Assignment Instructions

Reflect on the tips and guidelines for succeeding in an online program. Then, write a
short paragraph on how you plan to succeed as an online student and what
strategies you plan on adopting.

Submit your assignment in .doc format with the following formatting requirements:

 Naming conventions: FirstName_LastName_AssignmentName

 Formatting: 11-point Arial font, double-spaced, 1" margins, page number in the top
right corner - as per APA requirements for all nursing submissions
 Content: Just paragraph, no title page
 Referencing: no references needed, but if you add references - you must cite them
properly as APA, 6th edition
 Assignment length: 100-200 words

For this semester my strategies to be successful in my online courses are the following make
connections, actively participate in the learning process, be open minded, ask questions, set aside
study time, plan and work throughout the week. Make connections can be done by reaching out
regularly to my colleagues by collaborative activities and asking questions. Actively participate
in the learning process can be done by proactively reading the materials or resources needed in
each course. Also, accepting feedback from my colleagues and instructor is very important to
become successful online learner this will guide me in future coursework. Lastly, I need to turn
off distractions like social media and avoid temptation of surfing the internet

1. Start light. ...

2. Make a workspace for yourself. ...
3. Get good at time management. ...
4. Stay organized. ...
5. Use all your resources. ...
6. Technology is your friend. ...
7. Get into a routine. ...
8. Ask questions.

Here are 8 tips and strategies on how to succeed in online classes and make the
process as smooth as possible.
 
Today, more than ever, online learning is a popular way to take
classes and even earn a full degree. Did you know that between
1998 and 2008, there has been a 150% increase in the number of
students selecting online classes? And according to a poll by the
National Center for Education Statistics, 5,954,121 students
enrolled in distance education at the post-secondary level in
2015. Taking online courses is practical, efficient, and a more
logical choice for many students. The key is knowing how to
succeed in online classes.
 
Here at University of the People, you can earn an entire degree
online without having to leave the comfort of your home to
attend classes. It’s accessible to anyone who has an internet
connection. Plus, it’s a great way for students of all ages to
continue their education, from recent high school graduates to
mothers at home to seniors who simply wish to learn something
new. Now, online education allows anyone to learn whatever
they want, wherever they are in the world!
 
When beginning something new, there is a learning curve
involved. It may take some time to get into the groove. We
know how tough it can be to start learning something new. But
remember, every beginning is hard. And then it gets better!
There are always ways to make the process easier to help
yourself succeed.
 
It’s important to know that online classes require a certain
amount of discipline, motivation, and effort. We have put
together some tips and strategies to help you best manage and
succeed in your online classes.
 
 
1. Start light
Starting out small can be really helpful, especially for new
online learners. It can be overwhelming to take on a full course
load all at once. So it might be a good idea to start out with one
or two courses, perhaps in the summer or during a non-busy
time of the year for you. This way you can test the waters and
see how you like it. If all goes well, you can add more courses as
you go along.
 
For those of you that may be studying lots of courses already try
breaking up the work into small chunks. For example, instead of
aiming to read a whole book in a week, try reading a chapter
each day. When you make small goals, it’s easier to achieve
them.
2. Make a workspace for yourself
Find a spot (at home, in a library, or at your favorite coffee
shop) that you enjoy being in and make it your study spot. If you
go to the same place every time, it will become natural to you
and you’ll start to get into the zone. You can almost train
yourself to focus whenever you go to that specific place. Just
make sure it doesn’t have too many distractions.
 
If you have family that you need to take care of, try to plan your
study time around it. Study at night or early in the morning
when everyone else is sleeping and the house is quiet and calm.
Maybe you’ll need to hire a babysitter or ask family and friends
to take the kids out for a number of hours every week.
 
The point is to make a place for yourself that is for you and only
you, so that you can comfortably focus and be productive.
3. Get good at time management
Time management is a huge factor in online learning success.
You’re basically on your own, with no students sitting around
you in a lecture hall, listening to a professor, with scheduled
lectures to attend. This means you need to manage your time
well. Part of managing your time is knowing how much to
devote to your studies and how long you need to work on
assignments.
 
With each course, you get a syllabus that includes due dates. It’s
on you to know how much time you need to finish your work
before it’s due. Are you one to start on a project right away? Or
do you tend to procrastinate?
 
About 87% of students procrastinate on school assignments
according to a study done by StudyMode. So if you’re a
procrastinator, know that you’re not alone! There are lots of
tools to help you. Lifehack has a list of great time management
apps that you can use to help you get on schedule and use your
time wisely.
 
Part of time management is also knowing how to fit in all the
other important things in your life, like family, friends, work,
and so on. Keeping a balance between school and the rest of
your life is really important and will prevent the feeling of being
burnt out.
4. Stay organized
Staying organized is going to keep you on track. There are many
ways to get yourself organized.
 
On your computer, for example, you can create a folder for each
course and assignment. You can use a calendar, either on paper
or on your device, with all your due dates and reminders. The
great thing about electronic calendars is that you can set
reminders for yourself. It’s like having your own personal
assistant. Think about what you prefer — colorful Post-it notes
or daily reminders on your phone. Or both! Either way, it’s
going to help you succeed.
 
Think of it this way: keeping your external world tidy transfers
to your internal world — and vice versa. Getting into the habit
of keeping your space and your things organized is likely going
to help you think in a more organized way. Try it and see!
 
 
5. Use all your resources
Every college has student resources, including online
universities. It’s always a good idea to find your college’s
student resources webpage and see what they offer.
At University of the People, for instance, there is a dedicated
student support advisor for each student plus mentors to help
guide them throughout their studies.
 
With most online courses, there are chat rooms where you can
communicate with other students. There are also service emails
and phone numbers to contact if you face technical problems. It
would be a good idea to keep all the emails handy and accessible
so you know where to look when you need help.
6. Technology is your friend
Get familiar with your computer and the internet and know how
to use them well, especially the website that your online course
is on. Go on a virtual tour of your course so you know
everything you need and where to click.
 
As for your computer, it would be wise to know how to manage
your wifi settings. And little things like bookmarking your
course website on your internet browser will make it just a little
easier for you every time you start your study session.
Sometimes it’s the little things that make a big impact!
 
Use software and apps to help you succeed. Depending on your
cell phone, you can use Siri, Alexa, or Google as your virtual
assistants. Ask them to remind you about a task or to send an
email.
 
Business Insider has a list of very useful apps for students,
ranging from topics like scheduling, studying and homework,
and social life. Remember, technology is on your side! There are
countless apps available to make your life easier. So why not try
some out? You can always delete them if you’re not a fan.
 
We all know that moment when you’re about to click “submit”
and your internet connection cuts out. We know how frustrating
slow or choppy internet can be. So make sure you have a back-
up plan if your internet access doesn’t connect. You can use
your phone as a personal hotspot for those times when wifi isn’t
working. It’s always smart to have a plan B.
 
 
7. Get into a routine
 
 “You will never change your life until you change something
you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily
routine.”
 
-John C. Maxwell
(Author, speaker, & pastor. Known for his work on leadership, his books are on the New York
Times Best Seller List)
 
While time management is important to keep you on track, it’s
also essential to have a routine. Having a routine makes it easier
for you to stick to your responsibilities and succeed. Routines
also mean that you know what to expect every day. Knowing
that you have X amount of time at X:00 makes it easier to plan
your day.
 
And remember, the beginnings are the hardest part. What may
seem awkward or strange at first will eventually become second
nature. Your new routine will become a new normal and you’ll
find yourself getting more stuff done.
 
 
8. Ask questions
Forget what people may have told you — there are no stupid
questions! Don’t be afraid to ask your fellow classmates or your
instructors about your coursework. Or even your friends and
family. You’d be surprised how many people are willing and
happy to help you. You won’t know if you don’t ask!