This document provides tips for succeeding in an online class. It recommends students check that they have reliable internet access before classes start and test browser compatibility. It stresses the importance of reading syllabi carefully, staying organized with binders, developing regular login habits, communicating with instructors and advisors, and being aware of all deadlines. Students are advised to take notes on multimedia content, use proper writing skills in discussions, and find ways to apply concepts learned.

1. How to Succeed in an Online Class

2. 1. As you register for classes ...
• Be sure you have reliable access to the
Internet from your home
• Having to go to the library or a computer
lab will severely limit your participation and
success.

3. 2. After you register,
but before the start of the semester…
Browser Check Log-In Tutorials
1 Run the Blackboard 2 Also make sure you can 3 Take advantage of
Browser Check and make log-in to the technology tutorials if you
any suggested changes to •CUNY Portal, feel unsure or are having
be sure you can view your •eSIMS trouble with technology.
class materials. •SPS email
a) Log into the Portal If you cannot, or if you have a) Log into the Portal
b) Click on the Home Page any technical question, b) Click on the Virtual
c) Click Test Browser contact the SPS Help Desk Campus
c) Review Tutorials

4. SPS Help Desk
Provide our academic with the highest level of support and customer service while leveraging the
most effective online troubleshooting and problem solving tools.
• The SPS Help Desk can be reached at helpdesk@sps.cuny.edu or 212-652-2888.
When you email or call the SPS Help Desk, please be sure to identify your
problem, provide your full name, and a number where you can be reached.
Also, please be prepared to provide information about your computer's Operating
System (OS), Platform, Internet Connection, and the version of the program with
which you are experiencing problems.
• The operating hours of the SPS Help Desk are:
• Monday-Friday: 10:00am – 6:00pm.
• If you require assistance outside of these hours, please contact us at
helpdesk@sps.cuny.edu.

5. 3. On the first day of class...
1 Carefully read the syllabus and all of the assignments.
2 Review the course site carefully, especially course Information.
3 This is a example text. Go ahead and replace it questions.
Don’t hesitate to contact the instructor with any
4 Consider creating a binder or folder for each course
5 Your binder should include: the syllabus, course schedule, major assignments, and deadlines.
6 Staying organized will help you to keep current in the course.
7 Connect with another student in the class, help each other clarify assignments, etc.
Email is often the best way to keep in touch with your instructor outside
of Blackboard, although some of your instructors may also use Skype or
Wimba

6. 4. In Week 1
develop good habits you’ll use for the entire semester…
Log into each of your courses at least five times a week (more often if the instructor
suggests). Read all of the postings in your discussion board. Make your own posts
promptly, and respond to others' posts as directed by your instructor.
Check your SPS regularly.
If personal communication is needed, professors most likely will send email to your SPS
account.
If you do not understand the work expected of you, ask your instructor to clarify.
This will not only help you, the instructor may revise the assignment or project
instructions for the benefit of other students too.
Many instructors create an "Ask the Professor" Discussion Board forum for
questions about the course. Make good use of it!

7. 5. Don't procrastinate!
Waiting until the last minute to submit
assignments can be risky. In online learning,
you depend on technology to submit your
work. You never know when there might be a
glitch that will adversely affect your ability to
post your work.
Take notes. Many courses use audio or video
components to demonstrate key concepts or
unusual or important ideas. Writing summary
notes for multimedia pieces helps you review.

8. 6. In the discussion boards …
Take care when posting to Blackboard – use proper grammar and spelling (use the
spellchecker in Blackboard); do not use informal writing as you do when text messaging
a friend.
Be respectful of your fellow classmates. Use proper etiquette when responding in
discussion board forums. Do not attack someone personally if you disagree with them.
Use appropriate language.
Save your postings in a Word document for yourself in the event a posting gets lost or
misplaced.
Schedule a regular time each day to "go to class" in your online course; if you don’t
make it a habit of logging-in to your online course regularly, it will be all too easy to
neglect it. Note a four-credit-hour class on campus would have four hours of classroom
meetings each week, plus study time outside of class –
Be prepared to put in the same amount of time with an online class!

9. 7. Throughout the semester …
Keep the lines of communication open
Contact your course
Student instructor and your
advisor immediately if
you are not going to be
able to login to your
online class for some
Advisor Faculty period of time (due to
illness or travel).

10. 8. Be conscious of deadlines:
Academic & Administrative
* If your instructor has provided a course calendar, consider printing it and posting it in your workspace.
Add deadlines for your classes to your personal calendar. Check your grades often and contact your
course instructor if you aren’t doing well.
Find a way to apply what you have learned. In a recent Educause study, a survey of online students
found: "Students surveyed agreed that finding a way to apply the concepts helped them retain the
information.“
Save the academic calendar and be aware of registration and withdrawal deadlines