If you are anything like me, online classes are awesome because you can work at your own pace (to an extent), have access to all the information you need right on your computer, and don’t face the risk of being called on in class. Though online classes seem like they are the easier alternative for in-class options and lectures, they are often just as difficult as classes that you can’t take from the comfort of your own home. I’m on my fifth semester of taking online classes, so I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks to help those that struggle with online courses.
Keep track of a planner. What I learned to do was write down all my assignments a head of time. This way, I could never forget an assignment. In regular classes, you have a teacher guiding you throughout the semester, and reminding you of quizzes, tests, and assignments on a daily basis. FYI- you have to take responsibility someday, why not start now?
Work ahead. If given the option, go ahead and do next weeks assignment early. It might seem like extra work now, but next week when your friends want to hang out, you won’t have to tell them that you have a weeks worth of homework due at 11:59 pm.
Check your email. This is probably how your teacher is going to communicate with you. Don’t miss out on important messages because you were to lazy to take two seconds to check your inbox.
Try. You have to put forth effort. I’ve seen so many people crash and burn in online classes because they think they can blow it off and figure it out on the last week of the semester. No. NO. This is still a class that affects your GPA, SO TRY.
Drop the class. If keeping track of an online class sounds like something you can’t handle, don’t waste your time. Drop the class while you still have a chance, and find a lecture that is much more suited for you. If you like staying home and can be held responsible, then be ready to hit the ground running.
All in all, don’t be afraid to contact your teacher or even a fellow classmate if you are struggling. Despite what people say, your professors and peers want you to succeed, you just have to want it for yourself too.