Learner Tips for Online Students

Although there are many similarities between learning in a traditional "face-to-face" course and an online course, there are also many differences.  The following practical "leaner tips" are based on current research on what makes a successful online student and should help ensure that you get the most from your online learning experience.

• Sign into your course as often as possible (2 - 3 times a week at a minimum) - without the requirement to attend regular weekly lectures it is easy to fall behind in your course work when learning online.

• Keep up to date with all online discussions - Online discussions can be a lot of fun and a great way to learn but if you don't keep up with them you can find it overwhelming to keep up with the "conversations".

• Develop a learning calendar - If you tend to procrastinate, it can help to set up a weekly "learning schedule" that you place on your personal calendar at the start of the semester.  Consider sharing your "learning schedule" with others in your life so that they know when you will be "learning" and not available.

• If you are feeling lost or confused, reach out for help! - Unlike a face-to-face class, in an online course it can be difficult for an instructor to tell if you are having difficulties.  Don't hesitate to e-mail your instructor if you need help.

• Learn about "Netiquette" - If you are not familiar with the concept of "Netiquette", take a few minutes to review this web site as it could save you from some embarrassing moments.

• Identify a backup "access point" - Many online students tend to access their courses from the same location (e.g. home) throughout the semester.  If you encounter unexpected technical problems is can be helpful have an alternative location where you can go to get online.  Public libraries, office supplies stores and copy centers often are good back ups.

• Save and backup your work - We all know Murphy's Law so it is good to get into the practice of maintaining backups of your course work on your own computer.  For example, you can type up your answers to an essay exam or discussion group postings in a word processor and then "copy and paste" the text into your online course.  The saved word processor file can act as your backup!

• Consider getting high-speed Internet access - If you don't have high-speed access to the Internet from home you may find it a worthwhile investment.  Many cable TV companies offer high-speed access as well as the phone company (DSL service).  More rural areas can often use two-way satellite systems to gain high-speed access at home.

If you have questions about these learner tips or want to suggest additional ones, please contact Josh Baron at Josh.Baron@Marist.edu.