WELCOME!
If you are new to online learning, you have come to the right place!! This blog is here to HELP you with your issues...okay, not all your issues...but any online course issues that you might be encountering as a newbie. I was once a newbie too and I understand all that you are going through. As a former online student, here are some of the things I learned along the way!
Our first topic is (drum roll please)...
TOP 10 TIPS TO SUCCEED IN ONLINE COURSES! (According to ME)
1. Keep a calendar or schedule of deadlines/due dates
-Life can get busy, but if you know ahead of time what you are up against you can plan accordingly.
2. Participate in group work/discussions early and often
-It's hard to have a discussion on Sunday night just before the due date when everyone has already participated. Stay on top of it and post early and often to remain involved.
3. Remember that procrastination is not your friend in online course work
-There is no online fairy god mother to make sure you do your assignments on time. If you run into problems you will need time to fix them before the assignment due date. Don't put it off!
4. Stay organized
- Save a copy of the course syllabus and schedule so you have a quick reference to the expectations and requirements in the course whenever you need it.
5. Be Professional
- Your weekend plans might be the absolute coolest, but make sure you are presenting yourself in a professional way online.
6. Be Open-minded
- Online learning is making huge changes and technology is changing every day. Keep an open-mind to all of the changes and embrace those changes as you are learning.
7. Ask for help EARLY
- Don't wait until the due date of an assignment to ask for help. Your professor is there to help you if you need it. All you have to do is ask!
8. Be Active
- Try to check on your online course every day! The more time you spend in an online course the more successful you will be in the end. Practice!
9. Make sure your software/internet/drivers are up-to-date
-Regularly check your computer/device for updates so your equipment is working at its best.
10. Relax
- You are totally going to rock your online course! Take a deep breath and know that you will succeed if you put your mind to it.
Do you have any online learning success tips for newcomers? Please share them!
Below is a video of my personal journey with online courses...Check it out!
Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteI like how you are sharing your own "lessons learned" with regards to your transition to online learning. I think there are a lot of assumptions amongst new online learners - class will be easy, I can go at my own pace, etc. - which is mostly true. What learners may not understand is that you get out what you put it. No longer is it "all about me" with online learning. A lot depends on your interactions and collaboration with your classmates.
As an undergraduate I found myself working long/late hours to complete a paper that was due the next day. However, with online learning there is no room for procrastination. If you are not on top of your readings, assignments, or class discussions you may not be able to catch up. Likewise, some modules are built upon the previous module. So if you disregard the first module you may not be able to finish the next module.
Great tips! Love Urkel!!
Amy, I loved your style of telling online learners how learning online really is, in a funny way! So often I think online people can become "too professional" and things become a bit b o r i n g.
ReplyDeleteI have a tip to add, which I have managed to keep for the most part. I NEVER do homework on Sundays. Just pick a day, and tell yourself it's off-limits to homework. There will always be homework to do, just like housework or office work. We always have work, work, work. I looked forward to this day of pure bliss with no worries and I could actually enjoy being with my family and not pondering over my work.
And should the unexpected happen, I had a spare day so the pressure was off of me. Thanks again for the enjoyable read, I appreciated the lightheartedness!
DeAnn
Hi Amy
ReplyDeleteWOW thanks so much for your inspirational video! Your first tip, keep a calendar has been very helpful. I have a bulletin board (yep, the old fashion kind) that I post copies of assignments. I use different color sticky notes to indicate what needs to be done. I found the physical reminder a lot more helpful than an online calendar. As far as #4, I appreciate instructors posting a weekly checklist. When you are taking more than one online course those checklist can help you stay organized.
Also I agree with DeAnn taking a day off is a great suggestion. I try to get outside everyday and do something physical. The online environment can be all-consuming - it's nice to take a break and get some fresh air. Patricia