Getting Ready for an Online Class

In order to succeed in your first online class, you will need to prepare yourself for the distance learning experience adequately. Follow our guide for online colleges to assist you in getting ready for online coursework.

1. Check your hardware and software. Your school should supply a guide for online colleges that specifies what hardware and software students will need for classes. Make sure you have everything you need downloaded and verify that it works.

2. Make some room to study. Find a place in your home that you can devote to your studies. You might consider starting a few files for your class or classes and keeping all of your books and materials in the same place. The ideal study place is quiet, well-lit, and organized.
3. Take a tour of the online campus. Navigate around your school's virtual campus to familiarize yourself with important resources. The tour doesn't have to be structured or formal; you can simply visit your school's website and follow different links. Also verify that your student login and password are functional before the first day of class.
4. Go to the bookstore. Unless your learning institution sends your books to you automatically, you will have to log on to the bookstore and order your texts. Consult your school's guide for online colleges to determine what textbooks you'll need.
5. Find technical support. It's inevitable that technology issues will arise when taking classes online, so find out how to contact technical support before your classes begin. Write down the link and/or the phone number for the support team. Most schools have technical assistance available 24/7.
6. Learn how to log in to your class. You will have to follow a certain link to attend class, so find out that information and practice logging in.
7. Explore the virtual classroom. Once you log into your classroom, spend a little time learning the layout. Navigating around the classroom will be much easier on your first day if you already know how to find the chat room, discussion boards, assignments, etc.
8. Download and read the syllabus. Any guide for online colleges will tell you that assignments and projects in online classes start immediately, so mapping out your due dates in advance will help you budget your time and prepare. Download and print the syllabus and read through it before class begins.
9. Introduce yourself. The first assignment in almost every online class is to post a personal introduction to the virtual discussion boards. You should have access to the online classroom and message boards at least a day before your class starts, so take the opportunity to post as soon as you can. When you do, you might also want to peruse the other student introductions to find a study buddy/friend to use as a resource throughout the term.
10. Relax. You may have some anxiety about beginning your first online class, but you will have the support of your instructor, classmates, and academic advisor to see you through. Remember the importance of asking questions and enjoying the learning experience.