Student-to-student tips for successful online learning

Claudia Lampman, vice provost for student success, asked students to share their best tips for successful online learning. UAA students are resourceful and above all helpful. Within 24 hours, nearly 200 students responded to her request. Here's what they had to say.

Student-to-Student Tips for Successful Online Learning

Set up a workspace

• “Don't study or do class from bed — pick a place for work and only work! If you want to watch YouTube, scroll TikTok, etc., you have to get up from your workplace and go somewhere else to do it. And put your phone across the room!”

Structure your day

• “Work while you work, play while you play. Don't try and do both at the same time.”
• “Designate a routine: always do a class the same day at the same time at the same place.”

Dress for success

• “Best tip I've picked up is 'dressing' the part, what I mean is, if you stay in pajamas all day, you might find your motivation less than ideal. If you get ready for the day as if you are going to be attending an in person class, this could boost your motivation. We got this!!”

Take care of yourself

• “If you're new to online learning and are feeling frazzled, take a deep breath and know that it will become easier each time you do it. Be sure to ask questions, as others likely are wondering the same things you are. You've
  got this!”

Connect with classmates

• “Don't be afraid to connect with classmates in your online class. Group projects can be easy to complete virtually through Google Slides, Microsoft PowerPoint, OneDrive, ScreenCast-O-Matic, and other apps available to you through Blackboard. Your classmates are a great resource. If you feel like you are struggling, you are not alone.”

Manage your time well

• “Make yourself a schedule and stick to it. Plan out your academic day, give yourself short breaks, and accomplish your daily academic goals.”
• “Designate a routine: always do a class the same day at the same time at the same place.”

Get organized

• “Put all the due dates for the whole semester in your calendar.”
• “Stay organized! A planner helped me so much! I structure my day like I'm going to class (10:30-11:45 a.m. today was for psychology, for example). Otherwise I fall into the trap of 'I'll do it later' and nothing gets done.”

Ask for help

• “If you feel overwhelmed reach out to your professor! They are there to support your success in learning. Don't be afraid to ask for help.”
• “Plan ahead and ask questions! Your instructor wants to hear from you, so make your digital voice heard.”

It becomes second nature

• "Online classes can feel so overwhelming at first. It seems impossible to know if you are being thorough and it can be hard not having the option to just raise your hand and ask questions as they arise. But after just a little time, I promise it becomes second nature and you will be proud of yourself for mastering it on your own! Good luck!”

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