Successful Online Learning

Successful Online Learning

Commit to a schedule

  • Schedule three hours of online time and six hours of assignment time per week for online courses. Be realistic when signing up for online courses
  • Balance academic and personal commitments. Study during your prime time.
  • Avoid putting off online coursework until you have completed everything else.
  • Study when you are most alert and benefit the most from learning. Attend mandatory orientations or campus meetings for classes that are Hybrid.
  • Realize that when the instructor says the orientation is mandatory, she or he has a reason. Honor assignment due dates
  • Pay attention to due dates posted by the instructor. If you post late, you may get less credit or no credit. COMMUNICATION - Cultivate effective online communication skills.
    ATTITUDE - Maintain valid expectations about online learning

Commit to the online class community

  • Participate in online discussions to a help create a dynamic online community which replaces classroom discussion Be a “squeaky wheel” when unmotivated or procrastinating or need help.
  • Email instructor immediately for missed work, extra feedback, anticipated absences or other problems. INSTRUCTIONS - Follow online directions carefully.
  • Read carefully and follow all printed instructions for every lesson. Print out and check off completed tasks. PREPAREDNESS - Understand online class expectations.
  • Netiquette, which is a mashup of the words "internet" and "etiquette." It describes guidelines for polite contact online.  The whiteboard video below provides great information and tips for communicating online. You can also view visual adaptation of the Core Rules of Netiquette Links to an external site.. A universally accessible text version of this image is available at http://bit.ly/NetiquetteText Links to an external site.. If you find this graphic helpful, you may use it in your course Links to an external site..

Have your computer and textbook ready before class starts

  • Visit the SJSU Information Technology Desk Links to an external site.for specific support. Check computer and software requirements.
  • Secure a home computer with Internet access. Have a computer and internet contingency plan as well.
  • Obtain the textbook and lab manual early. You will have to find another solution if there is a delay in getting the textbook.

Read the course syllabus or course information page before starting class

  • The course syllabus is on your instructor’s website and is linked on the homepage of your online course.

TECHNOLOGY SKILLS – Catch up on Internet skills prior to taking online classes

  • Know how to use the Internet, word processing, email, attachments and course navigation instruments.