Manage Your Expectations

Online courses require just as much time and energy as face to face courses. At the beginning of the course, review course materials such as the Course Outline where your instructor will spell out the time required each week to succeed in the course.

You will need to log in to the course more than once to complete the work. Typically, the course will be broken down into modules that will open up at specified dates. This requires you to log in at least once a week, sometimes more.

Blended courses will have a face to face component with the expectation that you will be completing a portion of the coursework online.

Technology Requirements

It is not possible to complete on online or blended course using only a mobile device. You will need regular access to an Internet connected computer. Have a back up plan if you have difficulties with your own device. Computer problems happen, but they will not work as an excuse for incomplete assignments. Your college library will student computers available where you can complete your coursework. Be aware of their open hours and the hours of your school’s computer lab(s).

If you are uncomfortable using a computer, take a basic computing course or seek out someone who can help you before you take a blended or fully online course. Do not expect to learn how to use a computer during an online class.

Organization and Time Management

Without the requirement to be in class at a certain time, it can be easy to put off your online coursework. Keep careful track of all due dates. For some students, a paper-based organizer where assignment due dates can be written on a calendar is most useful. For others, inputting due dates into an online calendar that sends alerts to their mobile device is preferred.

Set aside a time to work on your online coursework and stick to the schedule. Online courses give you more flexibility about when you can complete the work, which is great for students who also have jobs, families and other responsibilities. You can choose the time that works for your schedule, but you need to adhere to it in order to be successful.

Communication

If possible, meet your professor and students in your class. If you can’t meet them in person, participate in icebreaker discussions, ask questions and respond in kind. After the first week of class, send a message to your instructor introducing yourself and asking any questions you may have about the course. Ask for help as soon as you need it. Once you get behind, it can be very difficult to catch back up.

Look for any comments or feedback on your submissions as that is the primary way your professor will communicate with you in a fully online environment. Be sure to check your college email frequently for messages from your professor about the course.

In an online environment, professional communication is paramount. When sending an email, use a salutation (e.g., Dear Prof. Smith). The body of your message should be in complete sentences with proper punctuation. Clearly and briefly state your purpose for communicating. If you need a response, ask a question that ends in a question mark. Use a closing (e.g. Sincerely, Jane). Always be respectful. If you are upset, wait a few hours before sending. Remember, you are addressing your professor, not your friend.

Frequently, online courses require participation in discussion boards. These are online areas where students create posts of original thoughts and reply to other student posts. Discussion boards allow you to demonstrate your knowledge gained in the course.Your posts will be visible to the professor and to the entire class and you will be able read and reply to other students. It is expected that you will be professional in your communication with other students. Racist, sexist, and bigoted language will not be tolerated nor will any kind of hate speech.