How to Organize yourself for online classes

Are you considering signing up for an online class or have you already signed up and are at a loss as to how to organize yourself? Here are some tips to get you organized and make your online learning experience a pleasant and less stressful one.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a 3 ring binder of appropriate size for each class
• Day Planner
• Notebook or portfolio with pad of paper
• 3 hole punch
• dividers
• 3 hole punched 2 pocket folder
• highlighters
• pens
• printer and paper

1. 
   Properly set up binder

   Once you have registered for your class or classes access the class site as soon as possible and print out the class syllabus, index, resources and FAQ's. If you are taking more than one class, print out two copies of the syllabus and tape a copy to the front of the binder you will be using for that class for easier selection of the right binder when you want it.
   
   Using dividers and labeling each one as it is placed, place the syllabus in your binder. Look at the syllabus and determine how many classes total. Place one divider for each class after the syllabus as well as one each for assignments, tests, index, resource lists, FAQ's, communications (which will be used to place any emails, discussion forums you wish to print, etc.) Lastly place a divider for final exam and completion of the class.
   
   Once this is completed place a 3 hole punched 2 pocket folder in the front of each binder. One pocket will be used for incomplete work, the other can be used to hold materials that are completed or printed that you've not yet had a chance to file in your binder. This will ensure that all of your work, class information and assignments are never separated from your binder.

2. Prior to the start date of any class completely read through any welcoming materials, complete any online tours, set up any online library access and passwords and complete any introductory forums that may be required prior to the beginning of class.
   
   Ensure that you understand grading policies, homework and test policies, expectations and deadlines. Ensure that you are clear on how to submit your work to your instructor and that you know how to use forums or email to communicate with your instructor and classmates.
   
   Determine the estimated amount of time you need for each lesson of each class and any related tests and assignments. Ask your instructor if you can’t determine this on your own, it is imperative for scheduling. Once you have this information, in your day planner, note the dates of each lesson for each class that you are taking and then schedule in advance your block of study time prior to the deadline for turning in materials for each lesson of each class. Next you will want to go to the date you must turn in your assignments or tests for each lesson of each class and write this down as well. This will ensure that you never miss a deadline if something unexpected comes up and you can’t study during your scheduled time.

3. When you begin work on a class ensure you are in a well lit, quiet room where you will not be disturbed and that you have any beverages and snacks that you may want. Lay your materials out on a desk or table that is comfortable for you with highlighters, pens and notebooks handy. Highlight any vocabulary, text that is key to the lesson, and any formulas or programming language that may go with whichever class you are taking. If you have a test that is preprinted you can answer the questions on it as you read the materials speeding up the test taking process online. Once you have read through the materials and taken necessary notes and completed any tests or assignments, submit any test/assignment materials per the instructions from the instructor. Ensure that you print and save copies of any materials that you submit. This is very important should submitted information not arrive at the destination you sent it to. If you are required to, go to the forums and post any information the instructor may have asked you to post.
   
   Once all of this is complete, 3 hole punch and file all documents from the lesson in the appropriate sections of the binder. When it comes time to study for final exam, everything will be well organized to make studying that much easier, and, it will give you a permanent record of the class.

4. Once you complete the class print out and place in your 3 ring binder any grades, certificates of completion or college credit information. This binder will now become your permanent record of this class and will give you the ability in years to come to go through any materials in it in order to refresh your memory on any pieces you may have forgotten.

Tips & Warnings

• When setting time to study ensure that it is a quiet time and that you have access to a computer and a quiet area to study.
• On each day that you have a class, go to that class and print and download any materials related to that lesson so that when it is time to work on the materials, you have the entire block of time to focus on it.
• Printing lessons and tests allows for highlighting of text and vocabulary, easier note taking and reduced eye strain from looking at a computer screen.
• Remember to set up a binder for each class and to follow each step for every lesson. This will organize your schedule so that you will succeed at each class that you take.
• Online classes are not as structured as classroom settings and it will take a lot more discipline to ensure that you are not getting behind in your classes.
• Internet access can be "iffy" at best, always schedule your study time well ahead of any deadlines in case you do encounter any technical issues.
• If you are having difficulty with any part of a lesson remember than online classes mean you are depending on email and forums for answers and you may not get that answer right away. Scheduling your study time for the last minutes before assignments and tests are due is not wise.

[tkdbbelt87]

on 5/19/2009 Great tips - I have taken numerous online classes and they definitely require organization! 5* and a rec

[woodsusa]

on 3/2/2009 Great tips! I am the worst at letting things get disorganized, and that would just make learning so much harder...great article!

[LorilynFarms]

on 2/5/2009 Boy, if you don't organize, those online classes can quickly overcome you. Great article

[1InternetSmarty]

on 2/5/2009 Thanks for sharing your terrific ideas on getting organized for online classes. These are great. Five stars.

[JanieWrites]

on 1/19/2009 I have been teaching online for over 10 years and if my students followed your advice, they all would have a great chance of success! Great tips! Thanks