My Online Readiness
Resources for Success

Now that you have a better idea of your technology requirements to be successful, we need to look at the NUMBER 1 ingredient for a successful online experience, YOU.

Many of you will have some preconceived notions of what online classes and participation are like. So first let's do a little MyTHBusting.

Click on each of the tabs to learn about 5 common myths of online learning.

Myth #1
Myth #2
Myth #3
Myth #4
Myth #5

Myth #1 - Online Classes are Easier!

Online classes are more demanding than traditional classes. To be successful you will need to be self-motivated and self-disciplined. Online classes still require that you read, write, complete assignments and assessments and communicate with your instructor and peers, and that you do these according to the course due dates and deadlines. Plan on spending about 2-3 hours for homework and participation for every credit hour you take online.(Example in a 3 hour online class plan on spending 6-9 hours per week on your course work.)

Myth #2-Procrastination is OK .

Just like traditional classes, online classes have deadlines and due dates. Online students must be self-motivated and self-disciplined. Student's need to manage their time and schedules.

It's much easier to procrastinate when you don't have to look your professor in the "eye" and explain why you didn't complete your work. Successful online students are motivated to work independently and stay on task avoiding procrastination.

Myth #3 - It's easy to cheat in online classes.

Good online instructors get to know their students and their writing skills through assignments, assessments and communications. They may also use Turnitin to check you papers for plagiarism. They may use time limits, passwords, secure browsers, or other settings to secure their exams. Your instructors are experienced online instructors and you will find it difficult to con, bamboozle, swindle, dupe or otherwise deceive him/her.

Myth #4 - I can "hide" in an online course.

On the contrary, students cannot remain anonymous in online courses. You may be required to participate in discussions with your peers and instructors, you may have collaborative projects and/or assignments. You will get to know your classmates and instructors through these interactions that require you to communicate in writing. However, because you are not meeting face-to-face it will allow you time to thoughtfully process information prior to posting to a discussion or activity.

Myth #5 - I'll learn the technology from my instructor.

Your instructor will not teach you how to use your computer or the internet. When you register for an online course in a specific subject that is what you should expect your instructor to be an expert in and to focus on. You should be comfortable using a computer and the internet. If you are not sure whether you have the technology skills read on!

How to become a SUCCESSFUL online student.

Embrace the syllabus --The syllabus is essentially your contract with the instructor for the course. Read it and read it again. Print it and refer to it often.
Confused--Speak Up -- Although some instructors might be prescient most will not, please be sure to ask you instructor when you need help.
Become a respected discussion participant -- Online discussions help you connect with the course content, your peers and your instructor. Read questions carefully (reread them if necessary), take your time to provide a thoughtful response to express your thoughts, share ideas and ask questions. Your responses might be required to include: references, contribution of novel ideas, make connections to your text and think critically. Be careful not to share inappropriate information or write using text speak. These are college courses and your communications should reflect that.
Goals -- Successful online students must be self-disciplined and goal-oriented. Set your goals and then work towards meeting them, then reward yourself for accomplishing your goals!
Time and Time Again -- You will need to commit 6 - 9 hours per week/per 3 hour course. Online classes may actually take more time and work than a traditional face-to-face course.
Software, Books and Supplies, Oh My! -- Would you go sky diving without your parachute? Of course not, you need the right supplies to be successful. Your book (software, calculators, etc.) are the supplies you need to be successful in your online course. Your instructor put those requirements on your syllabus for a reason, don't handicap yourself, get the required materials.
Reading, really? -- Yep, you will need to read! Not only will you need to read the syllabus but you will need to read any course announcements posted to your course, emails, discussions, assignments, assigned readings from the text or library etc. If reading is not for you then online is not a good place for you, you might want to consider enrolling in a face-to-face section of the course.
"Log me in Scottie" -- Log into your course every day, several times a week or as directed by your instructor.
"Computer take me away" -- Online courses require that you have reliable access to a computer with high speed Internet access.Make sure you have reliable and frequent access to the necessary equipment and software.
Attitude is everything -- Online is not for everyone. If you think online is less rigorous, if you believe that you need to be in a physical classroom to learn, then you may not be a good candidate for online learning and you should consider a traditional classroom setting. But if you have an open mind, are able to participate in your online class daily (or at least 5-7 days per week), are able to work collaboratively and independently, meet deadlines, read and communicate in writing, and have the minimum technology requirements you may find the online environment an exciting environment in which to learn!

FIVE SIMPLE TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Manage your time--set aside a quiet distraction free environment to study in daily.
Never procrastinate--It is harder to catch up in online classes so don't!
Participate, participate, participate--log into your course daily.
Set clear and attainable goals--start with small goals and reward yourself when you attain them. Work towards the bigger goals.
Keep track of your course progress--be cognizant of your course grades. Check your grades and progress so that if there is a problem you have time to seek help, adjust and make changes.

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