Preparing for Online School and Distance Learning
Going back to school is always a tough time no matter what age you are. Being prepared for your return to the school grind is the best way to take on your new workload. Remember, once enrolled in online classes your home or workspace is now your school space.
Class Audit.
Whenever available, audit your future class to see what you should expect both from the students and the teacher. Speak with an online school representative about viewing a class course or lecture before your own class starts. Think of it like driver’s education when you were in high school. You didn’t just start driving one day, you had to sit down first and know exactly what you were going to do first.
Syllabus.
Each class will have a course description and outline of what to expect in the class. Review the information for a better understanding of the focus and goals of each of your classes.
“Hi, My Name Is..”
In an email, introduce yourself to your online teacher. If there is a chat room or bulletin board, log in and meet a few of your fellow students. If there is a student profile available fill it out with just a few details about yourself. You may find a fellow student you can study with or just make a new friend or two.
School Books.
Typically, your online class will offer two types of books for class. The classic textbook and it’s more modern equivalent, the Ebook. If you need a physical textbook make sure you have ordered it well in advance before class. The Ebook, usually a very large PDF file can be downloaded from your school’s online bookstore. The PDF Ebook will usually cost you less money and can be read using free reader software from Adobe.
Proper Workspace.
Most people attending school online do so at night or weekends from the comfort of their home. To avoid becoming too comfortable and possibly slacking off, you may want to set up your own workspace away from other distractions. Even a small space away from the television works great. Maybe you could convert a spare room into a private study hall. You’ll want a strong lamp and a good comfortable chair is a must.
Protect Your Eyes.
A common problem for new students is getting use to the light of the computer screen. Too much time looking right at a computer can cause vision problems like blurriness, double vision, burning eyes or even headaches. This is commonly called ‘Computer Vision Syndrome” and is avoidable. Take breaks when you can from the computer. Get up, walk around a bit and rest your eyes. A simple solution is to dim the brightness of your screen but there are also options like anti-glare screen protectors.
Reliable Internet.
Imagine this nightmare scenario. You have just finished a 1200 word essay for class and just as you go to send it in your Internet cuts out. When you manage to get your Internet back up and running you have missed the deadline and your teacher will not allow you an extension. Most teachers will not accept a bad connection as an excuse for not getting your work on time. Make sure your Internet provider has good customer support.
Reliable Computer.
As a kid, getting school supplies usually just means a new book bag, some pencils and a few spiral bound notebooks. Online school depends on some pretty pricey items the most important being a computer. Be sure to save any work as you go on your computer in case of any power outage problems. You may want to check that your computer is connected to a power supply by a power strip with a surge protector rather than directly into the wall.
Time Management.
The nightmare scenario we just discussed might not seem so bad if the student had finished the essay well before the deadline. Don’t wait till the last minute to finish any assignment. Finish your work early and avoid the stress of the clock. Students often say that time management is the biggest problem when it comes to school. Create a realistic work schedule for yourself and stick to it. Establishing a good routine is pivotal to your success in school.
Reminders.
If you find yourself forgetting when things are due or exactly what time a class lecture will start, invest in a cork bulletin board and some post it notes. This works well for due dates, deadlines, exam and final dates. Better to spend a few dollars on a stack of sticky notes than getting a failing grade in class.
Studying.
Most students “cram” for tests and quizzes rather than learn to study properly. You should determine when you are mentally at your most aware and active and use that time for studying. Use your other time for entertainment or just doing nothing at all. Your brain needs breaks just like your body. When you have a lot of work to do, work on your more difficult subjects first.
Being prepared can make the difference between a good grade and a great grade. Or, as Ben Franklin so aptly put it, “By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail."