Ecampus TOP Course Template

TROY Online An Introduction to Online Learning

Basic Techniques to Help You Succeed Online Success in the online classroom depends on some basic skills and good study habits. We have included some of the most important ones here. You will find these and other helpful tips in the recommended text Online Learning by Leslie Bowman. Be sure to take notes and be prepared because you will find that online classes require as much dedication and commitment as on- campus classes.

The following topics will be discussed: • Entrance competencies • Study habits • Endurance

Entrance Competencies: Success in online classes depends on some basic skills.

• Keyboarding skills • Reading skills • Note taking • The ability to follow directions

Keyboarding Skills • Typing is your primary means of communication • If you type slowly, be sure to allocate extra time when planning your weekly schedule. • The amount of time you spend typing should decrease as your typing skills improve throughout the term.

Reading Skills • Online courses require that you read course materials, documents, assigned textbook chapters, journals, and research articles. • Read the introduction, conclusion, and summary first. • Review the key words and their definitions to help you understand the content of the text. • Identify chapter key points as you read in order to help you write your reviews later.

• When reading journal and research articles, be sure to read the abstract, findings, conclusions, and summary first. • If you are a slow reader, allocate extra time when you are planning your weekly course schedule. • It is important to read the content of the syllabus and the course menu carefully since they house crucial information to help you succeed online.

Note taking • It is very important to keep track of the course study materials to use later in the term when writing reviews, assignments, and papers. • It is better to write notes in the margins of the book or chapter or type them in a Word document than to use a highlighter. • Use flashcards to keep up with keys terms, formulas, and definitions. • Notes and flashcards are easy to carry with you. • Notes serve as a quick reference guide when working on Discussion posts.

The ability to follow directions • Following directions ties in with good reading habits. • It is very important to read the instructor's requirements for each assignment. When you glance over the requirements, you may miss important information. • Outline the requirements for each assignment and keep them visible to help you stay focused. • Outline an assignment based on the requirements before you start writing.

Study Habits: Developing good study habits is crucial to success in online education.

• Avoid procrastination. • Plan your course work. • Stay organized. • Make the most of your time.

Avoid Procrastination • Start strong to finish strong. • You are responsible for your success. Online classes are very short in nature, but not in content. Therefore, it is very important to stay on schedule and even work ahead in order to battle any unforeseen emergencies or situations. • It is easier to work ahead than to catch up. Student who submit late work generally do not earn good grades.

Plan your Course Work • Know your weaknesses and strengths and plan your schedule accordingly. • Log in to your online course and familiarize yourself with the course menu. Click on each button to learn about its content. • Create a calendar for the course and mark important dates. Also, reserve study time on your calendar. Be sure to take into account your reading, writing, and typing skills when planning daily study time. • Start ahead on your assignments to allow extra time for proofreading and reviewing the submission requirements.

Stay Organized Before you start an online course, make sure you have the following: • Computer and reliable Internet access, along with a backup computer with Internet access • An external hard drive so you can back up all your Discussion Board posts, assignments, and papers • A printer and office supplies • A notebook for every course you are taking (Use dividers to organize the weekly course material and requirements. This will help you take the course one step at a time, making it manageable.)

Make the Most of Your Time • Many online learners are parents, who work full-time. Knowing how to juggle your commitments and find balance in your life is critical. • Use calendars, set reminders, and remember to check in once everyday online so you don’t miss something important.

Endurance: Prepare for the duration of the course and remain committed.

• Plan ahead. • Establish and maintain a presence in your course. • Know your professor. • Treat yourself. • Surround yourself with support.

Plan Ahead • It is important to plan ahead, read ahead and work ahead in order to maintain focus and drive throughout the course. Devote several hours a week to this. • For writing assignments, it is best to start a few weeks before the due date. • Prepare to complete assignments in advance of holidays and any other personal engagements. • You cannot always plan ahead for emergencies. Most instructors will extend due dates in an emergency situation. If a pattern develops, professors will not tolerate late work.

Establish and Maintain a Presence in your Course • It is important that you frequently participate in your online courses. It helps you maintain a routine and also helps you remain interested in the course. • Your interest and participation in the course is recognized and appreciated by the professor. • Professors respond well to dedicated, interested students who participate.

Know your professor • Online professors are human! There is an actual person associated with the name on your computer screen. • Your professors emphatically want you to succeed. • They enjoy seeing students work hard, earn good grades and achieve their goals.

• Professors have goals, too. One of the most important goals is to make sure students understand the course material.

Treat yourself • Make time to relax. • At the beginning of a course, establish a reward for yourself that can be enjoyed once you have finished. • To go along with course goals, establish rewards for your long-term educational goals.

Surround Yourself with Support • Having a reliable support system is critical to success in an online course. • Family, friends, classmates, and co-workers can all be included in your support system. These relationships allow an avenue for advice, encouragement and guidance among classmates. • Developing your support system requires sharing your educational goals with the most important people in your life. • Pay close attention to classmates who share the same interests as you. Even after a current course has ended, the relationships formed in the course can continue through the remainder of your educational career. • You may want to join a professional networking website. This opens the opportunity to meet other individuals in your same field. • Use the University’s available resources to help you succeed online.

If you follow the advice above, you should do well in your online courses. Below you will find several helpful resources that can assist you on your journey at TROY.

Resources You Can Use: • Smarthinking is an online tutoring service available to online students at TROY. It provides help with homework and proofreading. It is located under the Course Tools button when you access your online course in Blackboard. • The Student Training Page contains training videos and how-to guides to help you use Blackboard and other online technology. • Use the Helpdesk link to submit a help desk ticket when you are having technical issues with your online course. • The Global Campus Library is designed to serve our online students