by Studying for an online class involves challenges that are not always present when you take in-person classes. The following will provide you with tips for studying and staying on top of your online classes.
1. Treat the online class just like an in-person class
- Be prepared to follow along with online lectures, presentations, discussions, and assignments.
- Actively participate in class so that you are getting the most from the materials provided by your professor.
- Set aside separate times for class and for studying just like an in-person class.
2. Take Notes
- If you have recorded lectures or provided slides, take the time to take notes just as you would sitting in the class.
- Read over your notes to make sure you got all the information down that you will need.
- Study over your notes outside of what you have scheduled as “class time”
3. Keep up with assignments as they are assigned
- Use a planner, calendar, or an online feature to keep up with your assignments.
- Don’t just rely on Canvas to track upcoming assignments
- Keep each class’s assignments separately so you do not overlook anything and miss an assignment.
4. Eliminate Distractions
- Limit time spent on social media
- Don’t watch tv or listen to other things during your set aside class time.
- Let family members and friends know that you have set aside learning time and need to focus without being interrupted.
- Study in a set place that does not contain anything you know will distract you.
5. Use Online Resources
- Textbook publishers often include additional resources you can assess and are listed in your textbooks, use them to help you better understand the materials.
- Look through Canvas to find any additional resources your professor provides to aid in your learning
- You have a wealth of information available to you on the internet, find things on educational sites, Youtube, and apps that will give you more information about the topics you are learning but are having trouble with.
6. Create Online Study Groups
- Keep in contact with your classmates
- Set up study groups via chat or video through sites such as Google Hangouts, or through Canvas where you can work together to stay on top of assignments and preparing for tests.
7. Don’t Procrastinate
- Online classes often have less structure and require that you take responsibility of much of the learning, therefore make sure you do not put off assignments and get behind.
- Double-check your up-coming assignments each day.
- Don’t put off getting help until the last minute.
8. Ask Questions
- Contact your professor
- Contact your classmates
- Call and schedule a tutoring appointment to get additional help. Tutoring is available online!
9. Use Reading Strategies
- SQ3R
- RIDA
- THIEVES
- The Reading Process
- Making sure you understand what you are reading will be essential to your success while taking an online class
- You can find more information about each of these through Apache Tutoring’s Online Resources “Reading Strategies Module” www.tjc.edu/tutoring
10. Figure out how you learn best
- Take an online Learning Styles inventory
- Utilize skills and strategies that work for your styles
- Pay attention to when you are most alert and focused for best outcomes.
Bonus tip: Apache Tutoring Services offers numerous online resources to help you succeed! Take a look at our online videos, handouts, and schedule a tutoring session to help you stay on track and reach college success.
