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Be Able to Communicate Through Writing

In the virtual classroom, communication is often written, so it is critical that students feel comfortable in expressing themselves in writing. Many students have limited writing abilities, which should be addressed before they begin their eLearning experience. This may require efforts on the part of the student to connect with services that will enhance their writing skills. Not only is online tutoring available, but students can get assistance through the Writing Center.

Be Self-motivated & Self-disciplined

With the freedom and flexibility of the internet environment comes responsibility. The eLearning process takes real commitment and discipline to keep up with the flow of the learning process and the demands of the class schedule.

Often the eLearning process is accelerated and requires a substantial time commitment. Staying up with the class and completing all work on time is vital. Once a student gets behind, it is almost impossible to catch up.

Ask Questions & Get Help When You Need It

If you were thinking you can't ask questions because your instructor can't see you raise your hand, think again. Asking questions and making sure you understand what is expected when you are in an internet class is even more important than when you are taking traditional classes. Don't be afraid to email or instant message your instructor when you are confused or uncertain. He or she is there to help you be successful. If you are having technology issues or can't reach your instructor, contact the HelpCenter immediately.

Get Organized

Time management and getting organized will be important to your success. You will need a calendar system that works for you. Due dates should be expected. Often instructors will impose penalties for late work or no credit is given for late assignments. Many students find it helpful to create their own schedule each work where they can commit time to working on the class. A quiet, designated work space is also recommended.

• "For anyone who 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 at least 3-4 hours (per internet class) everyday to studying and working on your assignments. Tell everyone in your life of the time you are dedicating to your classes so they know not to distract you and why you are not communicating as often with them….. I can assure you, you will be proud that you gave the time to accomplish 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 which 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. 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 the work on 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 verses the large classes I have taken in the past (with 300-400 students in the class) where you only take exams. Students taking online classes need to have a lot of discipline, organization, and determination. As an experienced online student, I would recommend checking into 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 one other online 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 frequently 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 are to always check when you have something due and to 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 put yourself on 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 until the last minute. Due dates for online classes tend to creep up on you faster than an inclass 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 the 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 classes are not for everyone."

• "I think the biggest thing to avoid is waiting until the last minute to do your assignments. Follow the course outlines and due dates 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."