This may be a student's first experience with online learning. The first one or two weeks often involve a significant learning curve as students work with technical support to solve compatibility issues, download and install needed plug-ins, and learn how the particular tools for the course will be used. Building a technology walk-through and telling students where to get help will ease startup headaches for everyone.

Many instructors use orientation pages and technology walk-throughs to help students test their systems and ensure they can complete the course from the technical perspective. The first week's assignment might include completing a quiz on how to use the tools needed to complete your course. Conditions can be set to allow access to the course material. Such an approach prevents students from using technology issues as an excuse later in the course.

Well-done technology walk-throughs have been proven extremely helpful.

Examples might include:

• be sure they download, install, and can use the appropriate media player
• set up a "Meet Me" forum and require students to post a self introduction
• set up an introductory assignment using a drop box
• assign them to go to chat and meet someone

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