Considering an online course? Complete this brief Online Learning Quiz and show your advisor the results. Then, review the information in the following table. Check out our additional resources for more tips about online exams, discussion boards, and avoiding distractions.
Is Online Learning Right For Me?
|
TOPIC |
ASK YOURSELF... |
WHY IS THIS TOPIC IMPORTANT? |
BEST PRACTICES FOR THIS TOPIC |
|
Technology |
Are you comfortable with technology? |
Some instructional technologies may be familiar to you (such as watching Internet videos) while others such as the learning management system (Canvas), web meetings (Zoom), or interacting through other digital technologies may not be. |
♦Have access to a reliable computer and high-speed Internet service ♦Are comfortable navigating web pages and opening new browser windows ♦Know how to download and upload files and images ♦Can install software when necessary ♦Use help features and tutorials to troubleshoot common issues ♦Take time to become familiar with Canvas and other software |
|
Time Management & Organization |
Are you organized and able to budget your time effectively? |
Online courses can be more convenient because they do not have scheduled class times. However, students still need to schedule time for studying, reading, working on assignments, keeping track of due dates, completing assignments before deadlines, collaborating with other students, and engaging with the instructor – just like in a traditional course. |
♦Budget time to complete their coursework ♦Use an organization system to stay on top of school, family, work, and other commitments ♦Meet weekly due dates, while effectively managing longer-term assignments ♦Spend an average of 3-4 hours per week per credit on each online course |
|
Self-Discipline |
Are you motivated, disciplined, and proactive? |
Most learning, participating, and engaging in online courses happens asynchronously, which means students, peers, and instructors are all working on course activities at different times – often independently. |
♦Take responsibility for their work and deadlines ♦Interact in online discussions regularly to ask questions of their instructor and collaborate with peers ♦Regularly check their courses for updates, instructor feedback, and peer interaction |
|
Professional Communication |
Do you communicate professionally in writing? |
Much of the work in an online course requires effective communicating and learning through writing. |
♦Comfortably communicate in various forms of writing ♦Express themselves in thoughtfully worded responses ♦Stay focused on the topic or question within their written responses ♦Use email frequently with professional tone and conduct ♦Proactively seek assistance from the Tagge Center if needed |
Guides and Readings