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>> Have you ever heard with freedom comes responsibility?
Well that's true in online courses as well.
Online courses allow you the freedom to take classes around your busy schedule,
but you're responsible for managing your time,
completing course assignments, and preparing for unforeseen circumstances.
Know what's expected of you.
On the first day of class,
sign into your course and read through all course materials carefully.
Don't wait until the second week of class to check in
only to find that you've already missed an assignment,
and don't assume that if you've taken an online course before
your new course will run exactly the same way.
Next, plan for unexpected emergencies.
Remember, life happens, computers crash and systems go down.
Ask yourself, where can I go to use a computer
if my computer crashes or the connection is down?
How will I access my course work?
Printout important course material,
such as the syllabus, assignments, and due dates.
Create a notebook for easy, offline reference,
but don't rely solely on your printed version.
Your instructor may make revisions to the course.
So when all systems are functioning, use online materials.
Time management.
Like all courses, online courses take time and effort.
Since you don't have a set time and location for your course,
it's easy to let other priorities steal time away from class time.
Procrastination is the enemy.
It's important that you manage your personal time and energy.
Here are some tips for managing both.
Plan on studying about 6 hours per week for your online course.
Set specific classroom time to work on your course.
Don't just plan to work on it in your spare time.
Recognize where and when you learn most efficiently.
Designate an area of your home to work on your course.
Keep materials, like your textbook, close at hand and distractions,
like televisions, far away.
Allocate time for study when you are well rested.
Ask family and friends to support you
by respecting your work area and set study time.
Hang a Do Not Disturb sign outside your door, if necessary.
Use a desk calendar or the calendar tool in Angel
to establish a regular schedule to work on your course.
Make sure you mark down any important course due dates
and scheduled system down times.
Plan additional time to study over a period of several days for assessments.
Don't wait until the day before a test to cram the information.
Communication, don't forget, even though you're taking an online class,
there's an instructor there to help and guide you.
Don't be afraid to ask questions or show concerns.
Since most of your communications will be through course email,
discussion postings, or chat sessions,
it's important to adhere to proper network etiquette.
Make sure you practice appropriate instructor/student
and student/student behaviors.
When responding to questions, remember to demonstrate critical thinking skills.
Make sure you answer the question posed and stay on track with your answers.
Online faculty read many student responses.
They recognize immediately when a student
is failing to address the question posed.
Check course announcements and course emails several times a week.
Seek assistance at the first sense of trouble.
Help is only a phone call or email away.
In closing, remember, anytime you try something new,
you may run into difficulties,
but following these simple strategies
will help you towards becoming a successful online student.