Online Student’s Manual for Success

Innovative teaching and learning platforms are giving online students unprecedented opportunities to earn a college education on their terms. However, online courses present unique challenges and often require an adjustment period, especially for first-timers. The following guide helps future and new online college students avoid common pitfalls, improve academic performance, manage their stress and time effectively, and find valuable resources. Learn what it takes to excel and make the most out of your online education.

Common Mistakes to Avoid as a New Online Student

Making the move to the digital classroom isn't as easy as it sounds – even for experienced students. Start your path to success by dodging these common mistakes:

How to Take Your Study and Test-Taking Skills to the Next Level

Students who have spent their formative educational years in a classroom may be wondering how to best adjust to the rigors of online learning without sacrificing academic performance. Online students are given a unique experience to learn at their own pace and with less constraints than campus-based students, but that also means they must be vigilant about maintaining good study habits.

10 Study Habits of Successful Online Students

Step 1: Take up bedtime studying

Rather than catching up Netflix, take time to review your study notes about an upcoming test. Recent studies have shown that our brains are good at retaining information we take in just before resting.

Step 2: Break up marathon study sessions

Instead of spending 10 straight hours cramming for that psychology exam, try breaking up study sessions into smaller segments. Your mental energy will thank you and you'll find it's easier to remember things.

Step 3: Create a study schedule

Like eating breakfast or working out at the same time, students who create a study routine and have the discipline to stick to it are able to study information over a longer amount of time instead of staying up late the night before.

Step 4: Connect with other focused students

No matter the facet of life, focused and successful people inspire those they're around. Find a study buddy whose work ethic you admire and set up an online review session with them.

Step 5: Clear your space

While it may seem counterintuitive to take extra time to clean your room or office before settling down to study, a study by Princeton University found that people who keep their spaces clean are able to process information and focus better.

Step 6: Shut off technology

When you sit down to study, put your phone on silence and set 'do not disturb' messages on any online messaging services. This will help keep you from getting sidetracked.

Step 7: Take your own notes

When listening to a webinar lecture, don't rely on getting notes from other classmates. We each have our own style of note-taking, and chances are you won't understand as much of the information if you just read their notes rather than taking your own.

Step 8: Ask for help

If you're studying and realize you don't understand a concept or theory, reach out to your professor or classmates as soon as possible for clarification rather than trying to go it on your own.

Step 9: Take advantage of online resources

As shown throughout this guide, there are tons of apps to help students study, ranging from timed practice quizzes to flash cards. Use these to better prepare for an exam and get in the mindset of what to expect.

Step 10: Stay mentally and physically healthy

Online students are likely to spend more time at their computers than traditional learners, making it imperative to take breaks, go on walks, get the recommended amount of sleep, and eat foods that nourish their bodies.

Taking Online Tests: Everything You Need to Know

Although the format may be different, advances in technology have made online testing very similar to what a classroom-based student expects. Lots of schools now use software allowing either a virtual proctor to observe them via webcam or technologies that assess a student's behavior on their computer to ensure ethical standards are followed. Regardless of the format, the tips and strategies given below help students do their best before, during, and after the exam.

Smart Study Apps for Online College Students

Fortunately, online students don't have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to organizing notes, creating to-do lists, or studying thanks to these helpful apps.

Other Resources to Sharpen Your Study and Test-Taking Skills

Asking for Help: Where to Find a Tutor

Even the best students need a little support sometimes, and that's where tutors come in. These trained academic professionals help students understand and retain information that may not come naturally to them, and thankfully they can be found in myriad settings. Some of the best places to look include:

Check with your school, as many institutions (Portland Community College, for example) provide online tutors for no additional charge as part of regular tuition and fees.

For those who prefer face-to-face interaction, check with a local community center to see if tutoring services are part of their offerings.

Ask your friends if they currently use a tutor and if they're taking on additional students.

Find out if there's a local service that matches tutors and students in your city.

If a school doesn't have an e-tutor available for online students and none of the options listed above pan out, have no fear: there are thousands of qualified tutors offering services online and possibly in your area. Some of the more popular services are outlined below.

Popular Online Tutoring Services

* Prices accurate at time of publication. Please visit individual sites for most up-to-date pricing.

Tutoring Services for Online Student Military

Military students – especially those on active duty – face additional challenges when trying to complete their online degrees while also serving America. Many universities and tutoring services recognize their unique situations and provide additional services and resources to help them succeed.

Students should also check with the local branch of their Veterans Administration or other community organizations that may provide additional assistance in the form of technology loans, career counseling, or one-to-one tutoring sessions.

Learning Styles: Why They Matter and How to Find Yours

Learning styles play a significant role in understanding how different students consume and retain information. While one may be a solitary visual learner, another may learn best when surrounded by others who rely on logic. Students who know their learning styles are able to maximize their time and ultimately understand coursework in more meaningful ways. The seven primary types of learners are:

• VisualVisual learners retain information best when it is presented as pictures, images, or explained in terms of spatial awareness. Things like use of color, thoughtful layouts, and well-chosen font stick in their memories.

Tips for Success

• Organize notes via color coordination.

• Use mind maps.

• Incorporate pictures and images in review sessions

• SolitarySolitary learners are typically motivated and directed students who work best with then are alone and can study materials without the interruption of others. They need to be alone with their thoughts to do their best work.

Tips for Success

• Make sure you are personally interested in your work.

• Set boundaries.

• Create goals and objectives.

• SocialSocial learners are interpersonal students who learn and retain information best when studying in groups or with other classmates. They need to be able to talk through ideas and theories in order to understand them.

Tips for Success

• Set up virtual study sessions with classmates.

• Talk through class concepts as much as possible.

• Learn how to use deductive reasoning to your advantage.

• LogicalLogical learners rely heavily on using logic and reason to work through questions or better understand concepts and greatly appreciate existing systems of understanding. Logical learners are not at their best when called upon to use intuition or instinct.

Tips for Success

• Don't overanalyze.

• Look for systems or patterns within class materials to better understand them.

• Use an online if concepts are still unclear.

• PhysicalPhysical learners approach the world and their studies from a kinesthetic mindset and make excellent students when they are able to use their hands, bodies, and well-developed senses of touch to understand how something works.

Tips for Success

• Pay attention to sensations and how they affect you.

• Use physical objects, such as a stress ball, when studying.

• Think about a concept as a physical object if you struggle to understand it.

• VerbalVerbal learners rely on words, both spoken and written, to make sense of new materials or experiences. They are very linguistically focused and can often understand difficult concepts more quickly than others when explained clearly and precisely through words alone.

Tips for Success

• Read difficult materials aloud.

• Discuss concepts or theories with classmates.

• Keep notes while reading or outlining a paper.

• AuralAural learners pick up information best when it is conveyed in an auditory, musical, or rhythmic way. These types of learners may prefer listening to an audio book rather than reading it themselves, or recording class lectures to listen to at a later time.

Tips for Success

• Ask professors if you can record lectures given online.

• Find an app that reads books aloud.

• Read assignments out loud.

How to Identify Your Learning Style

After reviewing the seven different styles of learning identified above, online students may have an idea of how they learn best but want confirmation. The quizzes below help students identify how to maximize their learning potential.

Strategies for Conquering Student Stress

In a 2008 study, 80 percent of surveyed college students said they frequently or sometimes experience daily stress. Stress, while not an issue that requires immediate condition, can fester and impede a student's ability to live their best lives. Kick stress to the curb with these relief techniques.

10 College Stress Busters

[step step="1" title="Take frequent breaks"]Even if you have a mountain of schoolwork, step away from the computer at least once every two hours and take a short walk, make a phone call, or enjoy a small snack.[/step][step step="2" title="Make realistic plans"]Rather than staying up all night responding to discussions, create a plan of what you can realistically do while still retaining information and don't sacrifice sleep.[/step][step step="3" title="Turn off technology"]At the end of the day, put away computers and cell phones and take time to relax by stretching or reading a book. [/step][step step="4" title="Breathe"]If you feel your stress levels rising, take three deep breaths with your eyes closed and refocus on what you need to accomplish.[/step][step step="5" title="Break up tasks"]Rather than thinking about every single thing you need to do, break down tasks into 15 or 30-minute segments and focus on accomplishing individual, smaller goals.[/step][step step="6" title="Exercise"]In addition to short walks, try to spend at least an hour or two per week engaging in some type of physical activity to release endorphins.[/step][step step="7" title="Meditate"]Taking 10 minutes at the start or end of each day to refocus your brain and find calmness can drastically help reduce anxiety surrounding assignments and exams.[/step][step step="8" title="Focus on the positives"]It may seem like you have way too much to do sometimes, but don't focus on that. Instead think about all the good things an education brings.[/step][step step="9" title="See friends"]We know that laughter is the best medicine for many ailments, so make sure you're not without social breaks.[/step][step step="10" title="Control your time"]If you feel there isn't enough structure provided by online learning, create your own version of class times and study sessions to feel more organized. [/step]

Decompress With These Relaxation/Meditation Apps

Need some help relaxing or practicing meditation? These handy apps put students on the path to mindfulness.

Extra Resources and Services to Reduce Student Stress

Although tips and apps can be helpful in alleviating the stress of college and outside responsibilities, sometimes students need more substantive assistance to right the course and find peace.

Managing Your Time Effectively During Online College

One of the reasons many students elect to complete their educations online is because they have personal or professional commitments that would make attending a regular class difficult. Because of this, time can either be the best or worst friend of an online student, depending on how well they are able to manage it.

10 Steps to Time Management Mastery

[step step="1" title="Prioritize work"]What's due tomorrow and what's due in a few days? Focus on the tasks directly in front of you rather than worrying over future due dates.[/step][step step="2" title="Track progress"]Create a list of things to accomplish for your online class and then reward yourself by checking each one off the list as it's finished.[/step][step step="3" title="Stay organized"]Productivity is often influenced by surroundings, so keeping a tidy desk or workspace can help your mind focus on schoolwork rather than clutter.[/step][step step="4" title="Learn how to say "no." "]Be it a classmate asking for help crafting a discussion response or a coworker looking for coverage, learn how to prioritize your responsibilities.[/step][step step="5" title="Let others help you"]We all know the group project member who wants to do it all, but sometimes that just isn't feasible. Don't be afraid to let your virtual classmates help shoulder responsibility. [/step][step step="6" title="Remember the bigger picture"]While you don't want to spend too much time thinking about every single assignment that's due by the end of the semester, keeping a calendar with impending deadlines helps you avoid a crisis situation of finding out a paper is due in the morning.[/step][step step="7" title="Bring your schoolwork wherever you go"]One of the joys of online learning is that you can do it anywhere you have a computer and an internet connection. Bring your laptop along with you each day and fit in small bits of work when you can.[/step][step step="8" title="Identify Your Productivity Peak"]Are you a morning person? Do you tend to do your best work after dinner? Identify when you're most productive and try to write a few discussion responses or study for an exam during that time.[/step][step step="9" title="Sleep"]A full night's rest helps clear the mind and provides students with the focus they need to accomplish tasks efficiently.[/step][step step="10" title="Reevaluate"]After using a few different techniques for a while, evaluate them and see if you feel more productive or perhaps need a different tactic.[/step]

Best Time Management Apps for Online Students

Students looking for a web or mobile apps to maximize their productivity and keep them accountable to deadlines may find one of these handy services does the trick.

Staying Social as an Online Student

Because online students spend hours sitting at their computers, developing meaningful connections with their classmates is vital, but it can also be daunting. Use these tips to find innovative ways of participating in college life.

Benefits of Being Social

How to Break Out of Your Shell

Online College Clubs

As more students elect to complete their degrees online, more colleges and student groups are finding ways to include them in extracurricular activities. Students should check with both their school and national organizations to find out what's available to them.

The 10 Golden Rules of Proper Netiquette

When communicating online with classmates and professors, it's imperative to act appropriately. Make sure you're on top of your netiquette game by following these guidelines.

[step step="1" title="Respect your professor"]In every email or discussion, treat your professor with the same amount of respect as you would if face-to-face. This includes using the correct title.[/step][step step="2" title="Do your research"]Before asking a professor or classmate the answer to an unknown question, students need to make sure they've sufficiently exhausted their resources before adding work for someone else.[/step][step step="3" title="Use proper grammar"]Even when responding to a message board thread, remember that this is college-level communication. Students should avoid slang, misspellings, or overly informal language.[/step][step step="4" title="Be aware of tone"]Sarcasm is very hard to translate across a screen, particularly to people who haven't met you before and don't know your sense of humor. Be mindful of your tone when sending messages to others.[/step][step step="5" title="Avoid ALL CAPS"]Like sarcasm, the use of all capital letters is difficult to translate across a computer screen and could come across as yelling.[/step][step step="6" title="Don't share personal information"]This rule applies to personal information about yourself or anything a fellow student has confided.[/step][step step="7" title="Avoid sending too many mass emails"]Group emails can be effective for sharing relevant information with people who actually need it, but ask yourself if every person on the email list will benefit from the information before sending it.[/step][step step="8" title="Always explain yourself"]One of the difficulties of online learning can be making sure people understand what you're trying to convey and that it is in the correct tone. Be mindful of the words you use and consider having a friend or family member read the text before submitting.[/step][step step="9" title="Be respectful"]One of the main purposes of college is to help students expand their worldviews and encounter opinions they may not have considered. Whether or not a student agrees with a peer's viewpoint, it's important to be respectful and attempt to have a mutually beneficial dialogue.[/step][step step="10" title="Pay attention to existing comments"]If responding to a thread discussion, students should review all existing comments so they don't dredge up a topic that's already been covered extensively.[/step]

Terminology Cheatsheet for Online College

Online learning has a lot of specific terminology that comes with it, and new online students may not be familiar with some of the common words during their first semester.

[expert-qa theme="primary" title="Insider Insight: Online Learning Advice from a Teacher and Student" description="Personal experience matters – so we spoke to a teacher and former student to get an inside look at the digital classroom and seek their advice on what it takes to excel as an online college learner." limit="" controls="false"][expert-qa-item title="What are the most common misconceptions new online students have about this style of learning?"]

The most common misconception is that you can learn online while doing something else at the same time. With online learning, as well as with onsite learning, you must be present and attentive in order to learn. The problem with online learning is that students are tempted to multitask and therefore don't pay full attention to the course. Although this can also happen with onsite courses, professors are able to better command attention in person than online and we are better able to notice and correct inattention.

Dr. Luz Claudio (The Teacher's View)

The biggest misconception about an online degree is that it's easier to complete than a traditional degree program. An online program covers the same material as the traditional classes, but is implemented differently. Students in an online degree program are held to the same academic standards as students in traditional programs.

Robin Strempek (The Student's View)

[/expert-qa-item][expert-qa-item title="What are the qualities or characteristics a student needs to adapt/develop to be successful in online learning?"]

A student has to have a strong motivation and need to learn the material being taught. Having a strong "why" will keep students engaged in the course over time. Also, it is very important for students to have very clear learning objectives when they join an online course. Try to have a clear purpose for being in the course. Ask yourself what is it that you want to learn.

Dr. Luz Claudio (The Teacher's View)

To be a successful online student, you have to be a self-starter, motivated, and well organized. Online courses require a great level of discipline to read/watch weekly course material, complete assignments, and finish coursework on time. Students that are engaged and know how to motivate themselves do well with online courses.

Robin Strempek (The Student's View)

[/expert-qa-item][expert-qa-item title="How can professors better assist online students who are struggling?"]

Professors need to understand that they may not always have students' attention. Students may be engaging in the course during all kinds of situations, such as while taking care of children, commuting or during work lunch breaks. For these reasons, the online course must be available on multiple platforms, including mobile. The presentations must be very clear with strong visuals that can be reviewed on their own. It is also important to have a strong syllabus and lesson plan that can guide students through the course. Finally, decide what exactly do you want students to be able to do or to learn after they have completed the course. Accept that they will not learn all the content that you have provided, so decide what are the key competencies that you want them to learn and focus on those repeatedly throughout the course.

Dr. Luz Claudio (The Teacher's View)

Professors that are engaging with the online students are better at assisting online students who are struggling. In an online course, it's easy for professors to stay distant from students. This shouldn't stop a professor from being an influential part of class discussion and student learning.

Robin Strempek (The Student's View)

[/expert-qa-item][expert-qa-item title="How can online students who are also juggling personal/professional responsibilities carve out the time they need to be successful?"]

My number one piece of practical advice is that students should NOT engage in their online course at the same desk where they usually work. If they have a home office, sit at the kitchen table instead. If home is too noisy, try downloading the lessons to your phone and viewing them during your train commute. Logging in to the course at the same place where you usually work can be too distracting and not conducive to learning. Also, consider breaking-up the time in order to get through the material.

Dr. Luz Claudio (The Teacher's View)

It can be a challenge to carve out time to be a successful online student when you have a full-time career and personal responsibilities. The best way to combat this is to dedicate time to your online degree. Schedule time in your day to complete your coursework. During that scheduled time, you should be in a dedicated space that allows you to concentrate fully on your coursework. A huge benefit to online degree programs is the time saved by not driving to and from a traditional class and being able to manage time to meet your needs.

Robin Strempek (The Student's View)

[/expert-qa-item][expert-qa-item title="If you could provide one piece of advice to prospective or current online students, what would it be?"]

Be active in the student community. I cannot emphasize this enough! Students can learn as much, and sometimes more, from their peers as from their professors. Engage in student discussions and forums instead of expecting the professor to answer all of your questions.

Dr. Luz Claudio (The Teacher's View)

Stay well organized! Being organized starts with understanding the professor's expectations and the course requirements. From there, students should make an action plan that moves them toward completing all expectations and requirements of the online course.

Robin Strempek (The Student's View)

[/expert-qa-item][/expert-qa]

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