How to Handle Online Classes
Online classes are the new thing! They may not be your favorite thing, but it’s best to embrace them as much as one can. Regardless of whether you have all online classes or just a few, here are some tips on that will help you excel.
1. Invest in a planner
During online classes, your professor will not always give verbal reminders for due dates. Although, they may send an email or post an update on D2L, if you are not checking these consistently, you may fall behind. Investing in a planner allows you to mark these due dates ahead of time so you know exactly what you need to get done for that week. I’d advise you to fill in your planner every Sunday night, making to-do lists for each day. It is also helpful, to put due dates as reminders on your phone because there is no way we are missing those!!
2. Read the Syllabus
So I must admit, that I was never an avid syllabus reader because I would simply pay close attention while the professor explained it to the class. The professor may no longer have the time to explain it in detail, so taking the time to understand the syllabus is crucial. While you read through, it is beneficial to highlight the most important information so it is easy to locate. If you have any question about the way the course is constructed, do not hesitate to ask, which bring me to my next tip.
3. Reach out to your professor individually
Professors are there to help you. In this day and age, it is easy to communicate via technology whether it be a phone call, Skype call, or email. During an online course, there will most likely be a time where you are asked to learn course work on your own, but that does not mean you cannot ask for clarification on the material. So, to not understand the course in its entirety, ask questions. Not only about coursework, but about due dates, extensions, paper feedback, etc. Professors want to see you succeed, so let them help you.