Tips for Online Class Success

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On Monday, April 6, we will transition to an online format for the remainder of the spring semester, which will end on May 13. Though we are not on campus, we are still committed to your success. Your instructors, program chairs, and deans are only an email away. Last week, we asked some of our college community’s Distance Eduation experts for their best tips for online class success. We hope their answers help you succeed in the coming weeks!

  1. Communicate! It’s easy to feel isolated from your instructors and classmates when you’re not sitting in a classroom, but it is as important as ever to stay in touch. Several of our instructors chimed in to remind students that communication is vital.

    Rebecca Blalock - “Remember you are not alone in the online world. Reach out to your instructor if you have questions or feel overwhelmed.”

    Timothy Morton - “Do not be afraid to contact your instructor with any questions. We are here for you.”

    Tammy Barnes - “Student success is our goal. COMMUNICATION is the key to that success.”

  1. Create a Study Plan. Working remotely means that you will have the time and flexibility to create a study plan that works for you. You get to choose when, where, and how you will complete your coursework each week. Many of our students and alumni said that creating a study plan was their secret to success.

    Caitlyn Griner - “Know your dates! I always printed everything out before tests as well. I focused on lots of reading the material, writing it and trying to apply it! When you channel all the learning styles you are more likely to remember it!”

    Kelsey Selph - “Have a designated schedule every week of times you work on school. Do school work at a desk or table. Couches and bedrooms make it harder to stay motivated.”

    Morgan Brittney Bailey - “Be proactive! Set up a schedule and be disciplined so you do not fall behind.”

  1. Get ahead, stay ahead! You may not have an instructor looking over your shoulder, but you still have due dates. While most of us have a lot of time on our hands right now, it is still easy for those deadlines to creep up! Many students, alumni, and instructors warned against procrastination.

    Glenn Whittington - “Do not procrastinate! Just hit the ground running and stay ahead of the game as much as possible. Buy a good paper calendar, make yourself a schedule for each week, and stick to it.”

    Caitlin Marie Tucker - “Stay organized, know the due dates, and if you can, stay ahead!”

    Dana Lewis - “Don’t wait until the end of the week to start your assignments. Read through all of your assignments for the week early in the week so you have plenty of time to email your instructor for clarification.”

    Tammy Barnes - “Manage your time wisely. Don't wait until the due date to ask for help!”

    Sara Muterspaugh - “Make your courses a priority. Work ahead if you can when you can.”

  1. Take care of yourself! These are stressful times, and we know that many of our students are eager to return to your studies, but it is important to remember to take time to give your brain and body a rest too.

    Glenn Whittington - “Completing the course work is priority number one, but you also need to leave yourself some free time to enjoy a personal life. I found it to be fruitful to make your studies portable when possible. So grab your laptop and head out to a park, your porch, or even another room in the house.”

    Kelsey Selph - “Take short breaks between switching class focus so you don’t get fatigued. Do something active, even if it’s just walking around your house.”

    Morgan Brittney Bailey - “Embrace it and think positive!”

For more information about the transition to online courses, click here: https://southernregional.edu/srtc-connect


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