How Do I Pass an Online Class?
Students researching online education often start with an extreme assumption. Either they believe online classes will be so simple and easy that they will pass them with one mouse click, no matter what the level or subject or that online classes are going to be so cryptically difficult only a secret code word and ancient talisman can help them make sense of it. Thankfully, both assumptions are wrong.
The difficulty you experience taking online classes can come down to some simple factors. How well you do in a formal education setting, your ability to use a computer, and the course itself. Let's take a look at these three factors and see how they impact your education and how you can succeed in your online classes!
Do You Know How to Learn?
Formal education, particularly online, means that you need to be able to read text books digitally, write papers, complete assignments, and do online research. Most of this is very similar to what you would do in a traditional classroom setting, but now, all of it involves a computer. Think back to the last time you were in a formal education setting.
You could be decades away from high school or a previous college experience, but think back to how you did in this setting. What do you need to work on in order to be successful? What did you do right in your last formal class? How can you translate this success to the online classroom?
How Good are your Computer Skills?
Don't worry, you don't need to be a computer genius in order to pass an online class. You do, however, need to know how to navigate your school's learning management system, research through search engines, and sometimes use external sites such as Chalk & Wire or Google Docs, among other tasks. If you're not sure which button is the "on" button on your computer, it's time to get started learning the basics of how to navigate the computer and the internet.
The good news is that you don't need to know how to take the computer apart and rebuild it just to take classes. But it is important to know basic features and functions of your machine as well as how to use the Internet. It's also good news that the more you use the computer the more comfortable you'll become and the more accustomed you'll grow to it. Practice truly makes perfect.
So, What Classes are you Taking?
How easy or difficult a class is often depends on what the class is and what level it's being taught at. A senior-level math class compared to a freshman-level composition class can be apples to oranges. This isn't to say it's impossible to know what you need to do in order to pass the class.
Professors want you to pass. After outlining what assignments you have, when they're due, and all policies regarding how to complete them and turn them in, they also traditionally hold office hours and are available via email and sometimes even by phone, to talk about your grades and assignments. The important part is to use these available resources and not to wait until the last minute to come forward with a problem you may have come across.
What Should I Remember about Passing Online Classes?
It's important to remember the following:
- Some classes will be difficult and that's okay
- Some classes will surprise you and that's okay, too
- Getting over your head with assignment doesn't have to mean failing the class
- Communication with your professors is incredibly important
- You will learn how to take online classes as you will go on and some aspects will become easier
- You have resources available, so use them
- Even if it's tough at first, don't give up
- This is a college degree; it's not supposed to be easy!
Are you interested in taking online classes to earn a degree? If you want to study business, criminal justice, technology or a variety of other fields, consider ECPI University Online for your online education. For more information, connect with a friendly admissions counselor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya.