How to Be Successful in Online Classes
Today, computers and the internet make it possible for students to take courses toward their degrees from just about anywhere in the world. At the same time, taking online classes can be an adjustment for those who have been out of school for some time or those who have completed in-person coursework in the past.
If you’re getting ready to embark on an online degree program, the good news is that there are some practical tips for taking online classes that you can follow to improve your own study habits.
6 Essential Tips for Taking Online Classes
Whether you’ve never taken an online class or have struggled with previous online courses, there are plenty of small yet effective steps you can take when tackling how to be successful in online classes.
1. Manage Your Time Effectively
Time management is a common challenge for online learners. When you don’t spend time in a physical classroom, it’s easier to lose track of deadlines, assignment due dates, and exams. This is where implementing some basic time management strategies can make all the difference.
At the beginning of your term, make note of any important dates for each class and enter them into a (digital or paper) planner. By keeping a detailed planner, you’ll always know which assignments, tests, and projects are looming on the horizon.
Another important time management tip to keep in mind is to carve out dedicated study time for each class. For every credit hour, you should expect to spend at least a few hours per week studying, so plan accordingly. While studying, make the most of your time by eliminating distractions and avoiding multitasking. Setting up a quiet study space in your home is a great way to avoid distractions and improve your focus.
2. Communicate and Participate
Another challenge many online learners encounter is engaging and actively participating in classroom discussions. In an online learning environment especially, it’s easy for students not to engage fully, but it’s imperative to participate and get involved in your studies as much as possible. This begins with asking for clarity regarding expectations and assignments up-front, as some instructors and professors may have different requirements for grading participation than others.
Regardless, you’ll get more out of your education when you communicate with your instructors and classmates, participate actively in class discussions, and take advantage of student networking opportunities.
3. Make Time to Reflect Regularly
Before you even start your online program, it’s also a good idea to sit down and set some specific goals and outcomes for yourself. What do you hope to get from your online learning experience (aside from a formal degree)? What kinds of realistic goals do you want to set? This could be anything from submitting all assignments on time to obtaining a certain grade point average.
Throughout your program, set aside time to check in with yourself and reflect on your progress toward your objectives. What’s working, and what areas could use some improvement? From there, you can make adjustments to your own plans and continue working towards being the best version of yourself.
4. Reach Out for Support
Many schools now offer dedicated support services for their online learners, so be sure to take advantage of these resources when you need them. At the very least, your instructors should offer regularly scheduled office hours. These virtual office hours give you the opportunity to “drop in” on a live chat to ask questions or address concerns with your instructor directly. This can be a great way to clarify concepts being taught in class or get answers to essential questions about your studies.
In addition to office hours, many schools offer resources like online tutoring and even counseling for remote learners.
5. Have a Plan for Technology
Another common challenge online learners face when they’re adjusting to remote learning is dealing with technology requirements. Depending on your specific program and courses, you may need to have special equipment, hardware, and software available to complete your studies. Likewise, all distance learners need to have access to a reliable computer and internet connection. This may be easier said than done, especially in more remote areas without a lot of high-speed internet connectivity.
When planning for distance learning, it’s crucial to make sure you have all the required technology in place before classes start. This should include not just a computer and reliable internet access, but any special apps, hardware, and software as well.
Also remember that technology can fail. To avoid frustration and the potential for missed deadlines, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in place if any of your tech fails during your studies.
6. Take Breaks
Whether you’re taking just the occasional online class or have a full-time courseload, being glued to your computer screen for hours on end can take its toll. Eye strain, headaches, and general burnout are all common issues for busy distance learners, which is why it’s so important to schedule breaks into your study time.
Consider, for example, taking a mini break of even five to ten minutes for every hour spent studying. Getting up and moving around for a few minutes can make all the difference when it comes to staying refreshed and energized.
FAQs: Taking Online Classes
Still have questions about online learning? We’ve got answers to some of your most commonly asked questions below.
Are online classes harder?
When it comes to online classes, it’s not so much a matter of being “harder” or more challenging. In general, online courses follow the same curriculum and have the same requirements as in-person classes. However, for students who don’t have a lot of experience with online learning, these courses may seem more challenging because they’re not used to the format. Some students, for example, may struggle with navigating an unfamiliar online learning management system or figuring out how to formally submit assignments. Others may experience challenges with time management, especially when they have the freedom to study and complete assignments on their own time.
The most important thing to do is to simply hold yourself accountable and stay connected with your instructors to make sure you’re progressing. If you run into challenges along the way, be transparent with your instructors and take advantage of the available resources to help you get back on track.
Is online learning effective?
Absolutely. Online learning can be just as effective as in-person learning, with many added benefits. At Unity Environmental University, we’ve seen first-hand what a difference online learning can make in the lives of busy professionals who want to take their careers to the next level.
Jessica W., a student in our undergraduate Marine Biology and Sustainable Aquaculture program, shares her experience:
“I was surprised that this sort of degree could be offered in an online setting. Marine biology seems like a degree path that would require you to be in person on campus, but so far, Unity has exceeded my expectations and created a curriculum that made me feel like when I graduate I’ll be ready to step into the workforce.”
You can read more testimonials and success stories like hers here and see for yourself just how effective online learning can be in the right context.
What are the advantages of online classes?
There are so many advantages of taking online classes toward a degree or certificate. For starters, online courses offer the flexibility that today’s learners need. Rather than having to physically commute to a campus, online students can work at their own pace and earn their degrees on their own time without putting other areas of their lives on hold.
At the same time, online programs make higher education more accessible to students who may not live close to a college campus. From a financial standpoint, earning a degree online also tends to be much more cost-effective because it doesn’t require students to relocate close to campus or pay for the costs associated with commuting (such as fuel and wear/tear on vehicles).
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Online learning can be a bit of an adjustment for many students, but with a little proactive planning and the right resources, you can find success with remote learning while enjoying the benefits of a flexible degree program.
At Unity Environmental University, we take a lot of pride in our distance learning programs specifically designed to accommodate the busy schedules of our students. At the same time, we offer plenty of support and resources to our online students in the form of 24/7 mental health and wellness counseling, and more. Get in touch to learn more about what makes our online learning environment so special — or take the next step by filling out your online application for admission today!
