One of the most used terms after the pandemic is the ‘new normal. The new normal in education is the increased use of online learning tools. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning has become common in students’ lives. In addition to that, more students have willingly accepted this change because of its flexibility and personalized learning. Students can therefore do work while they study. Moreover, with online classes, most students are assigned with a learning success coach to enhance personalized learning. Acquiring an A is never an easy task. In this article, our online class experts have highlighted the best tips and tricks on how to get an A in your online class. Keep reading to learn more.
10 Tips for Online Class Success
Familiarize Yourself with the System
There are various learning management systems used for studying online classes. Therefore, ensure you take time to familiarise yourself with the online system before classes begin. Most of these online class forums are suitable for everyone, even the technology illiterate. Therefore, you shouldn’t worry about them. It is important to do this as the more prepared you are familiar with the online system, the more prepared you’ll be for your classes.
Log in Often
Always remain visible and present. There is always a lot going on in online classes, from CATS to examinations. Therefore, you should log in often to avoid missing out on important tasks assigned to you and also to keep up with your class.
Take Advantage of Online Resources
Online colleges usually offer a variety of online class resources for their students to succeed. Visit your school’s website to learn more about how to access the resources. If you’re having trouble finding them, inform your instructor for guidance.
Make Use of Technology
Online colleges are popular for using the latest technologies to ensure their students have an easy time. From mobile learning apps to new ways to interact with class instructors and classmates, ensure you make the most out of your college’s technologies.
Set Up a Regular Study Space
Your study space should be conducive to your learning. Ensure you have both sufficient lighting to avoid eye strain and a comfortable chair and desk to avoid discomfort. Moreover, choose a space that is quiet and where there is less chance to get distractions and interruptions. Also, ensure your study space is well-organized by cleaning it and not leaving books everywhere.
Make a Study Plan and Stick to It
Online learning is accompanied by a lot of distractions. Therefore, you need a study plan to keep yourself aware of tasks that need to be done. To be able to follow your plan, you have to understand your learning style. For example, are you a visual, solitary learner? Moreover, set aside study time, when you will be mostly sharp and comfortable.
Join a Study Team
Online learning is not a solitary experience. Take opportunities to engage with fellow learners by joining a study team. Use your college’s social media platforms to look for study teams in your online class that is recruiting new members. Joining or creating a study team will keep you connected and help support one another academically. Additionally, the discussions will help you gauge your learning progress and engage with more course materials.
Eliminate Distractions
Staring at a screen for long hours throughout the day can be hard. While focusing on your online class, ensure you eliminate distractions like your phone or your TV. Moreover, if you’re using a pc, ensure you only open tabs that are related to school. Not being in a physical classroom can affect your engagement with school work so you may have to try extra hard to be mentally engaged in class. You can do this by asking questions and taking part in class discussions.
Beware of Deadlines
At the start of your semester, ensure you read the course syllabus of your online class and enter all due dates in your calendars along with reminders for the due dates. As an online student, you may never meet your professor or advisor, however, you must ensure that they know who you are. This can be quite helpful especially when you’re stuck on a topic and need some help.
- Figure out the best study approaches that work best for you and leverage them
Everyone has different approaches when it comes to learning. One of the advantages of online learning is choosing a time that is suitable for you. Discover what times of the day you’re most focused on your studies and maximize that time.
Get Help If You’re Falling Behind
You might be busy with sports, work, family, and more important classes. Things can get overwhelming. Instead of risking getting bad grades, you can get an online class help service or tutor to help you. They will help you complete your course assignments, such as homework, written assignments, discussion posts, tests, quizzes, and exams. If you are struggling, don’t be ashamed to ask for help.
Online classes come with their own unique challenges, however with the tips above you can be successful in your class even when things are tough.
What is the best time to study?
Making the time to study is more important than studying at a particular time. Research has indicated that learning is most effective between 10 am and 2 pm and from 4 pm to 10 pm where the brain is in acquisition mode. Therefore, this comes down to a personal level where you feel you’re more active and effective.
What is a study guide?
A study guide is an aid, usually in the form of printed notes designed to assist students with their learning. It also organizes lecture notes and book materials so that you can increase your comprehension and memory of large amounts of information.
Can I take more than one course at a time?
It would be super tough but not entirely impossible. Taking a double course however means having to take required courses, even though some may apply to both programs.
Do online classes cost less than face-to-face classes?
Online classes tend to be significantly cheaper than taking classes on a traditional college campus. The average online student will spend approximately $100-$350 per credit hour in an online class. Moreover, most course materials are presented online and many textbooks can be downloaded or rented in an e-reader version for way less than traditional books.
