Three Ways to Get Ahead in Online Classes
Posted: October 23, 2020 | Author: Grace Thorkelson | Read Time: 2 minutes
If you’re beginning your journey in online classes, you may be unfamiliar with how to prepare and what you may need to know to get the grades you’re hoping for, and most importantly to learn and develop personally. If online classes are a whole new ballgame for you, we’re here to help you learn a few tips and tricks that will help you be successful in your respective program.
1. Participate Early and Often
In many online courses, discussion boards are a critical part of the participation grade and most importantly helps students learn the material from their peers’ personal experiences, research, and opinions. Waiting to participate until the day the discussion is due is not optimal.
“Doing discussion posts early makes the material and experience with classmates much more meaningful,” said Lydia Nelson, SUU Graduate Recruiter and current graduate student. “It helps you engage with more people and retain the information better because you’re thinking about it all week.”
Following this advice can help students take advantage of the various expertise that students in their classes exemplify, and aid them in gaining the most from their college experience.
2. Engage with the Program Director
Despite the fact that you may not be attending the university’s campus in a face-to-face format, you can still interact with and engage often with the program director.
“Program directors are invested in your success in their program and in the career you’ll pursue when you leave their program,” said Nelson. “Engaging with the program director brings you more opportunities for professional development while in the program, and more networking opportunities once you leave..”
Set up a Zoom call to discuss your progress in the program and your career goals. Stay in touch via email, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the program director with any questions you have. Doing so shows your willingness to learn from their personal and professional experiences.
3. Get Familiar with the Online Learning System
Since you won’t be turning assignments, quizzes, tests, and projects in physically to your professor, it is critical that you know how to work the online learning system that your university uses. At Southern Utah University the Online Teaching & Learning (OTL) Office provides an abundance of student resources and support and links for students to be able to utilize the system. The IT Call Center also offers 24/7 access to help via telephone at 435-586-7700.
Eventually, you will find your groove in the online learning environment, and by following the three tips above you will likely have a head-start on your peers. Being prepared and being willing to participate with your colleagues as well as your professors will prove to be beneficial.
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