Below is a list of tips to help you succeed in the online environment. Taking online courses is much different than taking on-ground courses, and it's important that you're aware of what is expected for you to do your best.
- Familiarize yourself with the course’s online delivery system (Alfred State uses Blackboard). Learn what buttons and links you have access to and how to use them.
- Check in daily and participate in your course regularly. You will get much more out of your course if you talk with your instructor as well as other students. Contributing ideas and reading those of others can give you great insight!
- Stay organized. Know the due dates for assignments, projects, and tests. Schedule your time wisely so it is easy to keep up with the course work.
- Make sure you have a quiet space to study. You will be doing a majority of the work for this course on your own. It is important to have your own space and quiet while you are working.
- Become an advocate for online learning. It is important to truly accept that online education is providing you with a quality education experience.
- Take advantage of your anonymity. If your course is completely online, you don’t have to worry about speaking up in class, or being upstaged by others – you can take your time and think your ideas through to compose quality responses.
- Be respectful of others. Remember that you are dealing with real people on the other end of the computer. Being polite is essential for a productive online environment.
- Speak up if you are having problems. Your instructor will provide you with contact numbers to receive help with your online course – use them if you are having difficulties. Email your instructor if you have comments or requests – that is the only way they will know if there are problems.
- For technical assistance with Blackboard, please contact the Help Desk.