The Hub Five tips to succeed in an online course

Five tips to succeed in an online course

Nervous about taking online classes? No need to fear, just follow these 5 tips to aim for success at an online university like Athabasca University 

Tip #1: Create a schedule

Time management is one of the biggest challenges that online learners face, which is why creating a schedule is one of the best ways to keep you motivated and on track. It has been proven that writing down goals increases the odds of achieving them, so physically creating time blocks for different classes and their subsequent assignments create a higher probability of you hitting your deadlines with ease. A study calendar creates a structure that can help you juggle your personal and academic life without falling behind, and having a reminder of what is due can help maximize your time. By assuring that you won’t forget key assignments and preventing procrastination, you can ward off stress!  

Tip #2: Stay organized

It has been said that an organized workspace makes for an organized mind; claim an area free of outside interferences to help you focus! Having an orderly study environment can help improve your performance and productivity, and storing your coursework in a strategic way can prevent stress later down the road when you need easy access to your materials. People who work in cluttered environments usually have unrecognized stress and subsequently feel overwhelmed, so by de-cluttering your space, you can assure that you’ll get distracted less easily since your mind won’t be trying to make sense of the disorganization 

Need some quick tips to become organized? This article gives you seven quick organization tips.

Tip #3: Speak up

If you’re falling behind in a course, don’t suffer in silence! Instructors want to see you succeed, and online universities like AU offer tutors and counsellors to help you in your learning journey.  The lack of face-to-face interaction in an online setting may make you feel detached, but if you’re able to ask for help you’ll find that professors and classmates are great resources! As long as you’re proactive, there are many ways that online universities can facilitate dialogue and offer much-needed clarity.  

Check out Athabasca University’s range of academic assistance.

Tip #4: Prep your tech

Technology plays a huge role in online learning. Make sure that you have everything set up before beginning a course, including a high-speed internet connection, access to lesson materials, a webcam and headphones, an email account, and note-taking software. Walk yourself through the technical elements and seek help from the IT department if you have trouble navigating the site. Trying to figure out the technology side of things while juggling coursework will only cause you unnecessary stress and frustration, so do your future self a favour by prepping way in advance!  

 Here are four technology must-haves for online students.

 

Tip #5: Be open

Online courses are difficult, which is why support during them is so crucial. Tell your family, friends, coworkers, and employer(s) about your online education pursuits so that they’re available in case you need assistance. People may surprise you with their willingness to accommodate your needs, from providing free childcare to helping you with daily chores. This is especially important in a work setting, where you should communicate with your boss to align your expectations and discuss any work responsibilities that may be compromised due to your studies. Some employers even offer tuition assistance if your courses correlate to the business, so don’t hesitate to ask!  

AU is dedicated to providing you with opportunities to pursue your personal interests and professional needs without having to sacrifice your family, career, or community commitments. Online learning can benefit you; set your own study hours and work at the time and place that best suits your lifestyle. You are in control of your education!  

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Published:
  • November 25, 2019