Although online learning or eLearning has become the norm when it comes to teaching and learning, it is still important to find ways to be successful with online classes. Online learning enables students to learn at a distance and offers a variety of classes and course content. For those who learn online, the main platform that is used as an instructional tool is a Learning Management System (LMS).

This allows the instructor to facilitate classroom lessons, articles, and assignments. A few examples of Learning Management Systems include D2LBrightSpace, Schoology, BlackBoard, Moodle, and Google Classroom. To ensure a successful learning experience there are tips for taking online classes.

Create a Dedicated Learning Space

Creating a dedicated learning space is an important aspect to a successful online learning experience. This can be in a college, public library study room, or home office. The key is to have a dedicated space that is quiet and has access to the internet. For students who want to study in groups, a library is a great location to study together and complete assignments. This allows for collaboration and the students to hold each other accountable.

This creates a sense of normalcy for study sessions and group collaboration. For those who want to complete assignments individually, a home office is ideal. Whether the device is a laptop or desktop, creating a personal space and using an effective device for completing assignments is beneficial. With the vitality of learning management systems in the modern environment, having a dedicated space allows for the effective use of educational technology and time management. While using a learning space, it is also important to manage time effectively. This can be done by using apps, personal calendars, and to-do lists.

Embrace Time Management Apps

For most college students, time management can be a struggle. Both undergraduate students and students engaged in graduate studies should look for effective time management strategies. This can come in the form of using time management apps. One of the most important aspects to learn in school and with online classes is time management. Be sure to plan long term assignments out ahead of time.

Paying attention to due dates for homework, tests, and quizzes will help build a calendar of when important dates approach. Reading the instructor’s syllabus gives the student an understanding of how to plan out time effectively. Time management is a personal journey and helps develop discipline and organization. Using Google Calendar, sticky notes, and a handwritten calendar all help to stay organized. This helps with combating procrastination and increases motivation with each passing grade.

Combat Procrastination

Whether it is turning in a report by a deadline, studying weekly for an up-and-coming exam, or working on a group project, procrastination can be a part of the process. Procrastination is a time management issue and also a part of dealing with the stress of difficult assignments. Still, finding ways to beat procrastination that will result in higher grades and an improved sense of accomplishment is important.

Combating procrastination involves:

• Planning ahead.
• Finding time to take breaks.
• Finding innovative ways to stay motivated to complete online tasks.

Consider breaking down large assignments into smaller chunks and if there is a comprehensive exam in an online class, choose specific days and times when to study as the exam approaches. For exams, it is important to be aware of the dates for exams and when is the best time to study and find resources to prepare for the exam. Many online courses have platforms that help with scheduling exams and finding ways to give the student time to prepare. One such platform is ProctorU.

This platform allows students to schedule online exams for a specific date and time. When done effectively with studying, combined with using classroom resources, the student will be prepared to take an exam on ProctorU. This also helps professors due to the fact that the instructors can see when students take their exam and can plan grading for the entire class subsequently.

Seek Support and Resources

For many students, school can be stressful, but the rewards are great once the class or degree is completed. Finding mental health coping strategies and support resources are critical. When it comes to taking online classes, some students can do very well while others may need extra support and resources. For undergraduate and graduate students who go to universities in person but also take online classes there are resources.

Visiting the library and academic centers or seeing the professor during office hours all provide support and resources. Additionally, for students who are in a fully online program, most institutions have online tutoring and support with students’ individual needs.

Gale eLearning Solutions has a website that includes multiple resources to help online students including access to academic libraries, online resources from public libraries, and national databases. Having access to resources online and through class materials gives students extra help while taking online classes. Communicating with professors about priorities and classroom expectations is important to keep up with assignments. Furthermore, having a group of peers to collaborate with brings other mentoring opportunities, resources, and diverse thoughts that can enhance the experience of taking online classes.

Balance Screen Time with Breaks

Taking online classes involves:

• Being intentional about outcomes
• Finding a comfortable environment to learn
• Using support services and resources

Taking regular breaks, finding ways to stay physically active, and focusing on positive mental health is important. These tips will ensure that taking online classes will be a rewarding experience. As education continues to change, so do the needs of students and the way teachers and administrators deliver content. Using effective strategies to complete online classes promotes 21st-century learning and the diversity of educational technology.

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Become Familiar with the Online School Environment in Advance

There are a variety of online learning platforms that graduate schools use for online programs. Blackboard, Moodle, MyEdu, Instructure Canvas, LORE are a few. You will want to find out what your university is using and familiarize yourself with the various aspects of the platform. Find out how to turn in papers, use discussion features, and how each aspect of the platform will work prior to beginning class. See if there is a tutorial offered or contact the tech help department to ask more specific questions.

Ensure Your Financing and Scheduling Before You Start

Before starting your graduate program, you should arrange for financing. Your employer may pay a portion of the tuition upon proof of successful completion of the classes. Find that information ahead of time and complete any pre-approval paperwork before signing up for courses. There may be loan programs through the university or financial institutions. You may qualify for scholarship or grant money if your program will result in working in hard to fill positions. Your university advisor and supervisor at work will be able to guide you to find the information.

Go through the program outline and find out which classes will be taken at what times of the year. Review former syllabi from each class to see the workload each class will have so that you can better plan fitting it into your life at that time of year.

Get the Tools Necessary for Success

It will be important to prepare for a successful online experience. Be sure that you have a designated learning area that is quiet and not in the way of others, whether a roommate or children. Check your internet package to make sure the speed you have is going to work for the platform. Have a back-up plan if your internet goes down. You can change your cell phone package to include a hotspot in case of emergencies.

Go through the upcoming class syllabus and access the books and materials ahead of time so that you are prepared with expectations. Work with the online platform to set up a way to keep track of what needs to be done for each course and to check off that you have completed that task. Some people work better with a computer and others use a paper system. Use what works best for you.

Make Connections with Your Classmates

When doing a strictly online course, the interaction you will have with your classmates will vary. Some professors will assign group work and others won’t. It can be a very lonely endeavor to take a class and not see classmates regularly. Usually, there is some kind of introduction at the start of the course in which all students will provide a discussion post about themselves. Take advantage of this and when reading other posts, see who you may find commonalities with. You can contact them and set a regular time to chat virtually or by phone to talk over how the class is going or to process the material. Having that kind of camaraderie will benefit you.

When there are virtual class meetings going on, you may have the opportunity to see the other students or to be in breakout rooms with them for small discussions. Still, it is good to find a partner to process the content with and to discuss the assignments.

Prepare for More Online Participation

Participation in an online course will look very different than an in-person setting. In a virtual setting, you will see the other students’ faces and hear them speaking which gives you a better sense of who they are. There will be verbal interactions. There will also be small group sessions in a chat room that will allow you to virtually interact with others in a small group setting. When in a chat room with a few others, the professor may pop in and out to see how things are going. It will be important to stay on topic and be sure that everyone in that room gets a chance to speak and ask questions of others. You may want to mark down on a paper the names of the others in the group and check off when they participate. That way, you can see if everyone is getting a chance.

For online courses, the participation may be measured heavily by the discussion posts. A good, strong discussion post is important. You will need to do the readings and the homework in order to be prepared to write thoughtfully and articulately. Read the directions for the post very carefully. Be sure that you answer all of what is asked of you. If you have any questions about what is being asked of that post, email the professor and ask your questions.

As you are writing your post, acknowledge and be sure to list references at the end of the post. Try to bring a unique perspective to the entry and keep the material relevant. For example, if writing something in today’s world, it would be important to mention the effect that the pandemic has had on that topic if it is relevant. You will find it helpful to write the post in Word or a Google doc first, then transfer it over to the post. That will provide a good back up in case you struggle with the online platform or it doesn’t appear correctly.

Online courses have become a great way to learn remotely in today’s world. They help to keep options open for so many different reasons.

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Remember back in high school when you were gearing up for high school graduation and you felt as if you had the world at your fingertips? Remember your dreams, inspirations, and goals that you had in front of you and were determined to reach them? You were faced with decisions to make which at this time seemed like the biggest decision of your life. Somehow you were able to narrow down your school choice, get accepted and you were off to a new chapter in your life.

As an established professional, the decision process for graduate school may be different for you. There may be other factors that come in to play such as a full-time job, taking care of your family, attending your children’s events or arranging a babysitter, financially there may be more of a concern now that it isn’t just about you but also your family that you have to support while meeting your educational goals. While having all of these things on your plate, and more life experiences, students are left with several choices to make.

One of the choices that we seem to be facing more now than ever is if a class can be taken online or face to face. When you have the option to do either one, there is a great deal of thought that needs to go into this decision.

Online Classes

Online classes can be completed out of the comfort of your own home. This often is a bonus as there is usually a little more flexibility with online courses than face-to-face courses that are on campus. Traveling is something that is no longer taking up time or impacting your schedule. Instead this time can be spent on other things that need your attention.

Online classes do appear to be beneficial for students who have a busy life. Convenience is typically the leading factor of students taking online courses but there are several other things to consider as well. Having reliable internet access is a must. This may require updating or upgrading your internet service, which often times there is an added fee to this with your provider. Also, having a quiet undistracted area is important. Students are still considered to “have class” and the content needs to be taken seriously, just as if you were on campus.

Lastly, one of the most important details of taking an online course is that students must be organized and discipline to log on when they need to and meet all the deadlines. There no longer is a professor in front of you making sure you are taking care of your responsibilities. There is more put on your shoulders to meet all requirements of the class without ever steeping on campus.

On Campus

Taking courses on campus, whether you are a traditional or nontraditional student, there are several pros and cons. First, you are very locked into a schedule. For some, this structure is what helps students thrive. You know where to be and can guarantee your class is being held the same time every week. When arriving to class there is time to socialize or discuss possible assignments or upcoming events. Sitting in class allows you to have open discussions or ask questions freely when the instructor is giving instruction. There is also time at the end of class that you can approach the instructor if you need clarification of a topic that was just covered. When you attend online courses, not one of these things mentioned are an option. You miss out on the interactions with other students in your class, which means also that the rich discussion seems to disappear when you are taking classes in a virtual world.

College campuses also offer a tremendous amount of resources; library, gym, health office, availability to meet with your assigned academic advisor or any of your instructors. Until you experience what is on campus, you truly don’t realize all that the campus has to offer.

Hybrid Model

Colleges have offered face-to-face on-campus courses and online learning for years. Something that seems to be a newer option of taking courses is called the hybrid model. A hybrid learning platform can offer what seems to be the best of both worlds. It helps with the balance of “life” and offers both modalities to help you be the most successful. Flexibility is truly the key to this model and often the gravitational force that draws students to enroll. Having the mix of both the online learning platform as well as face-to-face campus instruction, truly empowers students to take charge of their learning experiences inside and outside of the classrooms and also allows them to track their achievements.

Having these three options benefits all learning and life styles. It is up to the students to decide what truly is the best fit and what learning platform they will succeed in and accomplish their educational goals.

*Updated July 2021

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