Online learning can be appealing to students for many reasons: the convenience of learning from anywhere, anytime; the flexibility and self-paced nature that many courses offer; and the asynchronous format of discussions that allows more time to reflect on a classmate’s question and respond before responding.
Although the appeal of online courses may seem immediate, students may still need guidance in order to make the most of them. Constance Staley, the third edition FOCUS on College Success, outlines the key behaviors that will enable them to thrive in an online learning environment.
These eight strategies won’t guarantee a “A”, but they will position students to succeed in the course and help them avoid bad habits that can lead frustration or failure.
Eight Strategies to Help Your Students
These strategies can be shared with your students:
Discipline: Although you have more flexibility with an online course, you still need discipline and motivation just as much as you would for face-to-face classes. Regular attendance is essential. This means that you must listen to lectures, participate in discussions, and keep up with assignments and reading material. You can reinforce these habits by setting aside a time each day to complete the coursework, just as if you were there in person.
Ask for help: If you have any questions about a lecture or assignment, don’t hesitate to ask your instructor. You can reach out to your instructor via e-mail or instant messaging.
Keep in touch with other students: You won’t be able to sit at a desk or in a chair around your classmates. Therefore, keep in touch with them via e-mail, discussion boards, or any other online communication. If you are able to meet up with your classmates in person, please do so!
Make sure you have the latest version of your antivirus program and software to protect your computer. A virus can seriously impact your ability to complete assignments or work on them. You could also infect your instructor’s computer or other students’ computers.
Your Home Space: Set up your space to make it less distracting or interruptive. You’ll be more likely stay focused on your coursework.
You should regularly review your progress. You can, for example, look back at your work every time you log in to the course. This will allow you to move on to the next section with confidence.
Create a calendar: include all due dates, quizzes and tests, lectures or chats, group meetings, and quizzes. You can also set your own deadlines (for example, discussion posts) for assignments that do not have a due date but must be completed to meet the course requirements.
Backup your work in case of network or computer failure. To ensure that you don’t lose everything if your computer crashes or is infected by a virus or other calamity, back up your work on a thumb drive. Know who to contact for technical assistance. (pp. 152-153)
Reference: Content adapted by Staley, Constance. 2013. FOCUS on College Success. 3rd ed. Boston: Wadsworth, Cengage.
