Student Strategies for Success
The following list of suggestions is targeted to students who take classes at a distance and may never come to campus. In most cases these same suggestions also apply to students taking on campus classes.Students who take online classes agree that flexibility, self-scheduling and anytime anywhere access to course material are key advantages to taking an online class. However, online courses are at least as time consuming, perhaps even a bit more, than in-class courses. Students find that it is necessary to login frequently - sometimes daily - as online discussions, assignments, materials, and announcements move along at a rapid rate. For this reason online courses require a high level of personal organization and self-discipline.
Learning online may require you to adopt new strategies to succeed. Most students find that taking online courses require a high level of personal organization and self-discipline. Practicing good study habits is a place to begin. Students who succeed in online classes often share these characteristics.
- Independent
- Self-motivated
- Self-disciplined
- Good at time management
- Have a keen interest in the course
If you have a question, ask your professor or a member of the administrative staff for assistance. Remember that most classes meet only online. Be clear with your comments and requests and keep your instructor informed if you have questions or experience any difficulties.
The college provides 24/7 toll free Blackboard support. Call 1.866.361.8970if you have questions about using Blackboard or experience any technical problems.
Address your academic questions to your professor or the Division of Graduate and Continuing Education (DGCE). The Division may be reached by calling 508.626.4550.
Become familiar with Blackboard, the Learning Management System used to support online learning at Framingham State College. If this is your first online class, review this tutorial before the class begins. Click here and download a copy for reference.
Logging onto Blackboard early and often is advised. All online students receive a welcome message before classes begin. If the e-mail does not arrive before the course begins, contact the Blackboard support line, 1.866.361.8970, for your username and password.
Familiarize yourself with your course site and instructor expectations. Your instructor will e-mail a welcome message when the course is opened (not always before classes begin.) Open each menu option listed in your class site so that you become familiar with the course tools. Find the course syllabus, schedule, class requirements, methods of communication, and know where to go for help.
Review course expectations. Although most online courses are taught asynchronously, some professors may schedule real-time online collaboration sessions, or ask that you meet on campus to review course material or to take an exam. If you are unsure of the expectations, ask.
Be organized. Many students find that online courses are at least as time consuming, perhaps even a bit more, than face-to-face classes. Schedule time to log into your course site on a regular basis, participate as requested and stick to your schedule for the duration of the course. If you allow too many days to pass by you may find it difficult to catch up.
Complete all assignments on time.Online courses are not self- paced, but they are flexible. If it works better for you to complete your work in the evening, that is perfectly fine as long as it meets the due date set by your instructor. Become familiar with the course syllabus and know when your assignments are due.
Be an independent learner. Online courses require that you work from written directions or written communication from your instructor or classmates. Participate in the online discussions as directed by your professor and share your views to broaden your understanding of the course material. Some students have said that online collaboration often provides more opportunities to explore the course content in-depth than is possible during an in-class discussion.
Communication skills are a key factor in an online class. It is important to write clear and concise statements when you communicate online. Remember the person reading your comments does not see your expression or hear your tone of voice. Take advantage of the environment and prepare your comments in Word before posting them online or sending an e-mail to your classmates or instructor.
Become familiar with communication policies for your course. Most instructors will reply to your e-mails within 24 to 48 hours. Knowing the preferred method of communication will help alleviate the feeling of isolation when taking an online course.
Become familiar with the technology requirements for your course. Some professors require that you use specific word processing applications like Microsoft Word or that you have access to applications like Microsoft PowerPoint or Excel. Other professors use real time collaboration tools like Skype or Elluminate and may require you to purchase a microphone. These expectations are outlined by your instructor with their course information. If you do not see a requirement listed, ask.
Reward yourself occasionally! Online courses are as in-depth as a face-to-face class. Plan to do something special for yourself after you have studied or worked hard on a project.
