WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
|
Tips for Surviving Online Learning
Are you considering taking an online learning course? Does the thought of online learning have you quivering? While navigating through online learning can seem daunting at first, you have come to the right place to have your worries put to rest. You likely have many questions, like how often do I need to be online, how much am I to include in my postings, how will I manage my time, what if I don't know as much as the others? But, you needn't worry. Don't worry, we have all had these questions, and more. While online learning is not for everyone, by following a few simple tips, you just might find that online learning is just right for YOU! Take a look below for some tips to help make the online learning experience enriching and enjoyable.
Then, don't forget to click on the TIPS BLOG link above to check out the advice left by some of our visitors. |
Technical Tips
learning experience rewarding. Discover what it there for you.
message online (most courses are structured with a "Help" forum of some type). Your colleagues will be only too happy to guide you.
assignments, you will want to create those in a data processing program (e.g. Word). Be sure to save this work. That way, if there are any glitches along the way, you haven't lost your hard work and you give yourself peace of mind! |
Tips for Setting Goals
get out of this choice. Know your long-term goal. That helps to keep things in perspective.
(e.g. in this session, I will catch-up on all the postings in the Week 2 forum; or, today, I will respond to the postings of at least three colleagues)
will complete the blog first because it is due by the end of the week)
schedule to help set goals, particularly for the course-end tasks. You don't want to leave the larger tasks to the last minute (e.g. I will begin a rough draft of the paper by week three so that I can develop it by week five, and hand it in in week six) |
Tips for Managing Your Time
Refer to your calendar throughout the course. This will help you to keep on track.
to set aside time to dedicate to your studies, relatively free from your other life priorities. Try to maintain your routine as best you can. Of course, things will come up, but a good routine will help you to keep on track.
plan for it in your studies. Get a head-start the week before. Communicate with your group that you will be unavailable at times. Most people are understanding, and it takes a lot of stress off - both for you and your group.
break. You deserve one. Sometimes that mental break is all you need to regroup and re-approach your studies. It's okay to give yourself a course-free day every now and again.
you are dedicating to your studies. An online course is supposed to align with face-to-face classes in terms of the amount of time spent in class (approximately 72 hours for a 12-week course). If you are not spending at least six hours per week on course studies (i.e. both online and offline work), then you'll need to adjust to find more time. If you are spending far more than six hours per week on course studies, then you may need to give yourself a break to avoid burning out. |
Tips for Online Communication
match for few postings that say a lot. Of course, if you do not post often enough, conversations can become stale and futile. Your instructor will give you guidelines as to the minimum number of postings they expect for their particular course, so be mindful of these expectations. The best advice is to post meaningfully and routinely. Click here to see samples of what we mean by a quality response.
online communication to extend beyond good conversation. Ideas need to be explored, challenged, validated, and consolidated. Linking your ideas to research, observation, and informed opinion is helpful in promoting meaningful discussion.
online. Conversations are fostered when postings and replies are kept brief (there shouldn't be a need to scroll down to reach the end) and meaningful.
disagree with the thinking of others. That is healthy, and it promotes deeper thinking. Do not take disagreements personally (it is the idea that is being challenged, not you). When replying to others, address the content of their message.
not add value to the conversation, and fill up conversation threads. Whether you agree or disagree with a posting, always support your point with evidence. |
|
Tips from Experience
To the left, Jennifer, and online learner, shared her tips for success with an online course. While she refers to a specific Learning Management System, her tips are universal.
|