Getting Ready to Succeed Online
Tip 1: Make a realistic assessment of your skills before you start an online class.
Are you an independent learner? Success in online classes requires that you be a self-starter, that you are motivated, and that you generally see tasks through to completion.
Are you a good problem solver? Online classes present different challenges than face-to-face classes, but challenges nonetheless. What will you do if your hard-drive crashes during the course? What will you do if your ISP isn’t available the day an assignment is due? How can you complete group work when you don’t know anyone in the class?
Are your computer skills up to par? You will have more enjoyment and more success if you can concentrate on the course content without worrying about how to perform the inevitable technical tasks.
Tip 2: Be well-equipped with technology tools. “To do good work, one must have good tools.” This Chinese proverb sums it up well. Online students need an email account and a dependable Internet Service Provider (ISP). Consider high-speed Internet access—especially if your course will have a lot of graphics, video files, or require online interactivity such as learning games or synchronous chats. Be absolutely certain you have access to the required software and a reliable computer that meets the minimum requirements for the online class.
Helpful Habits for Online Students
Tip 3: Log in to the course early and often.
Familiarize yourself with the course and know where you can find assignments, protocols, and resources. Check back frequently so you don’t miss important announcements and don’t make avoidable mistakes.
Tip 4: Establish a class routine.
Make a study plan. Just as you make time to go to a face-to-face class, do the homework, visit the library, you must make time for an online class.
Set up a comfortable, well-equipped, and well-lit study area.
Set aside an interruption-free study time. Turn off your email alarm and the ringer on your phone. Make a “Do Not Disturb” sign if necessary.
Tip 5: Communicate!
In the online environment, most of your communication will be through reading and writing.
If it’s important to read the directions in a face-to-face class, it’s doubly important online.
Read course materials and instructions for assignments very carefully to save yourself (and your instructor!) needless aggravation. Regularly read your email so others in class can get in touch with you.
Read discussion board or forum postings by other students to fully participate in the online conversation. Be certain your own postings make meaningful contributions to discussions.
Review netiquette rules so you represent yourself in the best way possible.
Tip 6: Practice effective help-seeking strategies.
If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it. If you are puzzled about content or an assignment, ask other students or the instructor. If you’re in need of technical support, be prepared to give details about the problem—what you were doing, what happened and what tools you are using (computer platform and operating system, browser and version, etc.) so others can efficiently help you.
Tip 7: Time management skills are crucial. Know the deadlines and meet them.
Keep a calendar. Mark due dates for major projects and assignments.
Schedule enough time to complete your tasks and include some extra time in case you run into problems.
Tip 8: Devise a plan to backup and archive your work.
“My computer crashed” is the digital equivalent to “My dog ate my homework!” Don’t use that excuse. Backup and archive your work so a computer crash is merely an annoying inconvenience and not a major catastrophe. When you email or post an assignment, send a copy to yourself. That way you will have evidence that it was sent and when. File these until the class is over.
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