrolled in a course that was online or hybrid prior to March 18, 2020, check your Moodle dashboard for a course labeled for tutoring help. Follow the instructions in that course to access these services. 

All UL Lafayette students

The Writing Center, supported by the English Department, has online services to support all students.

Access the Online Writing Center by self-enrolling in Moodle. After logging into Moodle, search for “UL OWC” or click on this link. Choose “Enrol Me” and the Moodle course will appear on your Moodle dashboard.

Students should expect a response to their submissions according to the following schedule.

Submitted anytime Monday > Response by 8 a.m. Wednesday

Submitted anytime Tuesday > Response by 8 a.m. Thursday

Submitted anytime Wednesday > Response by 8 a.m. Friday

Submitted anytime Thursday > Response by 8 a.m. Monday

Submitted anytime Friday > Response by 8 a.m. Tuesday

Submitted anytime Saturday > Response by 8 a.m. Wednesday

Submitted anytime Sunday > Response by 8 a.m. Wednesday

Visit the Writing Center website to learn more about accessing services..

Counseling

If you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, depressed, or anxious, counseling can provide a safe environment for you to explore and cope with those issues.

The UL Lafayette Counseling and Testing Center is offering free sessions by phone and in person. To schedule an appointment, call 337-482-6480 during regular business hours. The Center is open 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday.

Anyone feeling ill or who has fever must schedule a phone session.

Dropping or Withdrawing from Courses

The Office of the University Registrar has developed several remote processes for changing majors, withdrawing or resigning, or adding/dropping Term B courses.

Find instructions and more information on the Registrar's website. 

If you have additional questions not addressed on this page, contact us at online@louisiana.edu or 337-482-5555. A member of our student support staff will connect you with the right resources.