5 Strategies for Online Success
For better AND worse, online classes are here to stay. The rise of online and hybrid classes during the pandemic has revolutionized the way students access and engage with their coursework. What was once considered a temporary response to unprecedented circumstances is now a permanent fixture in the world of academia.
On the plus side, online and hybrid classes provide students with unparalleled flexibility. Learners can access their coursework from virtually anywhere, making education more accessible to those with diverse schedules and commitments. This flexibility is a game-changer for non-traditional students, working professionals, and individuals with family responsibilities.
But for students who struggle with executive function skills like organization, time management, prioritization and procrastination, online classes can easily become a recipe for disaster. Here are our top 5 tips for becoming an effective online learner:
Know What to Expect. Look at the syllabus in the beginning of the semester and add all the due dates and assignments to your calendar or planner. Make note of your professor’s virtual office hours and any other opportunities to engage.
Make a Schedule. Set a regular schedule to complete the work for your online course. Estimate how much time you will need to dedicate to watching lectures and studying the material. A good rule of thumb is that students should spend 2 to 3 hours studying for each hour spent in class. So as an example, if your online class has 3 one-hour lectures each week, you will need to dedicate 9 to 12 hours per week to that class.
Establish a Routine. Find a quiet, distraction-free study spot to boost your focus and productivity. Make this spot your “classroom,” and build this into your routine as if you are actually “attending” class.
Stay accountable. It can be hard to stay on track and up to date without the routine of a professor reminding you what’s coming up. Pair up with a classmate to be each other’s “accountability partner,” and schedule regulate check-ins. Knowing you will need to check in with someone else is good motivation to stay on track, with the added benefit of being able to ask each other questions and study together.
Participate! Be active on the class’s online forums or discussion boards by posting questions and answering them too if you can help. Reading the professors’ and other students’ comments will give you insights into understanding the material. Drop-in to your professor’s virtual office hours in the beginning of the semester to introduce yourself, and use the office hours as a resource throughout the course if you have questions.
If your student is struggling with online or in-person learning, we can help. College Success Plan's team of highly trained coaches keeps students focused, accountable, efficient and on track. Students look forward to weekly sessions that help them stay on task and in control. Better grades, increased autonomy, lessened stress and an overall sense of balance are just a few of the ways we are enriching the lives of those we support. Schedule a call with us to discuss your student’s unique needs.