Things I learned from teaching and taking online courses.

1. KEYSTO SUCCESS
FOR ONLINE
COURSES
Where no two classrooms are the same.
But the coursework is all the same.

2. Online Classes are great
because…
■ You have flexibility in your class schedule.
BUT…
■ Coursework is just as challenging as a face-to-
face classes.

3. Online Classes are great so…
You enroll. It’s PERFECT! Expectations are set.
and then….

4. And then…
Mid-Term Grades are Posted
You realize you haven’t
done any work on the class
You’ve fallen behind. You’re in a panic.

5. HERE’S A FEWTIPSTHAT I’VE LEARNED
THAT HAVE HELPED ME SUCCEED IN
COMPLETING AN ONLINE COURSE.
All items in this list must be used when you set
expectations. (refer to slides 3 and 4)

6. Treat your online class the same way
you would if you were attending the
in person.
SHOW UP.

7. TIME-
MANAGEMENT IS
CRUCIAL
Managing your time is a skill that you need
not only for my class, but for life success.

8. PersonalTime-Management is
Crucial
■ BE DEDICATED.
Create and establish a weekly schedule that you follow.
NO MATTER WHAT!!
■ CHECK IN REGULARLY
Log into your class at least once a week.
■ BE CONSISTENT
Set a consistent time in your schedule dedicated to work
on course work.
– For example,Tuesday &Thursday 10 am – 11:15

9. CourseTime-Management is
Crucial
■ Review the syllabus to understand the course
requirements.
■ Develop a plan for the semester to complete
major assignments.
■ Mark assignments on a calendar. Mark due
dates and steps to complete the task.
■ Set reminders for yourself.

10. Persistence, not Resistance
■Tenacity. Show up for the class,
at least once a week.
■Success happens when you log
in and do one thing.
■Small steps lead to big progress
at the end of semester.

11. Persistence, not Resistance
■ Block off time, at least an hour a week, to
work on assignments.
■ When technical problems happen, seek
help to solve course access issues or
internet issues or software issues.

12. Persistence, not Resistance
■ Understand that coursework will become
more challenging as the semester
progresses.

13. You’re Here to Learn.
Participate!
Most Online Courses use “Forums” to encourage learning.
■ Forums help you better understand concepts introduced in
lectures and assignments.
■ Use the forums to help you understand concepts.
■ Take the time to think through concepts before you write.
■ Take notes. Encourage deeper insights or build on concepts to
challenge yourself.
■ Keep it simple. Be thoughtful.

14. Actively Participate with
Classmates
■ Build relationships with other students by
engaging with each other in forums and
discussion boards.
■ Respond. Encourage discussion.
■ Don’t feel that you need to write “profound”
responses…just write.

15. Be prepared to Read andWrite
In all online classes, even art classes, you will
communicate by reading and writing.
■ Train yourself to be comfortable reading documents
on a computer screen.
■ Learn to be comfortable in typing your written
communication.
■ Know your resources to help you communicate better.
Become familiar with resources at the University like
the writing center or technology help.

16. Know your Instructor
■ Your instructor is there to help you, even if you never
meet in person.
■ Reach out if you have questions or feel you are falling
behind the coursework.
■ Ask questions. If there is something you don’t
understand, chances are that your classmates might not
understand either.Ask for clarification.

17. Your Environments SupportsYou
■ Create a welcoming study space.
■ Your study area should be in a quiet place with few distractions.
■ Put your phone on airplane mode during your set class time.
Respect this time as your class and work time.
■ Have a comfortable seat and desk space. Adjust your chair,
keyboard and screen to avoid strain.This is called ergonomics.

18. Learn Basic Computer Skills
■ You need to know basic computer skills to navigate
the course.
■ Confirm technical requirements so you can access the
course.
■ Know how to download and upload assignments.
■ Know what file formats are required.
■ Have access to high-speed internet to view content,
like videos or images.

19. Distractions are
constant
Avoid temptations
to passively play
computer games or
run a movie in the
background.
We all know where
these roads lead and
it ain’t towards your
coursework.

20. Excuses and Distractions LeadYou Astray
■ Life happens. Don’t get sucked into dramas.
Establish where and when you are going to work on the class.
Don’t compromise your class time.
■ Unless it is a threatening situation, whatever you think you
need to do will be there after your class time.
■ Be aware of how easy it can be to get sucked into a black hole
of the internet as you research assignments.
■ Recognize when you are straying from course work.

21. TAKE CARE OFYOUR
SELF
Don’t PlantYourself in front of the screen.
Get up and move.

22. Take Care of
Your Eyes
and Body
Sitting in front of a computer for long hours can
make your eyes stain and your body stressed.
■ Take brief breaks to avoid eye-strain from
staring at the screen. Look away from the
screen.
■ 20-20-20 rule: After 20 minutes of screen
time, focus on an object 20 feet away for 20
seconds.
■ Be aware of your body posture: avoid
slouching. Adjust your posture.
■ Get up and move for a few minutes every
20 or 30 minutes.

23. FINALLY.
HAVE FUN.
STAY ONTASK.
You took this course for a reason.