For online courses, the advice most likely to lead you to success is "Engage, Engage, Engage!"
What does this mean? Quite simply, it means being active in the course on a regular basis. It means keeping in sync with what's going on in the course, staying on top of deadlines and assignments, asking for help when necessary, and taking every opportunity to interact with the content and the instructors. It means making this course a regular part of your routine. Do this, and frankly, it will be difficult for you NOT to succeed in this course.
In online courses, the role of both the instructors AND the students tends to shift from the traditional classroom roles. The instructors' role is similar to that of good supervisors, and the students' role is closer to that of a good employee. The instructors define and set overall goals, outcomes, and timelines; make the information, resources, and experiences available to you to meet those goals; and, provide the support, guidance, communication channels, and feedback to help you succeed. The students' primary responsibilities are to stay on task; to manage their time and energy in order to get everything done on a weekly basis; to ask for guidance when in need of clarification; and, to take every opportunity available to improve their chances of success.
So, the very best advice we can offer you is to be engaged in this course at least nine hours each week, and log on 5-6 days of the week to spread out your study and thinking time. In the final analysis, completing multiple online sessions of quality study time is a tried-and-true recipe for success in this course.
Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when preparing to be successful in an online course:
It is a good idea to record any questions you might develop as you move through the content. Maintaining a digital course notebook is a great idea (you can use Microsoft OneNote, Evernote, etc.) to assist you. The process can be very easy with modern technology including your tablet, or computer. OneNote is often included with Microsoft Office software, and Evernote can be installed as a free app on tablets/iPad's. All software/apps work similarly and can be extremely useful once you get the hang of them, they are especially useful when you want to review content and prepare for assignment work.
And finally, in this course which has a lab component, it is critical that you read the lecture materials before you come to your lab.
The links below will connect you with other resources to help support your successful online learning experience. They are from Penn State but they apply to students from anywhere and are openly available.
The links below will connect you with other resources to help support your successful online learning experience:
Tips for Being a Successful World Campus Student [1]
This website provides links to many resources on everything from taking notes online to managing your time effectively. Please note that you must be a World Campus student to receive some of the support services mentioned on this website.
Tutoring and Technology Resources [2]
As a student, you have access to several resources to help you improve your understanding of the course material or better use technology needed for your courses. This website provides instructions and links for accessing online tutoring, writing help, and assistance with learning technology.
Penn State World Campus Blog [3]
This blog features posts by Penn State staff and students on a wide variety of topics relevant to online learning. Learn from online students and alumni, as well as staff members dedicated to student success, how you can get the most out of your online course experience.
Penn State iStudy Online Learning Tutorials [4]
The iStudy online learning tutorials are free and available to all Penn State students. They cover a broad range of topics including online learning readiness, time management, stress management, and statistics - among many others. Check out the extensive list of topics for yourself to see what topics may be of most use to you!
This website provides access to an extensive free online training library, with tutorials on everything from creating presentations to using mobile apps for education. There is a wealth of information here - all provided free of charge to Penn State faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students.
Netiquette is the rules of etiquette when internet manners, online etiquette, and digital etiquette all rolled into one word.
Links to more resources on netiquette:
Effective Technical Writing in the Information Age: E-Mail Etiquette [6]
Netiquette, by Virginia Shea [7]
Penn State Office of Student Conduct [8]
Wikipedia: Etiquette in technology [9]
Learn the Net [10]
Links
[1] https://student.worldcampus.psu.edu/a-z-index/tips-for-being-a-successful-world-campus-student
[2] https://student.worldcampus.psu.edu/student-services/tutoring-and-technology-resources
[3] https://blog.worldcampus.psu.edu/
[4] http://istudy.psu.edu/
[5] https://linkedinlearning.psu.edu/
[6] https://www.e-education.psu.edu/styleforstudents/c7_p2.html
[7] http://www.albion.com/netiquette/book/
[8] http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/conduct/
[9] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etiquette_in_technology
[10] https://websitebuilders.com/how-to/