Online Study Skills
From ElateWiki
People often say that online learning courses are more demanding than face-to-face ones. In particular, students suggest that more academic discipline and self-organizing skills may be important. A lot of "new online student" resources discuss technological requirements. It is important to have computers that have the processing power, Internet connectivity that may enhance interactions and file downloads, and the various software technologies to open files and to create files. Different courses have their own requirements.
Beyond having appropriate technologies, it's important to have a comfortable work space, whether that is a designated part of the living space or a particular part of the library, whether the space has a lot of people or none, etc. People tend to have their own study space preferences.
There are many online study skills that may be helpful for "novice" online learners.
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A Sense of the Course and Instructor
If any sort of a "preweek" is offered, it would be a good idea to get online early. Having some time to acclimate to the learning / course management system (L/CMS) and related technologies may be helpful in adjusting to online learning. Students also may preview the syllabus, the course texts, and other learning artifacts. They may also get a sense of the instructor and his or her teaching style and pedagogical ideas.
It would help also to read the course policies that spell out expectations. These policies may address issues of academic integrity, which will be important to uphold for actual learning.
Students will sometimes wait until an academic term has started to purchase books, and given the various factors that may affect book arrival times, it would be a good idea to shop early and to double and triple-check the given international standard book numbers (ISBNs) before making the purchase.
Throughout an online course, learners may build understandings of work expectations. The assignment descriptions are important. The types of student work samples (as well as professional work samples) offered are important.
How the instructor interacts with the students, with the curricular materials, and his or her actions in the online classroom also may convey important information about expectations.
Following a Schedule
Online courses tend to move along a pretty brisk study schedule. Students often find it helpful to put due dates on their calendars and to follow those closely in order to meet deadlines. Those who may need an extension on an assignment due to accepted reasons should contact their instructors to request permissions. Students may be asked to provide documentation for their reasons for being late.
Study Skills
As in face-to-face (F2F) courses, on-line learners would do well to read the directions thoroughly. They need to take accurate notes. They need to build their understandings over time and not resort to cramming just before a test.
A good, paced approach to studying will help overcome the "cram for an exam" obstacle that many students face. Using the on-line calendar for each class, combine all assignments into one calendar and set reminders to help complete the tasks ahead of time.
Make use of all tools provided for the class. Though "going green" is currently very popular, if you still prefer printed material to read, print all notes, hints, assignments, and presentations to use for studying. Presentations can be printed in various outputs, such as by handouts, notes pages, and full slides. Choose one that you are comfortable with (such as notes pages) so you can take notes on them for study use later.
Another suggestion for study skills is to contact the on-line instructor and see what they may offer for study enhancements.
Developing a Support Group
Learners who take courses with friends or who form a support group of learners tend to have improved retention over those who do not. This support may result in improved discipline and deeper insights on the study materials.
Keeping Open Communications with the Instructor
Instructors that are student-centered may want learners to communicate with them if there are difficulties or questions. Keeping those lines of communication open--such as using designated virtual office hours--will be important for effective communications.
Any part of this communications chain relates to feedback from instructors. When they have taken the time to respond in depth, it's important to consider that feedback as a tool to improving learning and performance in the course.