Your Online Course Toolbox

By Lorena Roberts on September 7, 2017

Taking an online course this semester? It might be harder than you think. Depending on what kind of class you’re taking, you’re going to need certain “tools” in order to pass. And you’ll need even more “tools” if you want to make an “A.”

If you’re enrolled in an online class this semester, here are some tips for making the grade you want.

1. “Go to class” anyway

Don’t let your online assignments get away from you. Just because it’s an online class, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t schedule time to work on it. If you schedule your online class like it’s in person, you’ll have a much better chance at excelling.

Pick one or two times per week that you don’t have anything scheduled. Plan to sit down in a quiet place with a latte and get to work. If you spread out your assignments and work on it weekly, you won’t be so overwhelmed and you’re bound to excel.

2. Stay on top of your assignments

It’s easy to let an online class get away from you! Stay on top of the assignments you have to get done in order to pass the course. I suggest keeping a pretty detailed planner with all your due dates written out — week by week.

If you can plan to work on your assignments a little at a time, it won’t seem so overwhelming.

3. Schedule your own deadlines

Some online classes are created without deadlines, but you’re required to get a certain number of assignments done before the end of the semester. The best advice I can give is to make your own deadlines. If you plan out when you want to have certain assignments completed, you’re more likely to stick to your schedule.

When scheduling deadlines, you should take some other things into consideration:

- Plan your online assignment submissions to be during weeks where your other classes are experiencing a “lull.”

- Set reminders in your planner to begin working on the assignment about one week before you want to have it turned in. This works especially well for writing papers.

4. Know your distractions

When you’ve set aside time to work on your online class, try to refrain from Facebook, Twitter, emails, or Candy Crush (I know I’m not the only one with an addiction).

Being aware of the distractions that are possible during your “work time” will make it less likely that you’ll get sucked into the world of searching YouTube.

There are apps for keeping yourself off of social media when you need to be concentrating. Download these on your computer and put your phone on “do not disturb.” If you’re still having trouble getting stuff done, maybe it’s time for an intervention.

5. Try to connect with other students in the class

Most of the time, there’s a roster within online class websites. You should be able to see who the other people are in your class. If you know any of them, reach out. Even if you don’t, try communicating with other students in the class. It’s more likely that you’ll make a better grade in the class if you’re collaborating — no, not cheating; I mean for studying PowerPoints and notes.

Working with other people makes it easier to understand the material. Sometimes I even have a hard time understanding what’s expected of me on assignments. When I know other people in the class, I get their opinion. How long are they going to work every week on studying and getting their assignments done? How many words was their midterm paper?

6. Stand out to your professor

Email your professor a few times over the course of the semester. Be sure to send personable emails. (Some people might call this “sucking up.”) If your professor knows your name by the time grades are due, they’re more likely to round up if you’re at .5 or above.

Professors are people, too. Grades are totally subjective. If you put in work and reached out to the professor, more than likely they’re going to be a bit generous when it comes to grades.

7. Stay motivated

Online classes are tough to stay motivated in. Sometimes you lose sight of the end result. Don’t let the fact that it’s online keep you from valuing the information available. If you can finish this online class strong, you’ll have another requirement fulfilled — and you didn’t even have to get out of bed.

Depending on the course, you may have to work harder than your in-person classes. Sometimes the tests are even harder when they’re online. If you’re mainly writing a paper for the course, then the grade in and of itself is subjective. Don’t lose sight of the end result and stay on top of your scheduled assignments. You’ll do fine as long as you put in the work.

isorepublic.com

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