Taking classes online might sound easier than in-person. But if you really believe that, it could lead to failure! Online classes require persistence and the ability to keep yourself on track, among other skills.
Persistence
Persistance is perhaps one of the most important qualities that translate into success in an online course. Because all learning is done over technology (a.k.a. your computer), there are bound to be technical issues at times. And due to the asynchronous nature of online communication, it may be anywhere from an hour to a day, or more, to solve the issue. Further, the first person you contact may not have all the answers. But if you keep at it, all technical issues are resolvable in one way or another. The key is to not get stressed out and throw up your hands while solutions are being generated. And to follow up after a reasonable amount of time has passed.
Planning
Another really important quality is the ability to plan your work and work your plan. Successful online learners create a schedule where time is blocked out several times a week, if not every day, to go online and keep up with the work. They are also mindful about the distractions email, computer games, etc. can have on their productivity. Psychologically speaking, you will not have the face-to-face contact weekly that you would get with a class conducted on campus property. Therefore, it is essential that you motivate yourself to stay on track. In sum, although flexibility is a key benefit to online learning, students who procrastinate or need reminders from teachers are likely to have difficulty with an online class.
Good Online Communication Skills
Online students must be able to recognize when they need help and how to ask for it. Because the professor cannot see you to read your non-verbal cues, he or she will not know when you are confused or need help. Learn which method the professor provides for communication and use it to ask for help. For example, some online learning management systems have email which the professor will use for communication about the course.
It is also important to know which questions are appropriate for your professor. If it is about the content of the course, before you contact your professor read the syllabus carefully. If your professor has provided a FAQ, be sure to read that as well. If your question is still not answered, then contact your professor. If it is a technical issue, then contact the IT helpline at your university.
Be sure to use complete sentences, good grammar and a respectful tone. Use a salutation and a closing; in addition to showing respect this will also help ensure your email doesn’t end up in your professor’s “junk” folder. Avoid texting jargon such as “LOL” or shortcuts such as “r u” instead of “are you.” Also be sure to watch your overall tone. It is much easier for online students to allow their anger or frustration to impact their communications with their professor because they cannot see the professor’s face, which make the communication seem deceptively anonymous.
Technical Skill
This one is rather obvious. To be successful in an online class you must be comfortable with using a computer, reading documents on your screen, and typing. It is also essential that you understand how to use the learning management software your university employs. Check to see if there are beginning training videos available. (Often your professor will post these.) If not, try googling what you are looking for. For example, Canvas has a vast resource of information available by simply querying “Canvas” followed by your question.
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Dr. Barbara LoFrisco
