Tips to Be a Successful Online Learner

Some tips to be a successful online learner are:

Take time to familiarize yourself with the course structure and layout in the learning management system being used such as Canvas or other technology used in the course.
Read the essential documents – course syllabus/course schedule/course materials.

The readings can be long but if you section them out over the course of a few days - it becomes a lot easier!
Maycie, Online Ed Tech Graduate Student

Identify and establish the communication channels provided – Help Forums/online meetings/Email/groups discussion forums.

We are all extremely busy with our jobs and lives outside of graduate school but we always seem to block out 30 minutes each week to meet and discuss graduate school assignments and articles to get various perspectives on similar articles.
Josh, Online Ed Tech Graduate Student

Confirm technical requirements –so that you can access all the materials
Be patient and respectful of the response time mentioned.
Plan your time – have a personal schedule, a consistent study time and stay organized. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MOMENT TO WORK ON YOUR ASSIGNMENTS.

I carve out about two hours a night to work on grad school during the work week so I am able to enjoy my weekends for friends and family time. I find it very helpful to sit down Sunday night and to plan out my week.
Maycie, Online Ed Tech Graduate Student

Make connections with fellow classmates and the instructor.

Even though these are primarily online courses, you can still reach out to people and make friends. I find this really important because it creates a team of strong individuals who support and help one another with assignments and the stress of school.
Josh, Online Ed Tech Graduate Student

Ask Questions – Don’t wait. Ask questions regarding expectations/content/policies. Follow the mentioned protocols for the course.

I find reaching out to professors when difficulties arise is easiest. I have already contacted professors about some schedule conflicts for this upcoming semester and they have been very accommodating.
Maycie, Online Ed Tech Graduate Student

Become familiar with the way the To Do list works in Canvas to help you stay organized.
Log-in to the course at least 3 times in a day.