LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Guidelines for being a good online learner

The elements that ensure success in an online learning environment are slightly different than those in a traditional classroom. These guidelines will help ensure your success as an online learner.

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Student responsibilities

  • Self-motivation
  • Ability to learn independently
  • Time management skills
  • Personal commitment
  • Willingness to ask for help and be vocal when there are problems or questions
  • Successful completion of required assignments
  • Positive recommendations of teachers and counselors
  • Successful previous performance in content area courses
  • Basic word processing and Internet skills
  • Good Attendance Record
  • Acceptance of the terms of the local Code of Conduct or LEARN NC’s Acceptable Use Policy for students working on the internet.

Managing your time

In an online course, time management is critical to success because most activities can be accomplished asynchronously — you don’t have to be online at the same time as your instructor or other students. The advantage of learning "anytime, anywhere" also makes it easier to put off logging on and participating in class. As with any traditional course, you risk earning a lower grade if you fall behind.

Although all students in the Virtual Classroom will be given daily class periods to work on their online courses, there will still be work you are required to do outside of that class period. Because you are participating in an Advanced Placement course, much of your homework will be challenging and may involve online research, collaboration with other students (all of whom will have different class schedules). To make sure that you manage your time well, we recommend that you use some type of calendar or daily planner. For major tests and projects, break the work into pieces and schedule some of the work each day for a week or two before the due date. Written calendars are especially satisfying… it is a good feeling to be able to cross out the items as they are accomplished! Mind Tools provides more comprehensive information about time management.

How to study

With traditional courses, it is very easy to get into student study groups and work together. In the online environment, this kind of collaboration requires a different kind of approach. However, all is not lost! You do have a great resource in the Internet. Every lecture, discussion, and communication is archived online for you to review. This gives you an advantage because you can look back through everything that was ever said or written in the class leading up to the test.

Here are some quick, simple tips to help you manage your time and your work (these aren’t just for online learning!).

  • Organize your materials. Whatever system works for you, from a binder with dividers to a file drawer or a series of in-baskets, so long as you have some plan for organization. Keeping track of your printed work, including class notes, using some system will save you time when tests and projects are assigned.
  • Focus on reading. Much of the work in an online course involves reading. If you can better remember what you read then you will be ahead when it comes time for the test!
  • Try the strategies for Remembering What You Read from St. John’s University.
  • Explore note-taking systems. The Cornell Note Taking System is just one approach to organizing your course materials. First draw a vertical line on your paper dividing the paper into two columns… left column 3 inches wide, the right column 5 inches wide. Then record the materials presented in course readings and lectures in the right, larger column. Simplify ideas and facts to concise summaries in the left column. These smaller more focused ideas, facts and concepts are used in Reciting, Reviewing and Reflecting. For more information, see this example document from the Dartmouth Academic Skills Center.
  • Set goals. Goals are important when you feel like you have more work than you can manage. By setting goals, you make a decision about where you want to go, then create the map you need to get there! Keep the goals positive, realistic and write them down! Goals need to be based on things in your control, so focus on your performance, not the overall outcome. The University of Victoria’s "Smart Goals" provide more information about setting goals.
  • Hone testing strategies. Did you know that there are actual testing skills, skills that are independent of the content of the course, which you can work to improve? Another important consideration when going into a test is your stress level. No matter how much you have studied, some people experience stress when they take a test. Relaxation techniques used just before a test may help. Try these Strategies for Coping with Stress from Texas Women’s University.