4. For online tests, make sure to check if it's timed | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

10 Helpful Tips For College Students Taking Online Courses This Semester

Here are several ways to easily pass an online course.

256249
10 Helpful Tips For College Students Taking Online Courses This Semester
Photo by Vlada Karpovich on Pexels

In This Article:

With spring semester starting, many college students are looking to take courses for the semester. With the pandemic still ongoing, many students are likely looking for the option to take online courses.

Online courses at one time may have seemed like a last minute option for many students, but with the pandemic, they have become more necessary. Online courses can be very different from taking an on-campus course. You may be wondering what the best way to successfully complete an online course is. So, here are 10 helpful tips for any student who is planning on taking online courses this semester!

1.  Keep track of assignments that are posted online

Kaitlyn Baker / Unsplash

Anyone who has taken an online course will tell you that you should always keep track of all of your assignments. It can be very easy to lose track of when an assignment is due. If you're not checking to see if an assignment is posted ahead of time, then you will likely find yourself surprised when you find an assignment due the next day.

2. Don't forget to email the professor when needed

Stephen Phillips / Unsplash

If you're taking a hard course, you will definitely need to email the professor if you're struggling to understand the content. You can also visit your professor during office hours when needed. It's important to make sure that you are letting the professor know if you are struggling with any of the concepts discussed in class.

Online classes can sometimes be harder to keep up with material and understand concepts since it involves a lot of reading material and video discussions. It's important, therefore, to make sure that you are seeking help when needed.

3. Always read any readings that are posted

Surface / Unsplash

Yes, those readings that you see posted are there for a reason. If your professor posts a reading, you shouldn't skip reading it or skim over it. A lot of these readings are often on tests and in assignments that are posted.

Sometimes they are posted in order to help you to better comprehend the course material. So instead of skimming over the reading, you should make sure that you are taking the time to read the material and taking notes when needed.

4. For online tests, make sure to check if it's timed

Scott Graham / Unsplash

This is extremely important! With an online class, you should always check to see if your online test is timed or not. It's very easy to open up a test and have it opened for an hour without realizing that it only allows you to have it open for a limited amount of time.

If your test is timed, you should also make sure that you take it in a place where you won't be distracted or interrupted for that time period. You should also make sure that you check if the test allows you to submit multiple attempts since some tests will allow you to try multiple times to receive a better score.

5. Space time out accordingly for completing assignments

Green Chameleon / Unsplash

With online courses, it can be difficult to keep track of how much time to spend on each assignment. Assignments can start to pile up when you're taking an online course, so it's best to plan how much time to spend on each one. Try using a planner to help plan when to complete course work.

6. Treat the course just like it's a typical course

Eliott Reyna / Unsplash

Yes, online courses should be taken just as seriously as taking an on-campus course! Just because you are taking the course online does not mean it won't be as difficult or have the same impact on your GPA. You should treat the course just like any other course and make sure that you are putting in the same amount of effort as you would any other course.

7. Find a good place to study

Annie Spratt / Unsplash

Just like in person class, you should find a good place to study. This is especially important with taking an online course since you will be spending a lot of time trying to study the material on your own. Try going to a place where you can study in peace such as a café, the library, or even in an office.

8. Avoid distractions

Nick Morrison / Unsplash

You should always make sure that you complete your assignments and are participating in coursework without any distractions.This includes trying to watch television while doing homework or spending time on your phone.

Multitasking can actually prolong the time it takes to complete a task. Psychology Today says that when you attempt to multitask, it can take 40 percent longer to finish one task. So instead, focus on completing one task at a time instead of several.

9. Actively participate in discussions

Headway / Unsplash

If you're taking an online course, you will want to make sure that you are frequently participating in the online discussions. This includes any Zoom meetings and online discussions.

Hearing discussions on the course material from other students and from the instructor will help you in the same way that it helps you in an in-person class. It will not only help you raise your grade, but it will also help you to better understand the course material. So, spend some time taking notes and participating in the discussions.

10. Check your email regularly

Solen Feyissa / Unsplash

Finally, make sure that you are always checking your email for any updates from your professor. Because you have an online class, any communication from your professor will be through email. Usually this consists of the change of assignments or project due dates, updates on course material, or information about how to complete assignments. Just make sure that you are always checking your email throughout the day so that you don't miss any important information.

Whether you're planning on taking an online course due to COVID or you need to take one for your major, following these tips will help you pass your course. Taking an online course can sometimes be more difficult than an on-campus course, but if you make sure to put a lot of effort into completing the assignments and study effectively, you will be able to successfully pass.

Report this Content
an image of taylor swift standing center stage surrounded by her backup dancers in elegant peacock esque outfits with a backdrop of clouds and a box rising above the stage the image captures the vibrant aesthetics and energy of her performance during the lover era of her eras tour
StableDiffusion

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

79039
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

7962
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments