Online classes are a fast and generally easy way to get ahead. You can take all kinds of classes in a short amount of time, on your own time and without having to go somewhere.
While I would recommend online classes to anyone who wanted to take a class over the winter break or in the summer, had trouble attending classes or wanted to get ahead, there are some things you should be wary of and keep in mind while taking courses.
1. Establish communication with your professor. From personal experience, I can tell you, this is really key in doing well in an online class. Things can go wrong really easily and you need to be able to notify your professor if they do. Assignments might not go through or the professor could enter a grade wrong, among other issues. Make sure you address problems as soon as they arise.
2. Give yourself extra time when things are due. The programs that you take your online classes in can time out and lock you out while you’re taking a test or submit early. They can be tricky so when you have a test due or anything that is final after submission, give yourself some cushion time in case something goes wrong , that way you can try and work it out with your professor before it’s too late.
3. Don’t fall behind. Just because nothing is actually due until the end or for a while, depending on the teacher, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it now. Make a schedule for yourself if the teacher doesn’t give you one. It will feel easier and less stressful if you plan it out and do it over the time of the course instead of trying to do a semester’s worth of work the night before it’s due.
4. Study before your tests. You might think that because you’re taking an online class, you can just search the internet for all the answers to your tests and quizzes. This is not the case, especially if the exams are timed. Sometimes the questions are really specific and not something you can just pop into Google and get an answer for. Also, often, you don’t have enough time to look them up in your textbook either.
5. Make sure you find the best browser to use for your online schooling. Some sites don’t work well with browsers such as Internet Explorer. For instance, my roommate was using Internet Explorer for one of her classes and the time clock covered up the submit button so she couldn’t submit her tests. I have had no problems using Google Chrome with the online courses I’ve taken so that would be my suggestion.