1. Succeeding in Online Classes

2. Why Do We Take Online Classes?
Convenience
Flexibility
Availability
Requirement
Misinformation
Why Do We Take Online Classes?

3. Not Every Online Class is the Same
Attendance policies
Deadlines vs open-ended submission
Instructor and peer communication
So how are you supposed to know?
Do your research!
Read the syllabus
Things to Consider:

4. Expectation
Reality
More Reality

5. Six(ish) Things You Need to Be Successful
Organization
Resources
Motivation
Time Management
The Right Work Space
Communication
Did I say motivation? You need a lot of it.
Six(ish) Things You Need to Be Successful

6. Organization
Your online class should have all of the same materials as an in-person section.
Make a master syllabus with all of your classes’ due dates and tests.
Read the entire syllabus right away.
Regularly (at least once every 24 hours) check your student and messages for the class in Blackboard.
Need help forwarding your UNT to your personal account? Go to it.unt.edu/eagleconnect!
Don’t be this guy!

7. Resources Check the tech! Learn about the UIT Help Desk.
Find your tutors/SIs.
Use the Writing Center or History Help Center for essays.
Study like you would for any other class.
Yes, you need your text book!

8. Textbooks A key word search is not the same as reading.
Don’t over- or under-utilize your book!
If you have a physical book, read it away from the computer.
Some online classes compensate for the lack of in- person instruction with significant reading assignments. If you’re struggling to keep up, consider the Learning Center’s Speed Reading class.

9. Stay Motivated Work ahead when you can.
Reward yourself when you keep up with your schedule.
Find resources right away if you need them.
Don’t get bogged down in extraneous sources and social media.
Take the class with a friend and work with each other.

10. Time Management
Stick to a regular “class time” just like a traditional course whenever possible.
Study regularly, even if you don’t have regular exams.
Remember that you’re accounting for in- and out-of-class time.

11. The Study Cycle SET A GOAL BREAK STUDY WITH INTENSITY (30-50 min)
REVIEW
( min)
The Study Cycle
For every 1 hour “in class” spend 2 hours studying

12. Work Space Studying in bed discourages focus
A crowded library can be as distracting as a busy restaurant
Be wary of studying outdoors. Volume control is minimal and the elements may compromise your study materials.

13. Work Space STUDY DISTRACTIONS ANALYSIS
List the places where you study
Most Often _________________________ (A)
Often _________________________ (B)
Sometimes _________________________ (C)
Answer true or false to the questions below for each of the places you study.
If your usual study spaces are ineffective, think of another spot and test it again!
I’m often interrupted when I study here.
Much of what I see here is not related to school.
I can often hear radio or TV when I study here.
I seem to be especially bothered by distractions here.
I think I take too many breaks when I study here.
I usually don’t study here at regular times each week.
My breaks tend to be too long when I study here,
I tend to start conversations with people when I study here.
I spend time that I should be using for study on the phone here.
There are many things here that don’t have anything to do with studying or schoolwork.
Temperature conditions here are not very good for studying.
The chair, table, and lighting arrangements here are not very helpful for studying.
When I study here, certain individuals distract me.
I don’t enjoy studying here.

14. Communication
Unlike traditional classes, you always have to be intentional.
PAY ATTENTION to course announcements and s.
Check your syllabus for instructions about the best way to reach your professor.
BB/Canvas messenger (rare)
Phone
Skype/video chat
Most online courses at UNT are taught by an instructor who also has traditional classes, so you may have in-person hours available. If the online format is a struggle for you, take advantage of this.

15. Questions?
Check-out our online resources to support internet and blended courses!
Visit LearningCenter.unt.edu/studentresources for online class support!

16. References
for-profits