COLL 100 Outline: Strategies for Success in Online Learning
by Aidas Masiulis
1. Introduction
1.1. Online college courses take an immense amount of effort and dedication. Though it is convenient to have the flexibility of online classes, and the ability to study from anywhere, online learning is anything but easy. If fact a student must work harder because he does not have face-to-face interactions with other students and professors.
1.2. He must find a good place to study outside of a university environment, which is full of classrooms, libraries, coffee shops, etc.
1.3. An online student likely has a job, spouse, children, pets--all of which he must shape his education around.
1.4. The most important strategies for success are focus, time management, and developing a relationship with classmates and teachers.
2. Build Bridges
2.1. It is easy to feel isolated while taking an online class. A student may feel overwhelmed with the work, and because he has not met his teacher, he might feel hesitant to reach out with questions or problems.
2.2. With online classes, a student cannot meet his classmates. He cannot engage them in stimulating debates or have friendly competitions for who got the highest grade.
2.3. Forums are common in online classes, and are meant to replace the social aspect of classrooms. Students should take advantage of these forums and get to know classmates. Students could even bond over how difficult online classes really are!
2.4. An online student must work that much harder to make an online class feel like an in-person class.
2.5. The same is true with teachers. Students must email, or chat to make that connection.
2.6. Students should always ask questions to make sure they understand a topic, and also to get a conversation going. A teacher who knows and understands a student will feel a stronger connection to him.
3. Time Management
3.1. Life is busy, and schoolwork probably is not how most people want to spend their time.
3.2. To succeed, a student must make time, and balance work projects, family affairs, hobbies, friends, and fun.
3.3. An online student must allow time to do it right. This includes enough time to: Thoroughly examine resources Make outlines, rough drafts, and final drafts Proofread, or have someone with a good eye check for errors
3.3.1. Research and cite everything correctly. Students do not want to turn in a project after days of work, only to be marked down for careless mistakes or mistypes.
3.3.2. Read over work before turning it in.
3.4. Make charts, schedules, to-do lists...
3.5. Use a calendar to keep track of assignment due dates.
4. Focus
4.1. An online student must remove himself from distractions. If he cannot focus, he cannot work.
4.1.1. Project specifications
4.1.2. End User requirements
4.1.3. Action points sign-off