Basic Strategies For Success In The Online Learning Environment

                     

Starting your academic career at a new university is very exciting, but it can also be a little overwhelming. Our goal is to make your transition successful. Online learning lets you take the same classes in a more convenient format. With minimal face-to-face meetings, students can learn at home, while stationed abroad, or while traveling.

Online students have access to the same services provided to on-campus students. Online courses are taught by the same Mason faculty who teach face-to-face. Classes are active and collaborative, often using e-mail, discussion boards, blogs, wikis, and social media. Just like face-to-face courses, online courses have textbooks, assignments, and exams.

Tips For A Successful Online Learening Experience:

                    

Be Realistic

Do you dream of online courses allowing you an abundance of down time and freedom from instructors, aggregate tasks, and requesting due dates? Assuming this is the case, please read about the Mason Online Experience on the FAQs page with the goal that you are not astonished when your class begins. 

• Plan on doing the same amount of work as is required for a face-to-face class.
• Adhere to the deadlines and rubric that your instructor has outlined in the syllabus.
• Interact with other students.
• Occasionally participate in a “synchronous” component that requires a specific log-in time.

Take Responsibility For Your Own Learning

The opportunity and adaptability offered by online learning accompanies essential responsibilities regarding you. 

• Develop self-discipline.
• Resist procrastination temptations or distractions.
• Embrace new technology.
• Participate in the group and avoid isolation.
• Improve your written communication skills.

Stay Linked In With Mason

Deadlines, policies, and services are the same for online and on-campus students. Artisan will at times email your MasonLive account with basic updates, however it is eventually your duty to remain educated. 

Deadlines And Policies

• Academic Integrity
• Honor Code
• Important Dates and Deadlines
• Responsible Use of Computing
• Check the Student Resources page for more information on available services and resources.

Know The Syllabus

Your course syllabus is the way to fruitful time administration. Read it deliberately to monitor essential things, similar to those recorded beneath. 

• Desired learner outcomes of the course
• Necessary textbooks
• Course assignments and required deliverables
• Grading policies
• Standards for assignment evaluation
• The course schedule (deadlines for readings, discussion posts, quizzes, discussion board postings, etc.)
• Times and dates of possible “synchronous” class meetings which require you to log-in at a specific time

Organize Your Time

Online learning is not only a response to planning issues. Indeed, even with a more adaptable calendar, online courses still require an indistinguishable measure of time from up close and personal courses. 

• Log-in to each online class a minimum of 4 days per week.
• Block out 8 to 12 hours per week for each online class.
• Schedule more time during the first few weeks of class to orient yourself to the online environment.
• Break big tasks into manageable parts.
• Use tools like the Blackboard Mobile app to make organization easier.

Create A Study Space

Will you be examining in your office after work, at home, or at the general population library? Wherever it might be, search for an investigation space that is calm with an entryway that closes, has sufficient lighting and electrical outlets, and offers constrained diversions. 

Check Your Technology

Before your online class starts, be prepared and check these key technical requirements.

Stay Connected

Make the most of your course and communicate regularly with your instructor and peers. This will help you gain exposure to a variety of perspectives, practice articulating your ideas, receive feedback on your thoughts, and avoid isolation. Actively stay connected using discussion boards, small group work, research sharing, or peer reviews.

Consider The Rules Of Netiquette

Craft your messages carefully to avoid misinterpretation. Keep these online communication strategies in mind.

• Avoid vague words, jargons, and sarcasm.
• Limit or eliminate the use of exclamation points, bolding, capital letters, and emoticons.
• Change subject lines of email chains regularly.
• Plan carefully who to CC on messages.
• Edit meticulously.