Tips for Success in an Online Learning Environment
Online class enrollment reached 6.6 million students in 2017 (Educationdata.org/online-education-statistics) and is a growing trend that has exploded out of necessity with the onset of the COVID-19 crisis and cancellation of many face-to-face classes. According to the World Economic Forum (weforum.org) 1.2 billion children are out of the classroom – and many into online classes - worldwide as a result of a response to the pandemic, and that doesn’t count the students forced into online learning due to cancellation of face-to-face classes in post-secondary institutions around the world. But while the crisis has thrown some into online learning against their will, a growing number enroll in online classes to take advantage of flexibility (taking your class when and where you want to take it) and accessibility that affords learning opportunities not available in face-to-face formats. While this is a reason to cheer all the additional learning that is happening, to ensure success, it is important to enter the online learning space with eyes wide open.
If you are prepared to deal with the challenges of online learning, the result could be considerable advantages in preparing for professional programs (like taking NursingABC/Portage Learning courses) or engaging in an otherwise inaccessible degree program.
Some students make the mistake of thinking that online learning is easy just because it’s convenient or because you don’t have to report to a class in person. You will still have the same content and processes to learn as in the traditional class, plus you must deal with on-going distractions – such as family events or children at home. Through proper planning and mentally preparing yourself for the challenges of online learning, you make your success more likely. While there is no substitute for putting in the time needed to complete assignments, following the ten tips below will help you navigate the online learning process efficiently and keep unanticipated problems to a minimum.
1. Schedule a time to work on your course(s). Plan a time to work on your course and stick to it. Failure to schedule a regular and realistic time to work on your course is one of the top reasons people fail online courses. Regular means a time carved out just for online learning. Realistic means avoid scheduling early morning times if you have a difficult time arising early and, likewise, avoid late evening times if, after a full day of responsibilities, you can’t stay awake in the evening. Break your work time into manageable chunks. Don’t try to complete all work in at one time.
2. Before beginning the course, make sure you have the technology requirements and are familiar with them. Do you have a computer with a webcam and enough memory for the task? Which internet browser does the institution recommend? Google Chrome? Firefox? Make sure you have the latest version downloaded.
3. Be sure that you understand all academic policies. Read the student handbook and all other materials available to you before you begin the course. How long will you have to complete the course for which you are registering? Do you understand the institution’s definition of academic honesty (copying is generally prohibited)? How and when are transcripts of courses delivered? What is the policy on course withdrawals? Can you get all or part of your tuition back if you withdraw from the course? What are the time limitations for a withdrawal?
4. Read through the syllabus before you start the course. Know how you will be graded on your work. If you don’t understand something in the syllabus, be sure to ask for help before you begin the course. Before beginning each assignment, read the requirements. Don’t try shortcuts; read all module materials. Don’t submit a one-page report when the requirement is 5-6 pages. Plagiarizing the work of another is grounds for failing a question, exam, or even the course.
5. Read or listen to your instructor’s introduction to the course.
6. Communicate with your instructor. If you fail to understand something in the course, contact your instructor before the exam to ask for an explanation. If you receive a low grade on an exam or written assignment, make sure you understand the factors that contributed to the low grade before moving on to the next assignment. For example, are your answers to exam questions precise enough? Do not move on to the next exam or assignment without first reviewing the last corrected exam or assignment and clarifying anything you do not understand.
7. Help yourself by working through all problems, written assignments, or questions in each class session before you attempt to take an exam. Do not expect your instructor to go to great lengths to explain something that you have not tried to learn. Ask yourself, for example, have I worked through all statistics (or chemistry, etc.) problems given in the lessons, and have I shown my work? Do not proceed to open an exam until you are sure you understand all material presented and can solve all problems and answer all questions given for practice with each exam.
8. Maintain the same civil communication when online with your instructor and administrative personnel as you would in face-to-face communication. Do not try to bully them to get your way. These people can be your greatest advocate when you are trying to resolve an issue, but they will be less inclined to go the extra mile to help you if you use disrespectful language. Continuing disrespectful communication could result in expulsion from a course. Know and follow the policy on this point.
9. Read the instructions for each exam and each question on the exam carefully. If the instructions say that you must show all work for a problem, be sure to show your work in a step-by-step manner. Do not expect to receive credit for an answer (even if the final answer is correct) if you have not followed all instructions. The ability to follow instructions is often just as important to the successful completion of a course as is the mastery of content.
10. Learn what your instructor expects you to produce to demonstrate your learning. Do not expect the instructor to adopt the policies you have followed with other online instructors. If you are not clear on this point, ask your instructor for clarification. It is an exercise in futility to try to convince your instructor to change policy to match your past experiences.
An additional note for courses offered partially online and partially in the classroom: Be sure to map out when assignments are due for each aspect of the course. Minimize confusion by marking assignments on your calendar and note if they are due in the classroom or online.
Success in online learning is about organizing yourself and staying on task. Following the tips listed above will enhance your chances for success and perhaps motivate you to do even better the next time around.
