Tips for Successful Online Learning
- Active participation: unmute and make a comment, ask a question, use the reaction icons, participate in chats/discussions.
- Camera on: if you can, having your camera on keeps you accountable and creates opportunity for interaction, verbal and non-verbal- it’ more interactive for
everyone. - Communicate with faculty: faculty are at TCU because they want to teach and interact with undergraduate students. Outside of class, email them, ask for a phone call or a virtual meeting, visit their office hours even if virtual. Ask about their experiences and for their insight.
- 3 credit hour class = 3 hours class time and 3 hours on-your-own study time. This is still true when you are taking a class online.
- Drink water, sleep, get active
- Take time to stand and stretch during work sessions, take a short walk if you can
- Get some sunlight
- Notice how you feel and adjust to meet your needs
- Do something for others and you’ll feel good too
- Review all syllabi
- Put everything in a planner or calendar- class time, study groups, deadlines, readings due, tests, labs, job hours, appointments, organization dates, etc.
- Make a habit of reviewing a few days ahead and keeping your schedule/deadlines on your radar.
- Either use your planner as a checklist, or create a dedicated check list- short and long term tasks.
- Specify time for class, studying, reading, being active, relaxing, eating and sleeping- stick to it.
- Dedicate a good surface for working- desk, table, etc. When you are not working, move away from it to create separation.
- Get a supportive chair.
- Mute notifications on devices and turn off unnecessary apps during work sessions or class.
- Consider headphones to block out noise.
- Notice how you feel after a long work session and adjust for your comfort and endurance.
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- If you feel like you are not retaining or understanding information or not able to apply what you have learned, consider reading up on learning styles and trying out strategies that fit your style.
- Here is a great resource: https://www.rasmussen.edu/student-experience/college-life/most-common-types-of-learners/
- If you feel like you are not retaining or understanding information or not able to apply what you have learned, consider reading up on learning styles and trying out strategies that fit your style.
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- Form a study group or join one.
- Create discussions, share notes and ideas, and collaborate online.
- Use study rooms, pods and common spaces and the TCU Landing Zones to get out of your room for class or study time.
- Seek tutoring before you’re in a cram state
- Make an appointment for Student Success Coaching for 1-1 custom strategy and support
- Meet with your advisor, the earlier the better. They are there for more than class selection!
- Set up an appointment with the office of Student Access and Accommodations if you think you might have a learning difference or need to register one.
- Explore resources related to specific TCU Online: https://tcuonline.tcu.edu/tcu-online-resources-for-students/ including the Student How-to Hub (https://tcuonline.tcu.edu/how-to-hub/student-how-to-hub-for-tcu-online/)
Sources:
https://www.northeastern.edu/graduate/blog/tips-for-taking-online-classes
https://careerwise.minnstate.edu/education/successonline.html
https://online.illinois.edu/articles/online-learning/item/2015/09/16/7-tips-for-online-success
https://cte.tcu.edu/
https://tcuonline.tcu.edu/tcu-online-resources-for-students/