Online Classes: Virtual Learning Tips: 3. Actions to Guide You

Welcome to the third in a series of tips, tricks, and techniques for success through eLearning – online classes. In previous blogs, the best practices covered getting set up to tackle the online format and the technical knowledge that will ensure you get off to a good start. These ideas come from a wide variety of eLearning resources and experts.

Here the links for blogs #1 and #2.

Tip 1: Get Set Up for Success
Tip 2: Ready, Tech, Go

Take Advantage of eLearning

Each year at least 6.6 million students of all ages enroll in distance education courses. Those going for online classes find they love this format – presuming they adopt a positive mindset and have plenty of self-discipline.

What Can Online Classes Do for Your Future?

• A two-year associate degree can set the foundation for career success
• Give you confidence for a bachelor’s or master’s degree, while still working
• Keep you on-track for a long-term goal such as nursing, dentistry, medical, ophthalmology, or chiropractic school.

Behaviors for Success in Online Classes

1. Online Classes Take Your Best Effort
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you can short-cut your way through an online class. Just like an on-campus class, missing a session, or not focusing on the content presented, will likely put you behind the expectations set out in the class outline,

Experts say you should be put the same amount of time as when you are sitting in class on campus. One guideline to follow is to spend approximately two-to-three hours studying for each hour of class time.

2. Asking for Help is a Sign of Strength
If you are struggling to understand course materials, expect your instructor to be a more-than-willing-to-help resource.  Instructors believe in supporting students who come to them – it shows an eagerness to learn.

You’ll also find instructors willing to explain difficult concepts in your learning style. They’ll also help you get access to tutors (who are often free) or locate additional course materials they know will help you.

Most schools also make it easy for students to interact with their teachers. No, you’re not connected by location. Still, today’s technology means you can easily talk one-on-one via video conferencing or chat/messaging capabilities built into the school’s learning management system.

3. Notes about Note-taking
You might be tempted to avoid taking notes because it’s an online class, thinking you’ll be able to recall the information later. That’s a trap. Even if you have an above-average memory, studies show you will miss an important formula or insight.

Whether you prefer handwritten notes on a legal pad, laptop, or tablet, think of note-taking as a must-do task for success. A few reminders:

• If you prefer to record notes by hand, get a large notebook or binder. Use dividers for easy reference in your study sessions. If you take notes on your laptop, create an online file in one easy-to-get-to place.
•  Don’t guess about what’s essential in the lecture and what isn’t – try to get it all and prioritize later. (Note this: if something’s mentioned in the class syllabus and it’s mentioned in class, it’s important.)
• Find a note-taking system that fits you. One way is to use an outlining method. Start by choosing the key points that will be covered in your lecture. (You’ll have a good idea of that because you’ll have read and thought about the material before class, right?) Underneath each major topic, write down the in-depth sub-points.
• Another way to succeed in online class note-taking is called the Cornell method. Instead of an outline, you divide your page into three vertical sections: notes, cues, and summary. Cues are often posed as questions. Notes are for the raw content. Check out this site to see how to do it.

These are only a few best practices for effective note-taking. If your school has a department devoted to “Student Success,” no doubt the staff there can help you find a system that’s best for you. Want to know more about the secrets to notes? Check out this note-taking resource.

4. Actions to Remember

• Join in. Many online classes expect students to be a part of class discussions. If this contributes to your grade, speaking out is worth the effort.
• Get with a Group. Although you’re attending class off-campus, seek out opportunities for group study sessions. Everyone in class will have different perspectives and opinions, and they may have picked up on a crucial lecture point you happened to miss.
• Break Time. Sitting for long periods can be physically exhausting and lower your ability to concentrate. Stretch out regularly, and after a long time looking on-screen, focus your eyes on something in the distance. Experts also advise taking a break from studying every 90 minutes or so.
• Nutrition. Consider switching from salty snack foods for healthier options: Energy bars, carrot sticks, apples. Avoid sugary drinks and go for tea, water, or fruit drinks.

Yes, You Can Do This

Still feeling a bit queasy about eLearning? Just remind yourself of the benefits of online classes:

• Online courses offer those who rate higher on the introvert scale a better chance to participate in class discussions, or immediately ask questions, often by chat or messaging features.
• Online classes mean not stressing out about travel arrangements, fighting traffic snarls, and spending more on gas money than you really need to.
• Your dream of reaching an educational goal can start while you’re currently employed. Most colleges offer a tremendous variety of online classes, from preliminary required courses to regular classes that are part of a specific degree program.

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC)

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is in Overland Park, Kansas, within the Kansas City metro. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been on a mission to create a healthier world. It’s a mission where we’re seeking to deliver everything we do at a higher level.

CUKC is a university specializing in chiropractic and health sciences. Our degree programs range from an associate degree in biological sciences to associate degrees in healthcare support professions like radiologic technology and occupational therapy assistant to the doctor of chiropractic (D.C.) degree. Many of the prerequisite classes for CUKC degrees are available as online classes.

Discover the right CUKC academic degree program for you today by visiting us at Cleveland.edu, or by connecting with an advisor here.