Distance Education

Is this class online, in person or both?

• Learning is completely online. No need to come to campus, but you will have deadlines and assignments to complete.

When and where will these classes meet?

• No specific meeting time.
• Check syllabus for due dates and course requirements.

Is this course format right for me?

• You are organized and can work independently.
• You like flexibility to study when it fits your schedule.

Is this class online, in person or both? 

• Live online classes at specific times using video streaming (e.g., Google Meets or Zoom).

When and where will these classes meet?

• Online meeting dates and times will be listed on the class schedule. 

Is this course format right for me?

• You like interacting with others but do not want to come to campus. 
• You prefer set schedules for classes.

Is this class online, in person or both?

• Mix of online work you can complete independently and some in-person meetings with your instructor and classmates.

When and where will these classes meet?

• In-person meeting days, times and location will be listed on the class schedule.

Is this course format right for me?

You miss some face-to-face interaction but still want flexibility.

Is this class online, in person or both? 

• Both! You will have some parts in a real classroom with your instructor and classmates, and some parts online at specific times

When and where will these classes meet?

• The in-person meetings days, times, and location will be listed on the class schedule. 
• The online parts will also have specific dates and times mentioned in the class schedule.

Is this course format right for me?

• You prefer meeting at scheduled times and are comfortable meeting virtually (e.g., Google Meets or Zoom) 

• Since online classes make it easier for you to attend college while balancing a busy schedule, there's a common misconception that they're less demanding than in-person classes. Learning online demands just as much dedication and time as in-person classes. You'll need the discipline to sit down and say "I'm going to work on this," and follow through.
  • Online and hybrid courses will require at least the same amount of time as the on-campus equivalent.
  • If you spend 3 hours in lecture per week and six hours studying per week for a 3- credit course on-campus, then you will likely spend the same amount of time in your online and hybrid class.
• You must “show up” to get real value out of your class. Treat your online classes the same way you would an in-person class and you’ll be off to the right start.

• Set goals at the beginning of the semester, and follow up with yourself throughout the week. Are you scheduling enough time throughout the week to complete your assignments? Do you need more reminders about upcoming due dates?
• In a traditional classroom setting, you’ll often receive verbal and visual reminders of upcoming due dates. Without a professor actively reminding you, you may find it helpful to set calendar reminders, or enlist the help of a classmate or friend to be your accountability partner.

A big advantage to taking classes online is being able to manage your own schedule. Practicing good time management skills can help you avoid cramming right before tests or handing in assignments at the last minute.

• Plan ahead.
  • At the start of the semester, review your syllabus to note all major assignments and due dates. Note them on a calendar that you regularly use or print out a hard copy to put next to your laptop.
  • Create a weekly or daily schedule, designating certain hours each week to reading, studying, completing assignments and participating in discussions.
  • Set reminders for yourself to complete these tasks.
• Try time-blocking while working on classes. Set up a day(s) and times to work on your classes.
• Avoid multitasking. Focus on completing each task before moving on to the next. Multitasking is known to decrease productivity!

• It's easy to get distracted by social media or just browsing online when you need to concentrate on your studies, but you can eliminate distractions that are unique to you.
• For example, if you're distracted by your cell phone when you get a notification or text, it may be helpful to download an app like Cold Turkey or Freedom that can temporarily block those apps or websites.
• Another common distraction is studying in a noisy environment. It may be helpful, to study at the library or coffee shop instead.
• The bottom line is, there are a ton of tools to help you block out distractions!

• Online classes can sometimes feel like you're learning on your own, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Most online courses are built around collaborating with your instructors and classmates.
• Build relationships with other students by introducing yourself and engaging in discussion boards within your class. In addition to creating new friends, you can work with your peers to keep each other accountable to homework and form online study groups. It's likely that your peers will appreciate it just as much as you will. 

• Our online students have the same support resources as our in-class students. We're here for you, no matter where you are.

• Find a Platform.
  • Zoom
  • Slack
  • Google Meet
• Utilize Virtual Tools.
  • Audio and Visual with screen sharing
  • Whiteboards
  • List and document collaborations
• Identify a Moderator.
  • Helps to keep you on track
• Set an Agenda.
  • Everyone is working on the same thing
• Take Breaks.
  • Research shows that taking purposeful breaks (anywhere from 5–60 minutes) from studying to refresh your brain and body increases your energy, productivity, and ability to focus.  (Social media does not work well for a “purposeful break.”)
  • Set a timer to return to studies after a specific amount of time
    • Reconnect with nature
    • Meditate (listen to an online guided meditation, or attend a 20-minute Let’s Meditate session by Zoom)
    • Take a walk
    • Take a 15- to 20-minute power nap
    • Take a shower
    • Practice deep breathing
    • Allow yourself to daydream
    • Tidy up / organize your workspace
    • Listen to music
    • Stretch – chances are your body is tense from sitting in the same position for hours on end, so take some time to stretch your neck, your back, your arms, and wrist.
    • Phone a friend
    • Cook a healthy meal or have a healthy snack
    • Laugh!
    • Express yourself through creativity – draw, doodle, color, etc.
    • Dance party!
• Stay Positive.