Tips and Tools for Success as an Online Student

1. Recognize that online courses are not easier than face-to-face classes and may be more difficult for some students.
2. Read the introductory materials and contact the instructor immediately if you have any questions.
3. Assume an active role in the learning process, whether working alone or in a group. Be open to contributing your ideas and perspectives, and be willing to comment on your subject of study. Also, be interested in what your classmates say and be willing to provide feedback and share ideas.
4. Log on to your course daily or at least 5-6 days a week. It is very easy to get behind quickly, so stay active in the course.
5. Manage your time carefully. Allocate at least 2-3 hours per credit per week to work on your course and adhere to your schedule. Specific courses may require more time!
6. Do not procrastinate; follow the course schedule assigned by your instructor. If you need an external source to motivate you to complete classwork, consider taking face-to-face classes instead.
7. Locate resources to assist you in being successful in an online course, such as the ISU University Tutoring Department (external link), the Library article databases (external link), or the Office of Academic Advising (external link). Check out ISU's Student Success Center (external link) for these and other resources.
8. Set aside a private space where you can study and work without interruptions.
9. Ensure you have the appropriate software and plug-ins necessary for the course. For example, you will need the Firefox web browser to use ISU Canvas-based courses effectively. Canvas is the learning management system used by ISU.
10. If you are unsure of your computer skills, develop them! See the additional skills resources below to improve your basic computer skills, learn the Firefox web browser, discover Canvas, and learn other valuable tools used at ISU.

Applying appropriate learning strategies:

• Apply previous knowledge and experience to solve problems and progress
• Make  optimal use of learning strategies for practical study
• Monitor the learning process and adapt strategies as needed

Managing your time and other resources:

• Manage resources effectively - including time, information, media, and technology
• Manage behaviors and habits for effective learning
• Use effective time management to meet requirements and deadlines

Initiating communication and developing networks for learning:

• Develop collaborative relationships with faculty and other students
• Create networks of communication and support, including faculty and other students
• Initiate study groups and seek out other support for studying

• Communicate via email, including sending attachments
• Be comfortable uploading and downloading saved files
• Use of basic software applications such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
• Ability to navigate the Internet using a browser
• Ability to install software
• Ability to update your browser
• Ability to install updates to software and browser plugins