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Alongside subject tutoring, writing support, academic coaching, and accessibility resources the CAE offers strategies for how to navigate online learning. Much of this information originates from the Success for Remote Learning article on Drew’s Academics page and the Learning Remotely article from the University Technology page.

Remote Learning Strategies

Practice with the Technology

Drew online classes will use Moodle to organize course materials and Zoom class meetings to facilitate seminar discussions and collaborative work. Technical assistance for Drew’s Remote Learning technology is available. Here are several suggestions for making the most of your synchronous Drew Zoom learning experience:

  • Join the Zoom class from a computer (with a video camera), one participant per computer.  As you will need to open documents, participate in chat, and join breakout groups, it is not possible for you to participate in class fully from a phone or tablet alone. If joining via phone or tablet, you will need an additional device to simultaneously access class documents.
  • All participants are encouraged to have their cameras turned on so that the class is a face-to-face experience for everyone.
  • If possible, you should join Zoom classes from a quiet, adequately-lit room without distractions. If you are uncomfortable Zooming into class from your home, please find a safe, private space from which to join the Zoom classroom. You may also hang a sheet to provide a neutral background when Zooming into class with the camera turned on.
  • When in the Zoom room, students will need to learn and utilize features that manage classroom participation. For example, you may need to mute your microphone when you are not speaking. Use the chat and raise your hand features of Zoom to join the conversation when others are speaking.
  • Consider using headphones that have a microphone built into the cord as this will maximize your listening and speaking participation.

Ask questions through email, during office hours, and while in class. Get to know netiquette expectations to maximize positive relationship building between you and your faculty as well as with your peers.

You may have more flexibility, but the demands of course work within a remote learning environment can be a challenge. Set aside consistent blocks of time to complete coursework and identify a location that will be most conducive for working effectively. A great way to develop more structure or develop your remote study habits is to work with an Academic Coach. Remote academic coaching appointments can be made using WCOnline, the Center’s appointment scheduler.

You may be spending more time online than you did prior to attending classes remotely. Because of this, try to avoid digital overload and schedule breaks like taking a walk, talking with friends, or taking a short nap.

This list of  remote learning strategies has been adapted from Amherst College.

Further Drew University Support for Academic Success

Research & Additional Library Support

Library services and materials are available remotely. Use Ask A Librarian (i.e., chat or email) for expert help with research strategies and sources. The chat service is available from the library website and from Moodle. Use ScholarSearch from the library’s website for access to online information resources, including databases, journals, and e-books.  For Drew-owned materials not already available in digital form, the library can provide a scan or can retrieve items from the stacks for contact-free pickup by appointment. For research with archives and other primary sources, Special Collections and University Archives offer virtual consultations by appointment, research assistance via email, and scanning.

For more information about library services for remote learning, please visit the library online service page.

You may find it helpful to review information on the University Technology’s Learning Remotely page such as:

In addition to the above resources, learn more about some things you might need to do while learning from off-campus. Please note this page is a work in progress and will be updated as quickly and often as possible.

Wondering if there is a problem others are seeing with Zoom that might explain something you see? Check the Zoom status page for information from their team, and feel free to create a ticket by emailing helpdesk@drew.edu.

Whatever your Drew University related technology needs or question please reach out. Questions can always be directed via email (helpdesk@drew.edu) or by calling the Helpdesk at 973-408-4357 (HELP). Current hours are listed to the left. You will also see a link to an ITC Chat, which can be used for questions regarding Zoom or Moodle.

Use Moodle, Drew’s Learning Management System, to view course materials and class announcements, participate in forums or take quizzes, and see grades (if your professor is sharing them).

Learn more at Introduction to Moodle for Students.

Wondering if there is a problem others are seeing with Moodle that might explain something you see? Check the Moodle status twitter page for information from their team, and feel free to create a ticket by emailing helpdesk@drew.edu.

You will certainly be working with text documents, potentially spreadsheets, and possibly even slide presentations during the course of your work. Drew recommends the use of either the Office suite of products (free to install for Drew students) or the Google suite (also free to the Drew community).

For both real-time and asynchronous collaborative editing, Google Drive is the easiest solution.

At some point, you will have to share work you are creating for class. You should check with each professor for information about how they want work shared or submitted, but here are some general reference pointers.

Please be aware that in the online learning environment, as in the campus classroom,  you are expected to adhere to the highest academic standards. The faculty-student relationship is central to the Drew experience, and academic dishonesty violates the trust of this relationship and goes against the ethos/character of Drew.

Any case of academic dishonesty will be dealt with according to the guidelines and procedures outlined in the academic policies section of the catalog:

In an online environment, academic policies indicate that you are also expected to:

  • seek permission if video capturing a course, a faculty member, or a student
  • use only allowable resources on exams or other related assignments
  • refrain from using professional online tutoring services for exams or similar assignments
  • submit only work that is generated by you for evaluation or grading purposes

Breaches of the academic integrity policy tend to happen when students are feeling unprepared and overwhelmed.  We urge you to speak your instructors or advisers if you are feeling this way. Asking for help is the best option!

Here is a list of other services and resources on campus that you may find helpful during your remote learning.