Succeeding at Online Classes Laura S. Heidel, Ph.D. LAUNCH N109 Cougar Village I www.uh.edu/ussc/launch

Succeeding at Online Classes- Outline Take quiz How are online classes different? How to choose an online instructor Time management—adding structure to the class Class participation-add accountability Communication with professor Knowledge of technology Online test taking

Take online student quiz I am a self-motivated and self-disciplined individual I have good time management skills that allow me to schedule specific times throughout the week to work on my online courses I can prepare adequately for exams I can effectively communicate any questions or concerns to my instructor I am comfortable expressing myself in writing using grammatically correct, written statements and/or essays I am not a procrastinator. I like to get things done today and not tomorrow I will not miss the face-to-face interaction with my instructor and classmates I do not give up easily, even when confronted with obstacles I am comfortable spending 5 plus hours each week on a course to review course lectures/videos, complete course assignments, participate in chats and threaded discussions, etc. I agree that online courses can be more challenging than face-to-face classes I consider myself an average to above-average reader I have basic computer skills and can use word processing software, download software, install software, use a web browser, etc.

Quiz, cont. I have access to a computer that is connected to the internet and have a backup plan if something happens to my computer I am comfortable in a virtual environment- email, sending attachments, threaded discussions, chat rooms, etc. From Fairmont State University, Characteristics of a successful online student

How are online classes different? 1. Time management is key, since you have to plan your own schedule, and discipline yourself to study. 2. Effective online communication skills are key, since this is your primary method of communication. 3. You have to create a good study environment, your “classroom”, somewhere besides a real classroom. 4. Active learning methods are key- you need to make the material interesting on your own, by using active strategies that work with your own study tendencies.

How to choose an online instructor-questions to ask 1. “Are you proficient at using a variety of software programs?” 2. “How quickly do you respond to student emails?” 3. “Do you use new technologies in the course?” 4. “How flexible are you with adult learners?” 5. “Do you set clear expectations for students?” 6. “How do you help to build an online community?” From www.usnews.com/education/online-education/articles

Time Management: Adding structure to the class Set aside a dedicated time each week for “class work” (watching videos, reading material from the professor, answering discussion posts) and each week for “reading time” (reading the textbook) When it is this time, go to your “classroom” or “office”, which is a spot that you have dedicated just to work on this class Put all deadlines for the course into a planner or calendar Each week, make a list of tasks to complete for the class and check them off when completed Have a separate notebook and binder for each online class

Learning Tips for Online Classes Stay organized: write major deadlines into a planner or calendar Consider the ergonomics of your desk and chair Can you be accountable to someone for getting your work done each week?

Tips for Online Classes: notes Taking notes Take notes on the “lectures” like you normally would Consider using the Cornell method (divide the page vertically, and have a column for questions or key words) Review your notes regularly, and integrate them with the text Use self-testing to quiz yourself, using your own questions and answers

Tips for Online Classes: text Reading the textbook Reading the textbook is especially important, since you are not “attending” class Find some way to take notes on, mark, summarize, or make flashcards from the reading and then review these periodically Question and Answer method: Take first sentence or heading -question Q (write your question) A (write your answer)

Class participation in online classes Include subject lines in your email messages Avoid sarcasm, which is hard to interpret online Acknowledge and return messages promptly Use appropriate intensifiers to help convey meaning (using asterisks is better than using all caps)

Communication with Professors- General Tips Why do students avoid talking to professors? Feeling “out of the loop” for missing several classes Fear of asking a dumb question Fear of confrontation Shyness Tendency to avoid interactions with those in authority

Communication with Professors- General Tips How to get over these fears Remember, you are paying the professor’s salary. (He or she works for you!) Remember, the professor is just a person too, with strengths and weaknesses. Try for little interactions at first and build from there. Send an introductory email to your professor for starters. Then think of small questions to ask. Questions about their research are usually well received.

Email Communication with Professors Why does it matter what my emails look like? An email is like a professional letter Your professor will base his or her opinion of you on your email, and maybe your grade Your emails in school will give you practice for professional emails in your career

Example email- what is wrong? Ms. W!!!! Wazzup? girl tell me what we have to do for Friday’s discussn bcuz I take 3 claeses and wrk 15 hrs/wk and I dont have time 2 git to a comupter to look n e thing up I rlly like your cls bcuz your funny well let me know cuz im a rlly gd stdt and need a A in you’re cls. [no signature]

Email Communication with Professors Use your uh email account (less likely to go to spam, looks official) In the subject line, identify your name and course number Use correct form of address (Dr., Professor) Be brief but- Use proper grammar and sentence structure (pretend like it is graded) Use a conclusion (“thanks for considering my request”) Read it aloud to look for possible errors

Taking tests online If your test is open note/book, you should still study for it, since time may be an issue See if there are some online questions you can practice before the test, to get used to the question type and format; take practice test If test is timed, practice answering with that pace in mind Are there other students in your part of town you can form a study group with? Have a backup computer to use in case you have problems with your computer Practice using the submission program before you really need to use it

In conclusion: Online classes require self-discipline and some planning ahead Consider what pitfalls may arise and take steps to correct them before they happen Your professor is a great resource since he/she has taught online students before Good luck in your online classes!