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Tips for taking online classes
20 January 2010
Online classes are wonderful for students that do not have the means or time to take face-to-face classes. However, online classes can prove more difficult than traditional classes,and students considering enrollment in online classes should look into what online classes entail and what is expected of students as members of an online learning community.
So, future online learner, here are some items for your consideration before you enroll in online classes.
Time Management—
You, the student, are responsible for every aspect of an online class. There are no reminders twice or three times a week of the homework, readings, or assignments. There is no set time to work on class work. You must be able to manage your time well. Time needs to be planned where there will be no distractions and work can be completed.
There also needs to be time set aside for uploading assignments. Anything can happen when turning in assignments, the school’s site can be down, a student’s computer can crash, internet can fail, etc. As a result, it is in your best interest to hand in assignments a week early or as soon as they are due. For example, if you can upload and assignment on Monday say the 1st, but it is not due until the following Monday say the 8th; upload it on Monday the 1st. This way you have plenty of time to change the assignment if needed and to re-upload if there is a computer or internet issue.
Time should also be set aside for review any of the course forums, chat rooms, blogs, etc. These are places that students can ask questions, respond to each other, and discuss assignments. Sometimes you will be required to post items on these. Regardless of the requirement, it is always a good idea to check these often, especially if you posted and item or responded to a classmate. These are the only way you have to interact with your classmates. Use them to your advantage. You may find that someone else has the same question you have, you may find a study partner, you may find help from your instructor from the advice he or she gave to someone else.
Computer Access—
With any online class, the work is to be handed in to a classroom website. The type of online classroom depends on each college and university. However, one aspect is common amongst all classroom web sites; they require the internet and a computer to access. So, as a student, you must have internet access and a reliable computer at home or you must go someplace that has both. The latter will require even more time management.
School E-mail Account—
Because the class is online, each student must have a current e-mail from the school in which they are enrolled. Most colleges and universities require their instructors to use the school’s e-mail to contact students. Therefore, if you do not have an active e-mail account you will need to go to the school and get one. You may be able to do this over the phone, but in my experience it requires a trip to the school.
Having a school e-mail is the first step; using the school e-mail is the second
step. You must check your e-mail frequently. E-mail is the only way your instructor can get into contact with you. Thus, you need to make sure you are checking your e-mail at a minimum once a day. Also, this is the only account you want to use when contacting an instructor. This account is overseen by the college or university. Thus, if you have an issue with an instructor, the school can “see” the type of interactions that have taken place.
Reading—
As obvious as it may sound, reading is extremely important in an online class and knowing how to read critically is even more important. Reading the syllabus constantly is of the upmost importance. Not only to assure you know exactly what is due when, but to assure how an assignment is to be completed.
As important as reading itself, you must read with a critical eye; taking detailed notes is very important. Even those items that you think you know already must be read in order to assure understanding of assignments. There are no class discussions to assist a student that skimmed over or that didn’t read the assigned reading. Therefore, you must read all assigned readings, assignments, and resources and take notes in order to pass an online class.
Every semester I get several e-mails stating “I don’t understand the assignment.” Most of these can be avoided by the student actually reading the assigned readings. It becomes very frustrating when the student asks a question that is answered in the assignment directions or in an assigned reading, resource, etc. Answering questions of this sort are a waste of time for both the student and the instructor. Also, read the type of files that can be uploaded. If your instructor can not open a file and you have used a program that is not compatible with the course requirements, you will most likely get a zero for the assignment. So, read over everything.
Face-to-Face—
Yes, you may end up wanting to meet with your instructor face-to-face. This should not be a problem at all. If you need the help, this is the best way to get it. Online is convenient, but let’s face it, it is not always the best form of communication. Depending on the instructor and the class you take, an instructor may even require a meeting. Just because you have signed up for an online class does not mean that a face-to-face meeting will not be required. Some classes require that the first class of the semester meet face-to-face. Others for the first two class periods. I, myself, do not do this. However, if I ask a student to meet with me, it is usually because the student needs help that I am not able to give through an e-mail, instant message system, forum, or chat room. Keep the option open and if an instructor requests a meeting don’t argue that you took an online class so you did not have to physically go to a campus; go and meet with the instructor. It is for your own good.
So before taking an online class, carefully consider all that is required of you. If you are having difficulty doing the work for a face-to-face class, online classes are not for you. I promise. If your work/life schedule does not allow time for you to attend face-to-face classes, and you have the drive and self-discipline required for online classes, then jump right in; I will be glad to have you in my class.
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