Strategies for Online Learning Success Online learning is becoming an increasingly common option for those pursuing a higher education, both nationally and here in Vermont. Given its flexibility and accessibility, online learning is particularly popular among adult learners, who are often working—sometimes at multiple jobs—and balancing family responsibilities in addition to their schoolwork. However, online learning can feel intimidating, especially at first. At Champlain College Online, we often hear stories from students who initially believed that going to school online could never work for them—they thought they weren’t tech savvy enough or thought it would feel too different from a physical classroom experience. While it’s true that it will often take some time to get used to the online environment, the vast majority of our students (even those who had doubts going in) end up pleasantly surprised at how user friendly and natural it is to learn in this way. Many of them even have told us that they end up preferring the online classroom to a physical one! If you’re starting out on your online education journey, here are some strategies you can use to be successful. Familiarize Yourself with the Technology The biggest worry students have about online learning is the technology involved. It’s a misconception that you need to be good with computers or a “tech person” to be successful in an online degree program. If you’re comfortable navigating the Internet, sending emails, shopping online, and/or using social media, you’re well prepared for the online learning environment. Most schools use intuitive, user friendly platforms that are easy to learn. Plus, they make planning your week, or even your full semester, simple because they clearly outline when assignments are due and what the expectations are. If you’re curious about what it will be like, many schools will offer demos or information sessions where they let you explore the online classroom and its various components. Additionally, you’ll typically gain access to the learning management system prior to your courses beginning; we recommend that students log in and spend some time getting to know the platform before their first day of classes so that you’re ready to go when your first assignment is given. Understand the Expectations It can be hard to envision what online learning feels and looks like, especially if your prior education experience was in a traditional classroom. Understanding the expectations and structure up front will enable you to dive right in as you begin your degree program. Getting a sense of how your school delivers its online courses can be helpful in terms of setting your expectations and helping you prepare for your first class. For example, schools may offer different kinds of learning options; here at Champlain, our courses allow students to log in and learn at any time of the day, while other schools may require students to all attend class together at a set time. Additionally, in order to facilitate learning schools may rely on a variety of different methods, including video, discussion boards, and readings; you’ll want to find out which of these your courses will focus on. You’ll also want to find out general expectations of your time commitment; we find that undergraduate courses typically require around 10–17 hours per week, while graduate courses require 15–20. And finally, get a sense for what your assignments will look like. At Champlain, most classes will require you to log in and participate in class discussions several times throughout the week, in addition to a weekly assignment (such as a group project or a paper). The good news is that you can do this from anywhere you have Wi Fi, and even from your smart phone over your lunch break! Set a Schedule A common concern we hear from online learners is how to fit schoolwork into an already busy schedule. Students are usually working full time, frequently at more than one job, and have responsibilities to friends, family, and their community; to some, adding school on top of everything else seems impossible. However, our students have grit and determination, and they make it happen. Flexibility is the main benefit of an online degree, meaning that you’ll have the ability to make school fit into your existing life in a way that works for you. One of the best ways to do this is to build a schedule for yourself, identifying pockets of time in which learning can happen, even if they’re short. You might have to get creative: before work in the morning, after the kids go to bed at night, or during your lunch break. Once you’ve created a schedule that will allow you to get everything done, stick to it—consistency is key! It’ll quickly become second nature as you progress through your program. Identify a Support System One of the most effective strategies for success is identifying, creating, and maintaining your support system during your program. It’s not easy to go back to school as an adult, and you’ll need people around you to cheer you on, help you out, and lend an ear as you move forward. This support system often starts with friends and family; let key people in your life know that you may be less available and ask them for assistance if you need it. Your support system will also grow as you begin your program and start interacting with classmates, faculty, and staff. Your fellow students will often be a great source of support; we see life long friendships made in the classroom and encourage opportunities for students to connect with one another both online and offline. Your instructors are there to help you through your classes and will often offer flexibility and mentorship as challenges arise. And finally, your academic advisor will be your greatest source of support: At Champlain, our dedicated advisors are there to register students for classes, to connect students to tools and other resources they might need, to problem solve, and to simply be a friendly voice if you need to talk. Although going back to school online is a big decision, you can feel confident in your ability to be successful by following these strategies. Looking for more resources on online learning and going back to school? Check out the Champlain College Online blog. And if you have any questions about online learning—whether it’s in general or at Champlain—please feel free to reach out at champlainonline@champlain.edu. ... successful by following these strategies. Looking? ?for? ?more resources on? ?online? ?learning? ?and going back to school? Check out the Champlain College? ?Online? ?blog. And if you have any questions about? ?online? ? learning? ??whether it’s in general or at Champlain—please feel free to reach out at ... Getting a sense of how your school delivers its? ?online? ?courses can be helpful in terms of setting your expectations and helping you prepare? ?for? ?your first class.? ?For? ?example, schools may offer different kinds of? ?learning? ?options; here at Champlain, our courses allow students to log in and learn at any time of the ... benefit of an? ?online? ?degree, meaning that you’ll have the ability to make school fit into your existing life in a way that works? ?for? ?you. One of the best ways to do this is to build a schedule? ?for? ?yourself, identifying pockets of time in which