By: Beth C.
Well everybody, even though we’re half-way through the semester, it is still very important to keep working hard. (If you haven’t been, now’s the time to start.) If you allow yourself to get behind in your class, it can be difficult to find the motivation it requires to catch up – let alone get ahead. So remember, what’s done is done and focus on your future assignments. The following are tips that should help those of you who feel a little lost as of right now.
The best thing to do when starting an online class is to look through the folders and menus, print off a copy of the syllabus, and contact your instructor. Then, when the first day of class rolls around, you’ll be ready to start your work and stay up to date with your course calendar. If you didn’t go through this process at the beginning of the semester, now would be a wonderful time to ensure you have all the resources you need.
If you’ve been skipping around with your assignments, don’t do it. I repeat: do not skip any or jump around. In most cases, assignments are listed in order for a reason and each lesson builds on the previous one. If, for whatever reason, you do miss an assignment, complete it anyway. As you finish the work, email your teacher and ask them if they’ll grade it. They usually will, but if you haven’t asked they won’t know you’ve made the effort to get motivated. As a side note – if you are absent, let your instructor know. They’ll help you get caught up in a timely manner. Because we aren’t in a face-to-face learning environment, attendance can’t be taken by a show of hands. The only way they know you’re there is through monitoring when you log in and out of Blackboard and submit work. (Always inform your instructor if you know ahead of time that you’ll be out for a prolonged period and won’t have internet access. It is your responsibility to contact them about absences.)
In closing, I want to reiterate the fact that it is your job to do your work, communicate with your instructor, ask for help when needed, and log into your course daily. Without this accountability, online classes won’t work out very well for you. So take responsibility for assignments and manage your time wisely and you will be just fine. You can be successful.
Great article Beth! Thanks for sharing your motivational comments to students! You have provided some great tips to be successful! It is so true that communication is the key to be successful in an online class! Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteBeth, I wish EVERY one of my students would read this part, "If you’ve been skipping around with your assignments, don’t do it. I repeat: do not skip any or jump around. In most cases, assignments are listed in order for a reason and each lesson builds on the previous one." You are absolutely correct. In fact, many assignments CAN'T be done if you haven't done prior assignments.
ReplyDeleteA little accountability goes a long way!
I really like the information you give the students to keep them motivated. Often after half of the semester students get tired or burned out and is easy to see some of their grades change.
ReplyDelete