I will be completely honest here, the first time I took an online class, well, I ended up forgetting I was even taking one. I took an online class because I live thirty miles from school and coming to CSUN every day of the week is difficult, so online classes are great. Especially for a commuter school like CSUN.
I would like to reassure you that after my failed first attempt at my online class I promised myself to never let that happen again. Here are some professional tips as well as student opinions about online classes here at CSUN.
“The most important thing is that it takes a lot of time management and personal accountability-these courses.” Said Dr. Denise Sandoval, Associate Professor in the Chicano/a Studies department. “I find these courses are tougher than regular classes, and it is very easy to get behind.”
Sandoval gives students three tips to keep up with online classes.
1. Class Readings
2. Check your class regularly for updates from the professor
3. Time manage your assignments and projects.
Most students and teachers agree that if you tend to be a procrastinator, than online classes are not for you. Sandoval says that you use the same skills in both online and regular classes, but online classes can take more time and may be difficult for some because there is not a professor speaking a lecture, it’s all on your own time.
“The one thing I would say to someone taking an online class is to read, read and read!” said CSUN student, Robert Acinapura.
Other students have an exact schedule they follow when it comes to taking an online class. “ Print important pages out and have them as a reference, sometimes I need to have it on paper instead of a computer screen.” Said future transfer student Victoria Strenlekova. “Have a calendar where you can see a clear timelines of what is due when, and participate in discussions.”
Following the advice of the professors and students above can assure you a passing grade in an online class. The class will not only teach you about the subject you are learning, but also how to time manage your life. So, with that said, good luck!
Helpful links for understanding online classes:
How to handbook:
http://www.csun.edu/at/training/webct/StudentAddCourse/StudentInstructions.htmlv
Student Instructions: http://www.csun.edu/~webteach/WebCT/StudentAddCourse/StudentInstructions.html
How to post an assignment: http://www.csun.edu/~webteach/WebCT/Assignments/Assignments.html
How to post a discussion: http://www.csun.edu/~webteach/WebCT/studentdiscussion/studentdiscussion.html
