How To Be A Successful Online Student

To gain maximum value from your study we suggest that you use a systematic approach at the beginning of the term and carry it through to all of your online coursework:

• Examine the learning outcomes/curriculum and outline of the course in the syllabus and calendar.
• Make sure that you understand what you are expected to gain from the course.
• Plan a schedule that allows you to work through the material.
• Complete the required course orientation.
• Begin your study program by reading through the course material to familiarize yourself with the content.
• Read the assigned lecture or lesson for the week.
• Make note of stated learning goals and/or provided focus questions for the week.
• Read assigned textbook readings, make notes of important information.
• Follow up any links which are provided to other parts of the course or to outside references (focus on learning goals or focus question answers).
• Carry out the learning activities such as weekly discussions, citing of sources, quizzes, journals, assignments or other activities.
• ASK QUESTIONS before problems grow out of control.  Communication is the key to online courses.  They are learning communities where instructors and students work together to learn.