Student Success Tools
The following are useful tools for student success with online learning:
- Are you ready for online learning? - Take this simple quiz to see if online learning is right for you.
- What kind of Learner Are You? - Find out about how to be an active learner. Also, identify what type of learning style applies to you and how you can be successful.
- Tips for Being a Successful Online Learner - Take a look at tips to ensure your success online, whether your course is fully online, a hybrid or a face-to-face environment supplement by online resources and activities.
Online Learning Success
Many of us know how to surf online, but how many of us know how to learn online? Here are some tips for online learning success:
TIME
- Check in Regularly: If you don't visit your online course area regularly, it is easy to forget about online readings, assignments, quizzes, and such. Log in on a regular basis, ranging from once a week to every day, to make sure that you do not fall too far behind.
- Practice time management: Balancing school with going to work, taking care of family, and having a social life can be difficult. Take a look at the syllabus and online course area to see when assignments are due. Schedule time for yourself to get assignments done - early, if possible!
EFFORT
- Participate: Your education is what you make of it. If the instructor gives you the chance to share your ideas or give feedback to your classmates, then take advantage of it! If you do not put much into the online work, you will not get much out of it.
- Aim for high quality: Many students say that taking class work seriously leads to employers taking them more seriously during the hiring process. Even if you can't do it every time, give your best effort. Later on, you will have something professional to show to your friends, family and, most importantly, employers.
- Get to Know the Tools: If you know that you need to use a new online tool, like a wiki or a discussion forum, then ask a friend in class, talk to the teacher, or come to an open lab. That way you spend your time finishing the assignment. You won't waste your time in frustration, trying to figure out how to get it done.
COMMUNICATION
- Practice Netiquette: The basic rules of Internet etiquette, or "netiquette," are pretty easy. Treat others as you want to be treated. Remember that there is a person at the other end of the Internet cables. When you point out something wrong with a classmate's work, give suggestions about how to fix it.
- Let someone know if you are having problems: If you have problems with the class assignments or the technology, no one can help you unless you tell someone. Tell your professor, your teaching assistant, or the online teaching and learning support team what you need to succeed. Don't wait until it's too late!
