Online Classes and Remote Learning
Taking courses online or remotely creates unique challenges that you may not encounter while face-to-face in a classroom. These types of courses require you to stay organized and manage your time even more so than when you're in a physical classroom. You may find you need to revamp the strategies you're using for these courses. To be successful, make sure you stay organized, manage your time, understand what resources/tools you have, and connect with your resources.
Definitions & Strategies
In 2022 10.1 million college students (54%) took at least one online class. They are increasingly popular, but come with their own challenges. Read below for information about online courses and what you can do to be successful.
How do online classes work?
Instead of showing up to a classroom, all of your coursework, lectures, assignments, and exams will be completed online. At UW-Whitewater, we use Canvas. Sometimes instructors will have prerecorded videos you need to watch, materials you need to read, online discussion boards you will participate in, and/or assignments and quizzes you need to complete. Each online course is structured a little different, so refer to your syllabus or contact the instructor of the course for more information. Learn more about the various ways courses can be offered at UW-Whitewater on the instruction mode page.
Are online classes easier or harder?
Neither. However, while online courses cover the same information as in-person sections, the logistics of learning are different. You won't have the face-to-face time with instructors, reminders about upcoming assignments and quizzes may be less frequent, and you'll be relying on technology for the course. If you like facetime with your instructor or peers, struggle with access to or using the technology needed for the course, or find time management or staying organized difficult, you may find that online classes are a bit more challenging. If you're not sure, talk with the instructor or your advisor about your options.
Online classes do have some advantages! You don't have a specific time you need to meet for class which can free up your schedule, you can do your assignments and coursework anywhere, and you don't physically need to be in a campus building.
What can you do to help your online courses go well?
- Find a good place to learn and study. Fina a place where you can limit distractions and be productive. You'll need to be able to focus on what you're learning and completing your assignments.
- Stay motivated. Remember the bigger picture of why you're taking the course.
- Don't skip videos, readings, and other assignments. It's easy to fall behind in online courses or procrastinate. Stay on top of your coursework so you aren't overwhelmed later in the semester.
- Connect with your instructor. Your instructor is a great resource! Get to know them through email, phone calls, virtual meetings, or office hours. It's a great way to get help with the course material but also to feel connected to the class.
- Get organized. You will need to manage when you complete your coursework, when assignments are due, etc. Find a way to get organized and remind yourself of upcoming due dates.
- Limit your distractions and multitasking. When working on online coursework you'll be tempted to work on other things, browse social media, and watch things on the internet. Try to limit your distractions so you can focus on completing the tasks you need to finish.
- Manage your time, but take a break. Find time to do the work, but make sure you take breaks. Take a break from staring at the screen once in awhile.
- Get familiar with the technology you need. Online courses might use a few different technology platforms. Make sure you have access to them, know how to use them, and feel comfortable. There are aton of resources available to help you navigate the technology you need!
- Set a schedule and reserve time to do your coursework. Even though you don't have to go to class at a specific time, it's good to set aside time in your weekly schedule to complete your online coursework. Set aside blocks of time to review the material, study, and prep for quizzes just like you would for any other course.
- Ask for help. UW-Whitewater has a lot of courses and staff that want to help you. If you find you need help with something, just ask someone! If the person you ask doesn't know how to help, chances are they know someone who can.
Sources:
Setting goals helps you visualize what you want to accomplish and gives you a sense of direction and purpose. While it seems like creating a goal is a simple task, some careful thought and planning is required in order to make a goal more achievable.
First, review what you should consider when creating goals:
Next, use start planning your goals! Use the template below to help guide you in creating your goals:
At times it can seem like you have no time. You need to go to class, do your homework, work, hang out with your friends... it seems hard to find enough hours in the day to make it all happen. Learning to manage your time well will make a huge difference in your ability to juggle multiple responsibilities. Check out the resources and activities below to get some of your time back!
Time Management Strategies
Time Management Strategies
Time Management Schedules Overview
Activities & Resources
Use the templates below to create your schedules. Remember to include things like time to eat, sleep, study, workout, etc., in addition to class times, work schedules, and other standing meetings.
There are numerous ways to access your instructors for help with online courses and remote learning.
- Try various methods (email, Canvas, phone) - You can find their contact information here.
- Use office hours and the syllabus
- Ask questions during class
- Stay after class for help
Technology is of vital importance to success in online and remote learning. UW-Whitewater's Instructional, Communication & Information Technology office can help get the most from your technology when learning remotely.