Getting Comfortable with Online Learning

The most important factor for successful online learning is the ability to manage time.

Successful online students spend two to three hours each week for each hour of credit for a class. For example, it requires spending six to nine hours of work during each week of the quarter, to complete the requirements of a three credit course. Non-successful online students procrastinate, and soon find themselves hopelessly far behind.

Tips on Participation and Time Management

It can take some time to learn the rhythm and patterns of online communication. Here are some tips for getting comfortable with the Online learning environment:

• If you are very new to the Internet spend some time surfing and getting comfortable with it.
• Spend time just navigating your way through WebCT.
• At the beginning of every quarter, optimize your browser using the optimize feature on the top menu bar.
• Figure out what tools are being used and what the buttons do.
• Manage your time. Successful online students set designated blocks of time to work on the class.
• Be proactive in communicating with your instructor and classmates.
• Read what you are going to send before you click on the send button.
• Share information, tips and questions with your classmates and instructor. You may have the answer someone needs.

Click here to survey your own readiness for online learning