Welcome to a new school year! Whether this is your first experience with online education or you’re a seasoned pro, the start of the school year is a perfect time to build strong habits that will lead to success. The flexibility of online learning is a key benefit, allowing students to balance their academics with a wide range of activities like arts, athletics, and other personal passions.
Here are four essential tips for a smooth and successful year:
Embrace Live Sessions
Live sessions with teachers and classmates are a core part of the online learning experience. These are your opportunities to engage in real-time discussions, ask questions, and collaborate with your peers. We know that time zone differences and other commitments can sometimes make live attendance a challenge. That’s why all live sessions are recorded for later review, ensuring you can still build academic confidence and put faces to names by viewing the content anytime, anywhere.
Use Your Course Calendars as a Roadmap
In online learning, the course calendar is your best friend. It serves as a roadmap, guiding you through lessons, deadlines, and assessments. We recommend reviewing it regularly—at least once a week—to stay on top of your responsibilities. A helpful tip is to create an “offline” folder for each course and use a simple physical checklist to track assignments. Having a tangible record can make it easier to manage your progress and meet expectations.
Establish a Consistent Routine
Consistency is a key ingredient for success in any academic setting. Your student advisor will help you create a weekly schedule that’s similar to a university-style timetable. Block out specific times for live classes, focused study, and other commitments. A reliable routine will help you effectively manage schoolwork alongside family life and personal responsibilities, reducing stress and improving time management skills.
Practice Communication and Troubleshooting
Online learning requires both academic skills and a bit of technical practice. When you need help with a course question, carefully review the available resources in the learning platform and connect with your teacher. Contact the director of technology for technical issues. If you still need help after trying these resources, the next step is to contact your Academic Advisor. Asking for help demonstrates maturity and dedication to your education, preparing you for your future academic and professional pursuits.
This September, focus on settling in, building strong habits, and growing as a learner. Follow these tips, and you’ll definitely see progress and pride in your accomplishments this year.
