Student Advice for Success in eLearning Courses

Actual Recommendations from MCC Students

"For anyone that is new to online classes, know your due dates and always try to get ahead on your assignments. I almost ended up with a C in a class instead of an A because I failed to do things on time, and I spent three days catching up on all the homework and tests that I had missed."

"My words of wisdom are to dedicate everyday at least 3-4 hours per day to study and work on your assignments (per internet class, if you are taking more than one). Share with everyone that you relate to of this time you are dedicating to your classes, so they know not to distract you or why you are not communicating often….. I can assure you will be proud on giving time towards your goals. Besides, it will be one more experience to share with everyone once you are done...! "

"Being an experienced online student my words of wisdom are to get organized, set out an agenda with days you will work on what subjects and keep your due dates visible so you are always aware of what is due when."

I am an experienced online student, as school is not near my house, and my schedule for work sometimes results in times I can't be in a classroom. But, definitely pay attention to due dates, and keep track of the discussions….If you have a cell phone or a regular paper calendar, I suggest putting in the due dates so you can keep track. It's an easy way to help you with your online class."

"I have taken many online classes. Some are set up to be really easy to navigate; others are more difficult. I have found that it is best to start day one (or sooner if possible). Look at all of the documents and understand exactly how everything is organized. Don’t assume you’ll figure it out later and wait until due dates are approaching. Write down everything in a calendar. I write down the due dates as well as the date I plan to do it. This immensely helps time management. Also, setting baby step deadlines for myself makes it more likely that I will finish everything ahead of time. If something takes less time than you expected and you finish everything you planned for that day, start on your to-do list for the next day. You never know what might come up that limits your time in the future. If you have time now, do it!"

"I am definitely an experienced online student. I have previously taken eight other online courses and am in the process of taking two more. For me, online classes are a lot easier because there is more work and interaction in the classes verses the large classes I have taken in the past (with 300-400 students in the class) and only taking exams. Students taking online classes need to have a lot of discipline, organization, and determination. As an experienced online student, I would recommend checking in to the class website various times a day to keep updated with all of the work and communication with other students and the teacher….."

"I have only taken on other on-line class. My strategy was to set aside the same times each week to work on the course, just like I was in class. This really helped me to stay on course and not get behind. "

"One piece of advice I would like to give the students that are new to online classes is that there is a lot of work. You need to use calendars to plot out assignment due dates and write on the calendar when you will actually do the work. Just simply telling yourself that an assignment is do in a week will not help. With classes that you physically have to show up, teachers typically remind you that things are due the next class period. With online class you don’t have that luxury. "

"Remember to never write an assignment in the pop-up link, or create a message link. It WILL time out and you WILL get pissed when all of your work gets erased without retrieval. I suggest you write your assignments in a word doc and transfer the information over to the posting link. In addition, never wait until the last minute. Online courses carry a different challenge from being in class. It requires a pro-active attitude and focused mindset. Do not let yourself get behind and do not be afraid to ask for help."

"As an experienced online student,….stay focused and stay positive. If you say you can, you can. To be successful in an online class, you need to make sure you have good time management. It's better to get assignments done ahead of time, rather than days before the due date. I've learned this from experience. Make sure you stay in communication with your instructor if you have questions or concerns. Last but not least, do your work completely. "

"My words of wisdom for my classmates would have to be do as much as you possibly can in the class and get on WebCT as frequent as possible. You have to be self disciplined. I have not been the best online student but I am hoping I will do better this time around. "

"My words of advice is to always check when you have something due, also write it down in a well organized agenda of some kind…..1: Don’t put things off just because you can. 2: Turn off the video games. 3: Allot a set time each day or every other day to attend class. "

"KEEP AT IT! Just because its online and more accessible then class on campus it is easy to fall behind or forget! People think it's easier because you do it from home but there's always a TV on or laundry to do at home too! Treat it like a campus class and it will be fine. "

"ORGANIZATION!! You need to know when assignments are due and you need to pace yourself to a schedule and stick to it!! It can be challenging, but not impossible, to get the required work done in time. This means cutting into your personal time- and if you're like me and are working full time then it gets to be even more of a challenge. Read your materials on breaks and lunches and you might even post on your FB wall that you are not ignoring everyone--you are just looking out for your own future. Your true friends will understand. "

"What I can say is don't wait to the last minute. Due dates for online classes tend to creep up on you faster than an in class session. "

"This is only the second online class I've taken and the first time I've taken two online classes at one time. My advice to others would be to keep on track. Do not allow yourselves to get behind or feel that you can do it later because you're not in class." "

"Far too often we seem not to have the time to do it right the first time, yet find the time to do it again when we are not happy with the result, or more importantly, when the instructor is not happy with your result. So don't wait till the last day to rush your work!"

"I am fairly new to the online classes. I did one last semester and enjoyed it. What I recommend is to take your time. Print out the syllabus and never be afraid to ask questions. Stay in touch with your peers and instructor. One last thing, it is not for everyone, so be true to yourself. If you find it hard to focus then maybe a classroom is better."

"I feel like my greatest piece of advice I can give is to set enough time aside for online learning. Try to pace yourself and not to become overwhelmed. You will have more work than your typical class and online are not for everyone."

"I think the biggest thing to avoid is waiting to the last minute to do your assignments. Follow the course outlines and due date and allow plenty of time to complete the class lectures. Once you fall behind it is very difficult to come back."

"Do assignments early! The sooner you get it done the better; procrastination is your worst enemy for online classes. You never know when your internet is going to get screwed up or your computer will crap out on you. Or you'll have to make an emergency trip to the hospital."

"Always make sure you keep in contact with your teacher if there is anything that happens to come up along the way."

"The best thing I can suggest to do is to print out the syllabus or write down all of the dates. I personally like printing off the syllabus that way I can cross off the things that I have already done."

"I prefer to do things more last minute but I check the class almost daily to ensure I know when the due dates are then I set a block of time to finish each assignment."