Taking classes online is not the same as taking a face-to-face class. Even though you have been taking traditional courses for many years, the online environment has different expectations and opportunities that can be missed by the uninformed. This article proposes 7 strategies to help each student start a good virtual walk.
Strategy 1 Determine needs. Before registering for an online course, find out about expectations in terms of participation, work and hours online. Also make sure that you have the technological equipment necessary to participate fully. Based on this information, you can make an informed decision and commitment to e-learning. Your program, school or business must provide you with this information in writing.
Strategy 2 Prepare a plan. Once you have defined your lesson plan, note your schedule of assignment deadlines in your current schedule or NEW. (If you’re not already using it, Google Calendar is a great online tool that complements this online learning experience.) ALSO, schedule your time to sit down at the computer, connect to your classroom, and work. The best online learners plan these hours as an appointment in their weekly calendar instead of just finding a time that suits them.
Strategy 3 Stick to it or modify it until it is appropriate. It is unlikely that your schedule / plan works perfectly from the beginning. We discover success when you adjust the plan to meet your real learning needs and your differing demands. Document what is really needed and what is available. Now you have a realistic plan that you can hold responsible for.
Strategy 4 Participate frequently. Log in more than once a week. Participate frequently and you will get a lot more for your time and money because you are more involved in your studies. Making the learning experience your center of attention several times a week means much more learning than giving it a few minutes once a week. Concentrate, saturate or concentrate, no matter what you want to imagine – it works and you have the control to do it!
Strategy 5 Seek support as soon as possible. If something does not work in your online course (technical problem) or if something is missing (a link or a file), contact the person in charge immediately. The longer you wait, the more you are late. Online learning is a matter of initiative: you have control of solving problems!
Strategy 6 Become a member of the community. More than a traditional classroom, you really can not afford to hide in an online classroom. In one click, your instructor can see all your interactions and will score you accordingly. To make the most of your time and tuition, participate fully in the discussion, meet your peers, and participate. Successful students find that this interaction becomes the richest part of online courses, yet some people lose so much by not being really present.
Strategy 7 Finish hard. Like many long-term projects, the race is difficult. In online learning, finishing strong is just as important as the rest of the course. Online courses are often designed so that the final sessions integrate content into special projects, activities or discussions to provide maximum learning. Do not cheat yourself; Finish hard to enjoy these special features.
More soon….
Upcoming articles will continue to provide “suggestions for success” in all areas related to learning and e-learning. From eLearning to course design and teaching, there is much to share and consider to optimize this support for your success.