Tips for Online Success

Here are some tips* that can help you be successful in your online class.

1. Recognize online learning can be as effective as traditional classes--if you’re serious

• Expect to work harder than in traditional classes
• Perform all required reading and activities thoughtfully, not on "auto-pilot"
• Be self-disciplined about study time and deadlines

2. Take the program and yourself seriously

• Get the support of family, friends, and roommates
• Sometimes you'll have to sit in front of the computer for hours
• When friends want to have fun or relax, you may need to be studying online

3. Make or find a private space where you can study

• Provides a quiet, neat place to work in peace
• Helps avoid the temptations of friends, food, and sleep

4. Obtain required course materials before term and verify technology access

• Check syllabus and orientation info before term
• Be sure to get correct editions and supplements
• Note technology requirements (hardware, software, Internet speed, configuration, etc.)

5. Develop a study plan including calendar, readings, discussions, and assignments

• Print the syllabus and read it carefully at least twice, highlighting key parts
• Integrate deadlines into your calendar system
• Schedule time for all class activities
  • Reading and taking notes
  • Reading and posting to discussion forums
  • Completing assignments
  • Taking quizzes and exams
• Plan to complete assignments early

6. Log on to your course every single day, or at least two times a week, at regular times

• Discussions are interesting when you follow them closely
• It may take a couple days to get a question answered
• It's hard to catch up once behind
• Instructors may change or update class material
• A regular study schedule is more likely to be followed

7. Take full advantage of online discussion forums and chat

• Avoid feeling isolated
• Make connections with other students
  • Form study groups (face-to-face or online)

8. Participate!

• Contribute your ideas
• Read other students' contributions
• Learn from each other as well as the instructor

9. Take advantage of your anonymity

• You can take the time to compose carefully-worded postings and responses
• You don't need to be pushy to be heard
• You don't need to worry about being judged by your appearance or style

10. Be polite and respectful

• Just because you're anonymous doesn't mean you should let yourself go
• A respectful environment helps everyone learn
• College policies on student behavior and harassment still apply

11. Ask for help if you need it

• You have to speak up because your professor can't see you
• Be specific about what you don't understand
• Use methods the instructor recommends (forums, e-mail, etc.)
• Other students are usually struggling with the same questions; asking helps you and them

12. Apply what you learn

• Use your knowledge immediately to remember it best
• Make connections to what you've learned before and your present or future work
• Share relevant experience with your classmates to help your classmates

* Adapted from Illinois Online Network, December 2011