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While the world of online education has
been booming for the past few years,
it’s important for us to remember that there are still people who have
yet to venture into this vast world of virtual learning. I'm not saying it's
not easy to get wrapped up in all of the new-fangled, technological advances
available to virtual students, we just needn't forget those who are still new
to the whole thing.
Print
Out the Syllabus
This might seem like such a simple,
obvious step that it shouldn't be listed, but I think it's important enough to
be first. After all, the syllabus is the foundation of any course. So, as soon
as it's released, I recommend printing out a hard copy and posting it somewhere
near where you plan to do most of your work. This way, you will always have it
within arm's reach for quick reference should you need it. Plus, you never know
when the class's system might randomly go down, so having a copy easily
accessibly can really come in handy and possibly even save your grade!
Establish
a Regular Schedule for Yourself
Or as regular as your current priorities
will allow. Part of the beauty in online learning is the flexibility it allows.
Depending on your course, you may have specific times you HAVE to be online and
participating, but for the most part you are allowed to come and go as you
please.
But be aware, don't take this as an
opportunity to let your procrastination take over. Having the leisure to make
your own schedule and deadlines makes it a bit tempting to put stuff off, but
this isn't advised unless completely necessary. You want to stay on top of
assignments almost more so than in an ordinary face-to-face course because you
never know when technology will turn against you and delay the chance you have
to turn in an assignment.
Make
a List of Important Phone Numbers
Speaking of technology backfiring, you
need to prepare for that happening to you at the worst possible time. The one
drawback to online learning is during crucial times like test taking or project
submission, you are at the mercy of your machines. So, should the unthinkable
happen and you lose your connection, or data or whatever the technical
emergency you'll want to instantly contact either your professor, the technical
support line or both.
If you have their numbers written down
somewhere nearby, you will speed up the process, especially if the issue is
that your machine is unresponsive and you now can’t look up their information
even if you wanted to. If you happen to know someone else in the course, you
should write their number down too, just in case. Although it might be easy to
forget given the method of teaching, this is still a class with other humans,
so if you have a problem sometimes a phone call is the best solution.
Overall, if you are taking your first
online class, just approach it like you would any new course. Sure the methods
of interacting and communicating might be a bit different than more traditional
courses, but the goal of learning remains the same. Just give it your all and you're
guaranteed to be fine.
Karen Smith, a former newspaper reporter
and globe trotter, now freelances for various publications and websites. She
hopes to bring her readers the latest in business education at onlinebusinessdegree.org, as
well as up-to-date, informed advice on everything from careers to parenting to
health and more. Karen welcomes your comments below!
Enjoy your reading!
