Tips for Success in Online Classes
Taking notes for online classes is like taking notes from lectures, PowerPoints, or textbooks.
Steps to Success in Online Classes
1. Confirm technical requirements before you begin the class: Online classes can benefit students with busy schedules, but only if they can access the materials, complete tests, and upload homework.
Contact your instructor. Check the syllabus. Contact Pierpont's IT at help@pierpont.edu.
2. Learn how to upload information: If the class program (ie., Blackboard) does not work, immediately contact your instructor using the method they require (email, Blackboard) and attach your work to prove it was completed. This gives you a "paper trail."
3. Create a schedule: Plan on doing your online class just like you would when taking a class in a classroom. Show up at your computer every Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday/Friday and complete the work by the instructor's or your deadlines.
4. Stick to your schedule: For a 3-credit class, instructors often expect students to logon to their class for at least 3-5 hours of online work a week. Set aside time each week for your class.
Check out Self-Video #6 Whiz Through Tasks Step-by-Step.
5. Stay organized: Just like when taking in-person classes, it is important to organize your material, notes, etc. Create folders for each of your classes and put all of your notes, PowerPoints, etc. into the folders in chronological order after each class. Staple or paperclip together the notes for the same days. You also can use your Google drive or other cloud based products to store your work and information.
6. Have a consistent work space: One thing online and in-class courses have in common is that students still need a place to study or complete assignments, whether that's at a coffee shop, the school library, or at home. Wherever students choose, they should make it a consistent location that's free of outside interference. Creating the habit of studying at the same place at the same time can help with motivation and memory retention.
7. Connect with instructors early: Email the instructors using their preferred means of contact (email, Blackboard message) to let them know that you are interested in the topics they are teaching. Contact them right away when you have questions.
8. Check in daily so you don't miss updates: A constant in life is change. Don't get left behind because you missed a change in an assignment because you didn't check in at least once a day. Twice is even better - morning and afternoon based on your instructor's habits.
9. Pay attention to deadlines!
Students who are successful in completing their online courses know how to meet deadlines (ex., online discussions, work group activities, graded assignments, etc.).
If you need help with this, contact us or check out the Time Management videos on the Time Management webpage.
10. Don’t procrastinate! Don't wait until the last minute to work on the assignments. If the internet is down, you might not be able to submit your work or take a test. Reward yourself with something you really enjoy and only get when you complete your tasks.
Check out the Time Management Self-Help video #8 - Do The Important Things First.
And Last...
Ask for help when you need it! If you're having an issue with an assignment, immediately reach out to your professor. Don't wait! Other students might be having the same issue, and everyone can be helped by reaching out right away. You also can create or join a chat room of your fellow classmates. Checking in with other students who are doing well in the class can provide insight.
If you are having trouble connecting with an instructor or are unsure of what you should do, contact us!
Support Services - Learning Strategies
access@pierpont.edu 304-534-7878
TIP
Save your work!
Remember to save all of your work to an online source (like your Google drive) or a flash drive. That way, if your computer or the internet "crashes," you do not lose your work.
More Information - Diving Deeper Videos
