Online Learning Success Tips

1. Manage Your Time: Be realistic about how much time an online class will take. Expect to spend at least as much time in an online section of a course as you would in a classroom section of the same course.
2. Make a schedule: Schedule your “class” time weekly, just as if you were physically coming into class. Get your weekly assignments in on time, so you don’t lose points.
3. Participation is Important:Participate actively in your online community. Some people find email and the Internet very intimidating. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Take advantage of course resources such as the Canvas In Box, discussion forums, and so on.
4. Communication: Stay in touch. Most instructors will require certain minimum online participation each week and may drop you from the class if you don’t participate regularly.
5. Check In Regularly: Log on to the class Internet materials at least once a week. Materials, assignments, and expectations can change rapidly in an online course. You’ll want to keep current with the class.
6. Make an Online Learning Study Plan

Time Management

Managing your time is quite possibly the most important skill to master when taking an online course. Whether your course is taught live (synchronous) or is self-paced (asynchronous), you will be purposeful in the amount of time you spend each week for each course. Here are some helpful tips to consider: 

1. Plan ahead. Look at what is due/needs to be completed for the week and schedule in dedicated times to complete those tasks. Hint: use a dedicated calendar to balance out work/life responsibilities.
2. Do not wait until the due date to submit work. This will help you avoid being a victim of things going wrong at the last minute.  
3. Create a balance in life. 
4. Work/study in small timed increments to allow your brain to get adequate rest and process information successfully. 
5. Avoid cramming and multitasking. 
6. Schedule in sleep and time to eat/drink water. Your brain needs nourishment and sleep to function properly. 
7. Managing your Time Online

Communicating Online

Learning how to effectively communicate with your instructor and fellow classmates can will allow you to learn and grown at your best. Check out the following tips to support you with this effort. 

1. Online Netiquette Guidelines 
2. Follow your instructor’s communication plan. This can often be found in the syllabus or on the homepage. 
3. Stay in touch with your instructor on a regular basis. Have a question? Ask! Need a little clarification? reach out. They are there to support you and your learning. 
4. Use all the tools that are available to you (depending on the communication plan): Canvas Inbox, Discussion Boards, Chat, etc. 
5. Networking happens online too! Reach out and connect with classmates in open discussion forums or via the inbox. 
6. Effective Communication Online

Note Taking Online 

Taking notes in an online course is just as important as taking notes in a live in-person course. Taking notes on any materials posted, lectures, PowerPoints, and assignments will both help you stay connected to your course, but also will allow for quick recall of important information that may or may not be available to you as the weeks go on.

Using note taking methods that match your class will be help you be successful in your course.  You might consider taking Learn 11 at LBCC to develop your note taking methods and other important study skills. You can also consider reviewing “Taking Better Lecture Notes” from the LAR Study Skills Video collection.

Note Taking Online

Learning Resources

• Learning & Academic Resources Department: Study Skills Videos
• Learning & Academic Resources Department: Study Skills Downloads
• Learning & Academic Resources Department: Learn 11 Course
  (3-unit course to enhance your study skills and academic success).