 "Photo: N/A")
So you’ve registered for your classes and made your way through the drop/add period. Now it’s time for you to stay on top of all of your class work. In a typical classroom setting, you engage in a lecture or discussion setting, take notes, and use the book to help you keep up with what the teacher is talking about.
However, when you sign up for online classes, the situation takes a complete 180 degree turn. First, there is no face-to-face interaction between teachers and students on a regular basis; only an interaction between you and your computer screen. Second, there is no one to keep you on schedule as you work your way through the textbook -- that is now your responsibility. Finally, an online class may take significantly more effort than a typical classroom setting.
But, don’t fret, because I am here to offer you some key tips to help you navigate your way through a semester in which you find yourself taking one or more online classes.
1. Read the Syllabus
After sitting through numerous classes and reading syllabus after syllabus, I know that most students are presented with a lot of repetitive information. However, once you enroll in an online class, most, if not all, of the important class information is contained in the syllabus including attendance, grading policies and office hours. It also lists important dates such as exams or future class meetings. Reading the syllabus will help you to decide if this is the right class for you.
2. Get a Head Start on Your Reading
Most online classes require a lot of individual reading because there are no classroom meetings to go over and learn information from the professor. Go ahead and check the syllabus for the first reading assignment and get a jumpstart on reading it. It is harder for students to follow along in a textbook and to read several chapters if they do not have a teacher to remind them to stay on track. For this reason, online classes require a little more dedication and responsibility than a typical class.
3. Ask Questions
Although it is an online class, your teacher is still available for office hours and appointments. If you are having trouble with an assignment, or you have a general question about the class, talk to your professor. The sooner you make it known that you are having trouble, the sooner your professor can help, and the easier it will be for you in the long run.
4. Set Aside Time to Do the Assignments
It is important to set aside time each day to dedicate to the class because the class is held online and isn’t part of your daily routine. Some students may choose to do a small amount of work each day, while others may choose to set aside one day out of the week to work on their assignments. No matter what you decide, make sure that you give yourself ample time to complete your assignments and make sure that you stick with your new routine each week. This way, it becomes part of your schedule and is easier to handle.
5. If Possible, Work Ahead
Many teachers post several assignments at one time to allow for students that want to be ahead of schedule. Even if a particular assignment isn’t due for another few weeks, why not go ahead and knock it out if you have time? This way, if something unexpected comes up, you’ll have extra time on your hands to get things done.
Be the first to comment on this article!