The internet has opened many opportunities for learning. Although you may be familiar with learning in the traditional classroom, learning online differs in many ways. An online course is NOT less work. It does provide some options for flexibility, allowing you to fit your study time to your preferences and other commitments. This flexibility is both a benefit and a challenge. How can you learn from the experience of others and be successful in your online course?

1. Communicate

You must actively communicate with your instructor. In a classroom course the instructor can often see that you are confused and need help. That is not the case in an online course. Your instructor wants you to be successful. If you have a question, are feeling lost in the course, or need help you must ask.

2. Manage Access

You must have regular, reliable access to a computer and to the Internet. Plan for access. Schedule the times and places when you are going to be on a computer. Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Be sure that you have planned time to complete work before it is due so that you have time to troubleshoot computer issues.

3. Build Your Computer Skills

Online learning creates a wonderful opportunity to develop computer skills that will create job opportunities for you in the future. Spend a little extra time at the start of the course learning new computer skills. You can find several helpful video tutorials online. We recommend the tools provided by the Goodwill Foundation. They are very complete and can help you with typing, understanding computers, and using common applications like Word and PowerPoint.

4. Learn How to Use the Online Learning Tools

There are a specific set of tools that will be used in every course. Take time to learn them and to understand where to find the information you need. You will find several helpful videos below.

Coursework in MyTalladega

Quizzes and Tests in MyTalladega

Discussions in MyTalladega

Course Readings and Videos
All of your readings are found here in the Candela system. You have free access to the readings, videos and materials included here. You can access them from your computer or from your SmartPhone. View a video of instructions here.

4. Manage Your Time

In a traditional classroom your instructor sees if you are missing class. In an online class the instructor will not know that you are falling behind until you miss something and then it is too late. It is your job as a student to plan time to do the work every week. Schedule time for online learning. Get away from interruptions – friends, family, your phone – and focus on your online coursework just like you would do in the classroom.

If you do these 5 things, you will be successful learning online.