Tips for Success

Looking for ways to make sure you do your best in your online class? Here are five tips from students just like you who have successfully completed online courses.

Tip number one, keep pace-- your course calendar will clearly lay out assignment deadlines for you. Do your best to stay on pace by submitting all the assignments on the due date or before. If you have concerns about your course end date, reach out to your mentor and ask.

Tip number two, self advocacy-- to advocate for something means to assist or support it. So being a self-advocate means you work hard to get the most out of your education by asking for help when you need it. In the online world, teachers can't see you're confused or frustrated face. Reach out to your teacher when you are struggling so they know you need help.

Tip number three, communicate-- keep an active and positive dialogue going with your teachers and fellow students to benefit from their knowledge and perspective. Practice respectful, frequent communication with your teacher. And be sure you check your email every day.

Tip four, take notes-- notes are a great way of storing new knowledge deep inside your brain where it's less likely to get forgotten. Putting ideas into your own words is a classic study habit and scientifically proven to help you retain and use new information.

Tip five, don't procrastinate-- procrastination means putting things off until later. By waiting to the last minute, you create unneeded stress. And it typically results in poorer quality work. Follow the pace that's outlined in your course calendar and you'll feel success instead of stress.