With over 40 years of distance and online education experience, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College’s faculty are well-prepared to help assist campus-based students in the transition into an online-only learning format beginning on March 18 until April 3, 2020. The following is a list of tips and tricks to help ease the learning curve that comes with online learning.
1. Make sure you have reliable internet access
Technology is a key component of online education. To avoid frustration, you will want to ensure that you have access to a reliable internet connection. This will allow you to check in on course materials, assignments and discussions with other students every day. Additionally, make sure you are backing up all of your course materials and assignments to cloud storage. All SMWC students have access to Office 365, which provides you with online storage via OneDrive. Any student in D2L also has access to cloud storage via the Locker feature.
If you do run into technical problems, be proactive. Can’t upload an assignment as a document? Can’t log onto anything the night it’s due? Email it to your professor.
2. Have a dedicated study space
When you create a space solely dedicated to doing your coursework, you become more organized and productive. Whether your study space is your kitchen table, a coffee shop or a local library, you will want to make sure it’s an environment you can work best in, and that has reliable internet (see number 1). Experiment with a few different spaces to determine what works best for you. A dedicated study space allows you to create a routine over time. Once you enter the space, you know exactly what to do to accomplish your goals for the day.
3. Actively participate
Participation is one of the quickest ways to grasp a concept. Whether you are in an on-campus or online class, there are ways to get involved and participate in discussions. Actively post in discussion boards by asking questions about materials you may not understand, providing helpful tips on a difficult concept or a general check-in on how your classmates are adjusting to online learning. Read and interact with other student’s discussion boards as well. Just because you are behind a computer screen does not mean you are invisible to your classmates or professors.
4. Eliminate distractions
While it is tempting to do your coursework on the couch while bingeing your favorite Netflix show, you’ll find yourself completing more episodes than assignments. The best online students understand that distractions are all around, but take careful, deliberate measures to eliminate them. Some students can work with music or TV in the background, while others need complete silence. The key is to find what works for you and consciously eliminate the obstacles that do not allow you to be your most productive self.
5. Practice time management
Once you have found your perfect study environment, create a schedule and stick to it. Most assignments are not assigned at the last minute, so do not wait until the last minute to complete and submit them. It will add more stress than necessary. You cannot do everything for an online class the night before. You will have readings, writing assignments, tests, quizzes, discussion posts, etc. all in one week. Keep an eye on assignment due dates.
Start each study session with a priority to-do list. This will allow you to tackle the most important assignments first. A to-do list also gives you a sense of accomplishment when you check an item off and keeps you focused on the tasks at hand. Pace yourself and use your priority to-do list to help guide your schedule.
6. Take study breaks
Studying is essential whether you are a campus or online student. However, taking breaks from studying is just as important. When you’re feeling tired or frustrated, take a step back. Check-in on social media . . . watch an episode of your favorite Netflix series . . . go for a walk. Do whatever it takes to reset and come back to your work with a clear mind. When taking a break, it is important to leave your dedicated study space. A change of scenery can help you find and maintain balance.
An excellent method used by professionals and students alike is the Pomodoro Technique. This technique allows you to break your work into 25-minute chunks, separated by five-minute breaks. Learn more about the method and the science behind it.
7. Ask for help when you need it
The last tip is a crucial tip to be successful in an online class: ask for help when you need it. If you feel yourself falling behind, reach out to your professor for help as soon as possible. Do not wait until an assignment is almost due to ask questions. The best feature of the Woods Online program is the professors. They are here to help. They care and want you to succeed. They are your best resource for success. Use them!
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