Show up Prepared for Class

I have heard from many people that one of the greatest advantages of learning online is the ability to learn in your pajamas, or underwear or whatever you decide is the most comfortable. And it seems like students seem to equate the lack of need to dress for class with the lack of need to show up prepared for class.

If anything you should make an effort to be very prepared for the first day of class!

And what should you bring with you to class? While you may think back to your days in school and think pencils, papers and books, you'd only be partially right.

Here's my list of things you should have ready the first day of class:

1. Your learning tools: This means besides pencils, papers and books you will need to make sure you have a computer, connection to the internet and any software or other tools that the syllabus for your course suggest you have. If you have any questions about what is needed, ask your instructor!
2. Time: Even though you are learning online and can learn anytime, day or night, you will be more successful if you schedule time on your calendar for attending class. Setting aside this time and letting those in your life know you will be attending class at that time will help you stay on top of the work and not fall behind.
3. A backup plan: We all know how reliable computers can be - in a moment of crisis they are the weakest link in the chain. So, don't count on your regular computeror your regular internet connection. Have a backup plan, someplace you can go to complete your course work or at least let your instructor know what is going on. Most libraries offer internet access for free. The coffee shop around the corner from me has a computer I can use for free. Look for options so you will know what to do when the worst happens.
4. Curiosity: When you learn online you don't have to learn just what the teacher tells you to learn. You can learn about any aspect of the topic of the class that interests you or that you find useful to you. And the expertise you acquire on those topics can be brought back to the class and shared with your classmates so they get to see an aspect of the topic they might never have otherwise.

You've heard me say many times before that you get out of an online class what you put into it. Being prepared for your class when it starts is definitely a way to start putting the best into your online learning experience from the very beginning.

posted by Peabody McGillicutty @ 2:05 PM