Being a new student of online learning can be difficult transition. By now, the semester has started and you are settling in to a new schedule and new surroundings. If you are not ready for what the semester will bring, you may wind up feeling a bit lost in the shuffle. We all want to balance work, school, friends and family without getting over-stressed or worn out. With that in mind, we’ve got eight tips to help ensure your semester is a success!
1. Create a master schedule
If you haven’t done this already, do this FIRST! Write everything down – Start with your personal schedule (work, family obligations, appointments, holidays, other activities). Make sure to add in extra time for your courses, then print out the course schedule (if one is posted) and add all important dates – like assignment due dates, tests, dates the college is closed.
Sometimes, it seems impossible to get everything done. But, if you at least know what is coming up, you can be better prepared.
2. Check the attendance and participation policy
Course policies are usually found in the course syllabus that you receive at the beginning of the semester.
Every professor has different policies about participation and there may be rules about the number times you log into the course or post on an online discussion board. Make sure you read these rules thoroughly to get credit for your participation.
3. Make time for homework
There is a familiar “rule of thumb” heard around many campuses – that for every credit hour of class, you can expect an additional 2 hours of homework. Meaning, in a three credit hour course, you would expect to have an additional 6 hours of work a week.
This is especially true in online classes where you not only have to be prepared and know the class material, but have to clearly convey your thoughts through writing. You should prioritize your commitments in order of importance or time in order to maximize your study time or complete your work in time.
4. Become BFFs with your computer
The computer has become a necessity of everyday modern life. And computers are in all of our technology – from your basic laptop to the latest Apple devices. However, you should know how to optimally use each of these devices that you will need for a course. That means not just how the device operates – but also its software.
If you don’t know how to perform some basic computer operations, there are tutorials out there to help you with using pointing devices, word processing, and even communicating within an online course.
5. Get the latest apps
These days, apps are more than just the latest addictive game or social media platform. They can be really great tools in helping you get through your homework, taking notes, save important articles, or protect your identity. And for online students, they can be especially helpful while you are on the go!
We recently provided a list of recommended apps for you to try. Check out 10 Must-Have Apps for the Fall 2014 Semester.
6. Meet your Student Concierge
Of course, we don’t mean in person (you might live 300 miles away from your campus) – but definitely by phone and by email.
As a student enrolled in an Open SUNY + program, you will be assigned a Student Concierge. This person is your single point of contact on campus to assist with any questions that you have about the program or any issues that come up where you need to talk to someone on campus. If they don’t have the answer, they can fast track you to the person who does.
And the best part of working with your student concierge? They will stay with you during your time as a student!
If you are enrolled in another Open SUNY program, you can always reach out to your advisor for assistance.
7. Check in with your professor – often
Like your Student Concierge, your professors are your connection to the campus. And they are not just there to teach you the material in their course – they want to help you succeed. So, if that means you need to write your professor an email or call him or her on the phone to request help – DO IT! Otherwise, they may not know you are struggling.
Professors can also provide academic guidance on other courses, research and applied learning opportunities, scholarships, and more!
8. Check class announcements and email
Sounds simple enough, right? But so many students wind up falling behind because they didn’t see an announcement or catch an email from a professor.
Here are some simple tricks you can follow to make sure that doesn’t happen
- Make sure your professor knows your preferred email address (and make sure you know your professor’s preferred email address)
- Find out if the course will be using email in the course learning management system, or if it will be used through campus email.
- If you have multiple email addresses (school/ work/ personal) – make sure you only use your school email address for school work (i.e. don’t use your personal email address for school work)
- If you prefer not to use a school email address, make sure all emails sent there are forwarded to your preferred email address.
Your new venture into online learning will be an exciting new journey. For more tips and tricks on getting the most out of it, check the Open SUNY Online Student Checklist.
