How to Get the Most from an Online College Class

The increase in the number of colleges and universities that are offering online classes in recent years has made it much easier for working adults and other nontraditional students to attend college and get their degrees. But the online format can be difficult for students who are more familiar with the face-to-face (f2f) environment of the classroom because it tends to be less structured.

I’m finishing a bachelor’s degree online from the University of Maryland University College, and I will be starting an online Masters degree in the spring. During my college career, I've been a mentor to other students and I’ve found some good workable strategies that will help you organize your study time, get the most from your online classes, and reduce the frustration and stress associated with school. Now, get to those books!

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• computer
• Internet access
• a study area
• flexibility
• time

1. Online classes run for a certain length of time, just like regular classes. Often, the virtual classroom is open to students before the actual start of class. Take advantage of this time to tour the classroom and become familiar with the menu system. Find your instructor’s name and contact information, and write it down or add it to your e-mail contacts. If there is a list of required books and/or materials, make sure you have everything you need before the class officially starts.

2. Locate the class syllabus, and print it out. If there is a list of projects, print that out, too. You will use your syllabus to help set up a study schedule. See how much reading is expected each week, and even count the number of pages. Write it on your syllabus. This will help you organize your workload, especially when you are taking more than one class. Use a yellow or orange highlighter to mark due dates for essays and other class assignments, and use a green or blue highlighter to cross off assignments from the syllabus as you finish them.

3. Gather all your textbooks, dictionaries, and other course materials before the class starts. Make sure you have pens, pencils, printer paper, and ink or toner -- being prepared reduces stress! Also take some time to look over your textbooks and become familiar with them. Note especially if they have glossaries, indexes, maps, or other resources.

4. Check in to the classroom on the first day of class. Introduce yourself and read the conferences. Schedule your reading and study time, and take note of any short assignments. Most often, professors have students post a comment and respond to other students’ comments about the topic being studied. Show up: participation in an online classroom is a part of your grade.

5. Take advantage of the flexibility of online education and check in at least three to five times a week to keep up with the online discussions. Reading a few posts each day is easier than reading a hundred in one sitting!

6. Ask questions, and ask the professor for clarification if an assignment isn’t clear. Start working on long-term class projects before the week that they’re due or you’ll stress out and do less-than-perfect work. Ask if you can submit a draft for review before an assignment is due, and use any feedback the instructor gives you to make your work better.

Tips & Warnings

• Break your work down into small tasks
• Check into the classroom often
• Follow class instructions
• Be courteous
• Ask for deadline extensions if you need to
• Don't hesitate to ask for help
• Don't give up!

Resources

• Guide to Online Schools.com
• GradSchools.com
• eLearners.com
• Accredited Online Colleges

[kinderhook]

on 11/6/2009 Excellent recommendations for getting the most from an online class. I heartily agree that being prepared with everything needed for the class BEFORE it begins; planning work/class/study time; & not leaving anything to be done at the last minute will be of enormous help.