As technology becomes a more integral part of education, students are increasingly turning to online classes to further their studies. In fact, research has found that nearly 30% of students in America take classes online. Further, the number of colleges and universities offering online courses has doubled since 2002.
Online classes give students the flexibility to work toward their degree on their schedule, and from anywhere they have an Internet connection. They are also usually a less-expensive option than in-person classes — giving students access to a wide selection of classes and courses of study.
As education continues to change, how can students adjust their study habits to flourish in these newer classroom environments? Here are seven tips for online class success, as well as how to prepare for online college courses.
1. Stay Organized
One of the most effective ways to master online classes is to stay organized. Just like in a standard classroom environment, ensuring that all notes and classwork are protected, sorted and accessible is a great way to do well in the class. Online resources such as Evernote and Google Docs can also keep all digital work together and easily searchable.
2. Maintain a Schedule
While staying physically organized is necessary, keeping time and priorities in order matters, too. On-site classes provide more structure, but taking online classes allows for more flexibility. While that flexibility is a benefit, it also means that students have to be proactive about making sure they stay on top of their assignments. Setting daily and weekly course goals can help students use their time efficiently and effectively.
3. Work With Others
On-campus classes provide a natural way for students to find study partners who will keep them accountable. However, the same can be said for online classes. View assigned message board postings and group projects as not just tasks that have to be completed, but opportunities to connect with students.
That said, be aware of the academic integrity rules for classes or courses of study. Keep in mind that while working with other students is a great way to study for tests, depending on school rules, online students who help one another on tests — including sharing test questions or taking exams in the same place — could be subject to academic penalties. Finding accountability and support is key, but it should not override school policies or honor codes.
4. Find Your Learning Style
Online courses give students the chance to learn the same material as classes held in physical classrooms. Yet taking classes remotely also allows students the chance to find unique ways to learn and remember material.
Education has begun to focus more on individuals’ learning styles. These include whether students learn best by hearing information, receiving it visually, or having chances to perform more hands-on tasks related to the material. While making flashcards of vocabulary and course concepts may work for visual learners, recording notes and listening to lectures multiple times can help auditory learners find more success in online classes. The flexibility that comes with online courses allows students to tailor their classes to their learning styles.
5. Stay in Touch With College Staff
While students in online classes will not see their professors on a daily (or even weekly) basis, it is still wise to keep in contact with professors and teaching assistants.
Whether professors who instruct online have virtual office hours, or just a list of contact information and available appointments, these times represent valuable opportunities to ask questions about unclear assignment instructions, discuss important course concepts, or potentially find references for future opportunities. Regardless of how these times are used, staying in contact with professors and college counselors is a great way to be successful in online courses.
6. Make Sure You Have the Right Resources (and Backups)
Just like in physical classes, students in online classes will need the right supplies. This can include any assigned textbooks and readings, which may be available online as digital copies for significantly less cost than printed ones.
It may seem obvious, but a reliable Internet connection is essential. Having the most efficient schedule or the most organized notes will not help when it comes to the final exam, only to have the Internet connection crash. A backup plan for how to access the Internet — including public libraries, school facilities or, in a pinch, public places like a nearby coffee shop — is a good idea.
WHY ONLINE CLASSES?
By using these seven tips for success in online courses, students can be well on their way to reaching their degree and career goals. Taking classes remotely gives students the flexibility to pursue their degree on their timetable. Online courses and degrees help students learn, grow and study anywhere — all for a lower average cost than classes on campus.
Generations College — a two-year college and the nation’s oldest court reporting school — offers a wide range of online classes. Our outstanding online degree programs include Business Administration, Court Reporting and Criminal Justice. For more information about these online programs, feel free to reach out today.