Successful Tips for Online Learning

Submitted by webdesign on Fri, 11/05/2010 - 14:47

At Antonelli College, our top priority is creating an environment where our students will thrive academically, personally and socially. We believe that education goes beyond the classroom. Your experience at Antonelli College should help you develop lasting relationships with the people and community around you to build a better tomorrow.

To ensure you get the most out of your time with us, follow these successful tips for online education:

Equip Yourself with the Required Course Material

  1. Print a copy of the syllabus for each course. Read it carefully; it should answer most of the questions you have about the course.
  2. Before class starts, preview your textbook by scanning the table of contents, major chapter headings and subheadings.
  3. Be sure that your computer meets the minimal requirements and that you have Internet access. Make sure all aspects of your computer and printer are functioning properly.

Develop a Study Plan

  1. Be sure to log into the course at least three times per week.
  2. Have your assignments ready on a disk or your hard drive so that when you log in, you will be able to easily submit them.
  3. Keep a good set of notes for each topic. By doing this, you will be able to review for exams without cramming.

Avoid Interruptions

  1. Let your family or roommates know about your critical computer use, and ask that you not be disturbed during your class work time. You need to treat this class as if you were actually sitting in the classroom on campus.
  2. Avoid all interruptions and distractions while you are studying for your online class. Wear comfortable clothes, turn off the TV, and take the telephone off the hook. (How many classes can you attend while wearing your pajamas?)
  3. Motivate yourself to log in at least three times per week so you will not get behind on assignments. Instructors will post the due date of when assignments are due.

Recruit a Group or Study Partner

  1. Try to identify one or more classmates with whom you can get together with to review your assignments, discuss class sessions and study for your exams. You will be able to meet some of your classmates through the discussion boards.
  2. Look for ways to relate and apply the knowledge you are gaining. Share your experiences with your study partners.

Ask for Help When You Need It

  1. Contact your instructor when you have questions about course content. They are available by email, discussion board or phone, or you can make an appointment for an on-campus meeting.
  2. If you have any concerns or questions throughout the semester, you can contact the Online Learning Office at 601-714-1660.

Dos & Don'ts
Follow some of these tips from former online students:

Do:

  • Print out the syllabus and assignment schedule.
  • Be full of determination.
  • Log into the class regularly.
  • Keep track of all due dates and submit all assignments on time.
  • Plan ahead and manage your time appropriately.

Don't:

  • Take an online class because you think it will be easier than an on-campus class.
  • Take an online class unless you plan to be very organized.
  • Think you will have extra time or less work in an online class.
  • Let the workload build up. Procrastination is your worst enemy in an online course.
  • Be afraid to ask questions.
  • Wait until the last minute to ask questions or submit assignments.
  • Make excuses.

Netiquette

  1. Double-check to whom you're sending email. It can be embarrassing when an email that you meant for one person ends up being read by others.
  2. Using all capital letters in email is equivalent to shouting.
  3. In general, email and discussion board messages should be short and to the point.
  4. Use a meaningful subject line for emails and discussion board posts so your readers will have a clear idea of what your message is about.
  5. Don't forward others' messages without asking first. While you should always write your email messages assuming others may see them, it is considered very rude to forward someone else's message without asking their permission.
  6. Misunderstandings are more common with email than other communication methods. Therefore, be polite and respectful. It can be tempting to let yourself go in an environment that feels anonymous, but remember that there are real people reading your messages. Good online manners are vital to a productive and supportive online learning environment.
  7. Be tolerant of views expressed by others. Keep in mind that you probably have something to gain from exposure to views and backgrounds different than your own.
  8. When reacting to someone else's message, address the ideas, not the person. Again, remember that there are real people on the other end.
  9. Be careful when using sarcasm and humor, and don't include any obscenities in your messages. Without face-to-face communications, people may take your humor personally, and you never know who may be offended by expressions that are commonplace to you.
  10. Don't send commercial advertisements or "chain mail" to your classmates.