For students, online courses are different from on-campus courses as they have the benefit of completing schoolwork with flexible hours and working from home. Online courses provide a lot of flexibility, and students can be in the same class and live in all different parts of the world.
However, there are challenges, too. There is no meeting place and a student can forget to log on often. If students are new to the format of online courses, they can have difficulty adjusting. These courses provide great opportunities, but opportunity comes with new challenges. To help with these challenges, try these Four Cs.
Confirm all of your technical devices are working properly. These include your computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, cameras, microphones, etc. Consult with your professor by emailing, calling them, or contacting them in Blackboard to confirm which devices are required for your course. If you need assistance, contact the Office of Information and Instructional Technologies (OIIT) for more assistance. You can reach an OITT professional at nova.edu/help/students/index.html, 954-262-4357, or help@nova.edu.
Connect your professors early. Make sure to email your professor and introduce yourself prior to the class starting. You can find a professor’s email on your course syllabus. If possible, make an appointment during his or her office hours to speak in person or over the phone. Some examples of questions to ask are “How can I be successful in your class?” “What are some tips you can give me so I can best prepare for your assignments and tests?” and “May I meet with you outside of class to discuss how this class will prepare me for my future?”
This connection with faculty is important for your success. Without having the face-to-face time of a residential course, it is important for you to establish a professional relationship with your online professors.
Coordinate a schedule. You should treat your online courses like any other course. Creating a dependable schedule that allows you to log on multiple times per week, complete readings, write discussion posts, take quizzes, etc. will create good habits that can lead you to academic success. Knowing your syllabus and outlining your class schedule for the term will help you stay on top of your coursework.
Consistency. Have a consistent workplace. You should try to use the same location when working in your online course. This creates a routine, resulting in good habits. This may take you some time to figure out, but areas that are quiet, easy to access, and have a good Internet connection are a good place to start.
Try these four easy tips to be on your way to becoming a successful online student. The important thing to remember is to be organized and consistent to ensure academic success.
