Tips+for++engaging+in+the+online+course


 * Tips for successful engagement in the course **

Your instructor is not the only source of information in your course. With classmates representing FAO and its national food security partners in over 15 countries, you can gain great insight from your peers and they can learn from you as well.
 * 1. Be open-minded about sharing life, work, and educational experiences as part of the learning process – and PARTICIPATE! **

Contribute your ideas, perspectives, and comments, and share your experiences in the design and implementation of impact assessment for food security programs. And respond to classmates' ideas and questions in the discussion forums. Keep in mind the minimum of 3 required contributions by each participant to the discussion forum each week.

With the freedom and flexibility of the online environment comes responsibility. Online is not easier than the traditional educational process; it takes a real commitment and discipline to keep up.
 * 2. Be self-motivated and self-disciplined. **

If possible, it is recommended that you log onto your course a minimum of **3-5 days a week**. Once you get into the online system, you will be eager to see who has commented on your postings and read the feedback of your instructor and peers. You will also be curious to see who has posted something new that you can comment on. If you let too many days go by without logging on to your course discussion group, you will get behind and may find it difficult to catch up.

However you choose to distribute the time, it is estimated that a **10 hours per week** time commitment will be required to effectively engage with the subject matter and successfully complete the required assignments for this accelerated course.

Many of the non-verbal communication mechanisms that instructors use in determining whether learners are having problems (confusion, frustration, boredom, absence, etc.) are not possible in the online paradigm. If you are experiencing difficulty with the course on any level (technology or course content), communicate this immediately by posting to the discussion forum or contacting a member of the facilitation team directly.
 * 3. Be willing to "speak up" if problems ari **** se. **

The preferred communication medium is a computer with internet connectivity. If you will not have access to a computer with a strong internet connection during the course, materials will also be made available on a USB disk. You will still need to electronically submit your assignments (through the course platform or by email) by the given deadlines.
 * 4. Have access to a computer and internet connectivity -- or access the course materials through the **** USB **** disk. **

One of the biggest advantages of the online format is that you can pursue your studies without the judgments typical in a traditional classroom. Unless you are using video conferencing, no one can see you--there are no stereotypes and you don’t have to be affected by raised eyebrows, rolled eyeballs, other students stealing your thunder, or people making other non-verbal reactions to your contributions. You don’t have to feel intimidated or upstaged by classmates who can speak faster than you because you can take all of the time you need to think your ideas through and compose a response before posting your comments to your class. The testing and challenging of ideas is encouraged in a learning environment; you will not always be right, just be prepared to accept a challenge.
 * 5. Think your ideas through before responding. **

**6. Be polite and ensure your interactions are guided by the UN principles of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity.** Remember, you are dealing with your peers on the other end of your modem. Being polite and respectful is not only common sense, it is absolutely obligatory for a productive and supportive online environment. As ever in the UN environment, your interactions should be guided by the principles of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity – and a commitment to continuous learning.

Staying up with the class and completing all work on time is vital. Once a learner gets behind, it is very difficult to catch up. **To receive the certificate for the completion of the course, participants must complete the 3 assignments** (1 per week) by the indicated deadlines.
 * 7. Complete your assignments on time **

**8. Apply what you learn.** Through the development of case studies based on FAO Food Security Programs shared by participants, the course is designed to allow you to apply everything you learn as you learn it, so that you will remember it more readily. At the same time, think about your own work and the programs you are currently involved with, and try to make connections between what you are learning and how you will apply it to your work. Contributing advice or ideas based on an application of the subject matter to your perspective and context helps you to internalize what you are learning. Your classmates may also say that it also counts for them, as they will gain valuable insight from the experiences you share.

Remember that the exchange initiated in this course can also contribute to the development of ongoing professional relationships and networks with your peers, for continued support and exchange.
 * 9. Create lasting networks and connections with your peers. **