Succeeding in Online Classes

Why Do We Take Online Classes? Convenience Flexibility Availability Requirement Misinformation Why Do We Take Online Classes?

Not Every Online Class is the Same Attendance policies Deadlines vs open-ended submission Instructor and peer communication So how are you supposed to know? Do your research! https://facultyinfo.unt.edu/ Read the syllabus Things to Consider:

Expectation Reality More Reality

Six(ish) Things You Need to Be Successful Organization Resources Motivation Time Management The Right Work Space Communication Did I say motivation? You need a lot of it. Six(ish) Things You Need to Be Successful

Organization Your online class should have all of the same materials as an in-person section. Make a master syllabus with all of your classes’ due dates and tests. Read the entire syllabus right away. Regularly (at least once every 24 hours) check your student email and messages for the class in Blackboard. Need help forwarding your UNT email to your personal account? Go to it.unt.edu/eagleconnect! Don’t be this guy!

Resources Check the tech! Learn about the UIT Help Desk. Find your tutors/SIs. Use the Writing Center or History Help Center for essays. Study like you would for any other class. Yes, you need your text book!

Textbooks A key word search is not the same as reading. Don’t over- or under-utilize your book! If you have a physical book, read it away from the computer. Some online classes compensate for the lack of in- person instruction with significant reading assignments. If you’re struggling to keep up, consider the Learning Center’s Speed Reading class.

Stay Motivated Work ahead when you can. Reward yourself when you keep up with your schedule. Find resources right away if you need them. Don’t get bogged down in extraneous sources and social media. Take the class with a friend and work with each other.

Time Management Stick to a regular “class time” just like a traditional course whenever possible. Study regularly, even if you don’t have regular exams. Remember that you’re accounting for in- and out-of-class time.

The Study Cycle SET A GOAL BREAK STUDY WITH INTENSITY (30-50 min) REVIEW (10 - 15 min) The Study Cycle For every 1 hour “in class” spend 2 hours studying

Work Space Studying in bed discourages focus A crowded library can be as distracting as a busy restaurant Be wary of studying outdoors. Volume control is minimal and the elements may compromise your study materials.

Work Space STUDY DISTRACTIONS ANALYSIS List the places where you study Most Often _________________________ (A) Often _________________________ (B) Sometimes _________________________ (C) Answer true or false to the questions below for each of the places you study. If your usual study spaces are ineffective, think of another spot and test it again! I’m often interrupted when I study here. Much of what I see here is not related to school. I can often hear radio or TV when I study here. I seem to be especially bothered by distractions here. I think I take too many breaks when I study here. I usually don’t study here at regular times each week. My breaks tend to be too long when I study here, I tend to start conversations with people when I study here. I spend time that I should be using for study on the phone here. There are many things here that don’t have anything to do with studying or schoolwork. Temperature conditions here are not very good for studying. The chair, table, and lighting arrangements here are not very helpful for studying. When I study here, certain individuals distract me. I don’t enjoy studying here.

Communication Unlike traditional classes, you always have to be intentional. PAY ATTENTION to course announcements and emails. Check your syllabus for instructions about the best way to reach your professor. BB/Canvas messenger (rare) Email Phone Skype/video chat Most online courses at UNT are taught by an instructor who also has traditional classes, so you may have in-person hours available. If the online format is a struggle for you, take advantage of this.

Questions? Check-out our online resources to support internet and blended courses! Visit LearningCenter.unt.edu/studentresources for online class support!

References http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/worklife/03/29/cb.employers.online.education/index.html https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/news_item/report-one-four-students-enrolled-online-courses/ https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/articles/2013/01/14/5-tips-to-succeed-in-an-online-course https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/articles/2016-02-09/study-enrollment-in-online-learning-up-except-at- for-profits https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/135147.Paul_J_Meyer https://elearningindustry.com/employee-training-software-what-manager-needs-know