Make Online Learning Work for You
Online courses give you flexibility—and a little structure helps you use it well. Build a routine that keeps you connected, prepared, and moving forward.
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Habit 1
Follow the module path
Use the calendar to plan your time. Use the module to guide your learning.
Calendar, Activity Stream, and Grades can help you find upcoming work, but jumping straight to an assignment may bypass important directions, examples, readings, or practice.
Try this: Open your current module, begin with its overview, and follow the steps your instructor provides. Ungraded materials may be essential preparation for graded work.
Habit 2
Read the directions first
Before you start, find out what successful work looks like.
Read the complete directions, review the rubric, and open examples or templates. Identify what to do, what to submit, and when it is due.
Try this: Make a checklist, then compare your work with it before submitting. Ask your instructor about unclear requirements.
Habit 3
Put feedback to work
Your score tells you how you did. Feedback helps you decide what to do next.
Read instructor comments, rubric feedback, and notes on your submitted work. Personalized feedback is part of the teaching you receive online. Look for opportunities to apply it in future work.
Try this: Before your next assignment, revisit the previous feedback and choose one or two changes to carry forward. Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a comment.
Habit 4
Use a computer for coursework
Your phone can keep you connected. Plan regular computer access for completing your work.
Reading detailed directions, creating documents, managing files, and completing assessments can be difficult on a smartphone. Some required tools may not work fully on mobile devices.
Try this: Check the course’s technology requirements early and arrange reliable computer access before deadlines approach.
Technology Tips & Help (opens in a new tab) · Chromebook tips and computer lab information (opens in a new tab)
Habit 5
Build a check-in system
Make staying connected part of your routine.
Without a scheduled classroom meeting, it can be easy to drift away. As a general habit, don’t let more than two days pass without checking each course. Check more often when required. Online courses may still have attendance and participation requirements.
When you check in: Read announcements and messages, open your current module, and identify your next step. Logging in alone does not complete your participation.
Make college email easierSet up Outlook and give important messages a place in your routine.
College business runs through your KCTCS email—including messages about classes, advising, registration, and financial aid.
- Add your KCTCS email to the Outlook app on your phone. Sign in with your college account and complete any verification prompts.
- Put Outlook somewhere easy to see and choose useful notifications.
- Choose a predictable time to check email daily, such as with breakfast.
- Flag messages that need action and add important dates to your calendar.
Outlook setup: iPhone/iPad (opens in a new tab) · Outlook setup: Android (opens in a new tab)
Notifications are reminders, not a complete check of your inbox. Keep checking Blackboard announcements and messages, too. Follow your instructor’s preferred communication method.
A few more habits that help
Open a topic for one more practical step.
Plan time to learnMake room for more than hitting Submit.
Schedule time for readings, videos, practice, drafting, and revision. Pause to take notes, try an example, or explain an idea in your own words.
A due-date list tells you when work ends; your study plan makes room for how it happens.
Ask early—and reconnect if you fall behindYou don’t need to get caught up before asking for help.
Tell your instructor where you’re stuck and what you’ve already tried. If an issue affects a deadline, reach out beforehand whenever possible. If you’re already behind, contact them anyway.
For private or urgent concerns, use your instructor’s preferred direct contact method. Reporting a problem does not automatically extend a deadline.
Check what you submittedVerify the file, finish the submission, and keep confirmation.
Upload the correct file, finish the submission, and check for confirmation. Review the submitted copy when available. Saving a draft or attaching a file may not complete the submission.
Start small: Choose one habit to put in place today. A useful system is one you can return to—even after a difficult week.
Further reading: Using tutor feedback (opens in a new tab) · Planning and monitoring your learning (opens in a new tab). The two-day check-in suggestion is a practical routine, not a universal attendance rule.
Suggest an addition or correction: email Stephanie Self.
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