As an online instructor over the past six years, I have taught over 1500 students online. Of those 1,500 students, I’ve seen a wide variety of student learning abilities and motivations. I’ve had students who are hard working, motivated, voracious readers, and turn in well-thought out and developed research papers. I’ve also worked with students who are unmotivated, struggling readers, and have difficulty writing a sentence; plus seemingly every type of student on the spectrum between those two extremes.
While there are definitely certain characteristics that tend to lend themselves towards successful online students, I think there are also keys for success that when students are aware of them can help them to achieve more within the online environment.
1. Check-in to the classroom every day
No matter which online school you are attending, and even if the attendance requirements only require you to login to the classroom 2 or 3 times a week, it is best if you login every day. Even if you just read a few posts or check for announcements from the instructor. This will help make it less overwhelming and help you to stay more organized and utilize your time in the classroom more efficiently.
2. Read everything the instructor posts
It is vital that you read everything that the instructor posts each week. Whether it is a lecture, announcement, or just a discussion board response, reading the instructor’s posts is how you will find tips and tricks, clarification for murky concepts, and importance guidance to help you to be the most successful.
3. Don’t try to “wing it”
I often have students who think that online courses are going to be a breeze and try to “wing it” by not reading their textbooks, utilizing sources in the discussion posts, etc. With most online instructors, if you “wing it” you’ll end up disappointed in your grade.
4. Utilize your best writing skills
Communication is key in most areas of life, but in the online classroom, written communication is vital. When you’re email your instructor, posting in the discussion boards, and writing assignments it is very important that you always utilize your best writing skills. Utilize formal writing (no texting abbreviations or lingo) and make sure to proofread and spell-check thoroughly!
5. Have a Plan B
Make sure you have a plan if your computer dies or your Internet access is not working. It happens to everyone (even instructors!) but it is still your responsibility to turn your work in on time and to do it well.
6. Ask questions!
The most important tip I can give to an online student is to make sure that they ask questions when they don’t understand a concept, an assignment, etc. Your instructor is there to help you and if you have a question I can almost guarantee that someone else in your class has the same question as well. If there is a forum or chat room for questions within the classroom, utilize this area first, and always feel free to reach out to your instructor via email as well.
Do you have any tips you would add to help students be successful in the online classroom?
About the Author
Jamie Weitl is a WAHM teaching for several online universities and raising three precocious little ones. In her spare time she enjoys writing, baking, and running. For more info, see my Google Plus Profile.
