Learning online is the new frontier for students who are looking for a traditional or nontraditional education. Online classes are becoming the norm for students, which comes with many positives and a few drawbacks. If you are enrolled in online classes at Excelsior College and need some guidance, here are some tips to set yourself up for success.
Find ways to interact with other students
A common misconception about online classes is that there is difficulty in achieving classmate interaction through them. This might be true when considering face-to-face interaction, but not when looking to make connections in other ways. Online courses offer an opportunity to build relationships through course forums, comments on questions, and if your class hosts them, video chats. Online classes arguably give you more of a reason to reach out to classmates and make connections since you can’t literally turn to the person next to you in class.
One tip to making connections is to maintain an ongoing collaborative note page in Google Docs. This will make test-studying dramatically easier for everyone. It also is a group effort that will help your classmates get to know each other better. Another tip to meeting your classmates is by making a GroupMe. This is a way to make jokes about class and just connect overall. You never know what kinds of relationships you will make through your courseswhether they are in person or online.
Don’t be afraid to check in with your teacher
It may feel more natural to raise your hand in an in-person class to ask a question or to stay after class and ask about a grade. The good news is you can make up for this in a lot of ways in online classes. For example, email is where your teacher probably lives. Send them a message introducing yourself before the class starts so they have a mental note of your name. This is good for being recognized and staying on good terms with your online instructor.
Teachers in online programs like the ones offered at Excelsior College know the value of student-teacher connections and will work with you to make sure you feel valued. Being in classes with teachers who are experienced in online teaching is a great way to navigate the tests and assignments.
Get organized
Online classes come with just as much work as in-person classes, and it’s up to you to stay organized. Staying organized will help you manage your workload, study well, and be ready for any tests. Track dates in your calendar like you would for any other class. Always make study plans and put that in your planner, as well. Noting the day of the test does nothing unless you take the initiative to prepare. One tip to making connections is to maintain an ongoing collaborative note page in Google Docs.
Another tip is to read the syllabus twice as hard as you would normally. Online classes are a little bit less likely to have classes every day. This might mean you missing an assignment or not knowing essential information that is most likely in the syllabus. Know where your resources are and use them.
Take advantage of the resources the class has to offer
Online classes often come with great guides and videos. These are additional learning tools that in-person classes might not have the opportunity of accessing. Ask your teacher about any online resources that your class will give you access to and use them to the best of your ability. Don’t let valuable resources go unused.
Use this online course as a resume booster
Being able to show your technical capacity and your ability to be self-focused will look great on a resume, and make great conversation when interviewing for future positions. Use your online class as leverage to prove your capability of focusing and working on an online structure. Ask your Excelsior College online professors for tips and tricks to discussing your online classes in interviews.
Your education will shine if you take these tips. An online education at Excelsior College is the way of the future for many industries, so you might as well get ahead of the curve.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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