An online class can be a rewarding experience, but only if a student is properly prepared. Taking a class online is quite different than sitting in a classroom. The first, and most important step, is being able to navigate the course. An online learner must also write well, be self-motivated and disciplined to access class assignments, and actively participate in discussion boards. Usually, the discussion board forums are where most of the class activity will take place.
Know One's Learning Style
To know one's learning style is to understand how one learns best, and this will help in taking an online course. An Auditory Learner gains knowledge through listening, not only to the words, but also to the tone and pitch of the voice. Although some instructors do include videos in class assignments, lectures and discussions are not always part of an online class. An auditory learner may do better in taking a seated class; however, he or she can make audio tapes of discussion board posts and listen to them, and can also post a message to meet or talk with fellow students.
Visual Learners utilize all illustrative study materials such as diagrams, charts, pictures, and handouts, and will also mentally picture words or concepts. A visual learner will take notes and categorize them by topic for quick review. In an online class, a visual learner can highlight the important concepts reviewed and discussed, and make charts for easy reference.
Tactile Learners prefer a hands-on approach and favor moving and touching. They learn through repetition and motion, and self-prepared study sheets with duplicated notes are helpful. Tactile Learners can have difficulty staying focused, so it may be best to break up the time spent on an online class into smaller segments or frequently switch tasks between preparing an assignment and posting on the discussion board.
Thoroughly Read Work Assignments and Follow Directions
In most classes, discussion board participation and written assignments are the two major components of a class. Discussion board topics and assignments are usually announced with written directions. Some instructors will provide lectures on videos with accompanying notes. It’s important to read the directions and understand what the instructor requires. Any questions about an assignment should be directed to the instructor. Generally, questions related to class work are posted in a specific forum, so all may benefit from the answer.
Be Organized
Keep textbooks and written notes for each class in one place. Before preparing assignments, create a folder on the computer naming it the title of the class. In the folder, create other folders titled Assignments, Projects, Discussion Board, Class Notes, or any other folders necessary. As documents are created, file them accordingly.
Read All Posts in the Discussion Boards
In most classes, the most active part of the class will take place in the discussion board forums, where comments and replies are posted. Depending on instructor requirements and the size of the class, a substantial amount of messages may be posted in one day. Reading all posts will prevent a student from writing a similar message that may cause the instructor to think the message was copied. It's important to read instructions and follow all directions for posting.
Make and Save Copies of All Communications
Any email correspondence should be saved to a specific folder. Saving emails provides a record of all electronic correspondence and also serves as a reference. Prior questions or instructions can be accessed from files, rather then sending another email.
All assignments should be prepared in a Word or compatible Word Document, and although a copy should be made of any assignment, it’s especially important to make copies of and back up all online assignments. Assignments are submitted through a specific function of the course, where they are stored until the instructor downloads them to his or her computer. Occasionally a mishap may delete an assignment. A copy saves the time and work of rewriting the assignment.
Write discussion board messages in a Word or compatible Word Document, save and post. Composing a lengthy coherent message on a forum can take a while and sometimes the program can time out, causing the message to be lost. An offline copy will provide backup and also provides a record of all posts.
Additional Suggestions
- Correct spelling, grammar (syntax—sentence structure and word formation), capitalization, and punctuation are important when writing papers for college.
- Don’t wait until the deadline to submit assignments.
- Be prepared to spend considerable time taking an online class.
- If directions are not clear, email the instructor and request clarification.
Being an Online Student
Understanding learning styles is the first step in preparing for an online class. Carefully reading assignments and following directions, being organized, reading discussion board posts, and making copies of all communications will lead to better efficiency when taking an online course.
Learn about common grammatical errors and how to avoid plagiarism.
 |
 |
