Online Learning at UM-Dearborn

This may seem obvious, but reading over the syllabus and becoming familiar with the classroom policies, procedures and deadlines is critical in an online class. In addition to common things such as course objectives/goals and contact information for the instructor, they syllabus should explain things such as:

• how instruction will be provided
• how assignments should be submitted
• expectations for participation in discussion threads and other synchronous/asynchronous activities

Make sure you have a system for recording due dates for assignments, threaded discussions and any other class commitments listed in the syllabus. Check your calendar regularly to see what upcoming due dates need your attention.

Time management is critical in an online class. It is important to establish a weekly routine for studying, completing course readings, participating in threaded discussions and working on other course related activities. With a face-to-face class students have a weekly routine that is established for them since they know when class meets and can manage their work around that schedule. With an online class you need to create that routine for yourself. For instance, if you know you have to post a response to the class discussion thread by Tuesday at 5:00 each week then you should create a schedule that allows you to complete any readings and prepare your posting in time to meet that deadline. Similarly, you should schedule regular time blocks each week to work on assignments and go through new course content or modules. Creating a routine that you follow each week will help ensure you are devoting the necessary time to each class.

Logging onto the course home page consistently each week is associated with higher grades for students according to several studies on online student behavior. When you check into the class on a regular basis it is easier to keep up to date on discussion posts, announcements, assignments and course content. In addition, logging into your class regularly will help you feel like you are more engaged in the course as you interact with your classmates and the instructor. You might also want to explore the notifications settings within the course so that you can receive regular notices when new content is made available or when postings are made to a discussion thread you are following. Having these notifications set can help you stay more connected to the class and will also help guide your attention to new content each time you log in.

One of the primary differences between online and face-to-face classes is the mode of communication between students and instructors. With a face-to-face class students have the chance to ask questions, and hear their classmates ask questions, during class. The students and instructor also benefit from non-verbal feedback they receive during a lecture or class discussion, which is not available in an online format. That's why it is imperative that you ask questions as an online student. Find out how your instructor prefers to be contacted and be sure to communicate any questions and concerns you have as the course goes along. Many online instructors hold online office hours and this can be another great opportunity to get your questions answered.

We use a wide range of social networking tools in our daily lives and these same tools can be utilized to actively connect with your classmates in an online course. Reach out to your classmates to create study groups, create a Facebook page for the class, meet online via Zoom or Google Meet to prepare for upcoming tests or collaborate on assignments. Just because you don't meet face-to-face in a classroom doesn't mean you can't actively engage with your classmates. The more active you are in the class the more connected you will feel to the learning experience.

Just because you are enrolled in an online class doesn't mean you shouldn't expect to get regular feedback from your instructor. This feedback can come in the form of comments on an assignment, responses to discussion thread postings and regular course announcements. If you aren't getting this kind of feedback you need to feel comfortable requesting, albeit politely and respectfully, it from the instructor.

Making sure you are competent with the technology you need to use to participate in an online class will go a long way toward ensuring a successful learning experience. UM-Dearborn uses Canvas for its online learning management software (LMS). The Canvas Student Guide is a regularly updated resource that provides extensive information about how to use the LMS. Finding the tutorials and guides you need for the other technology you might be expected to use will be important. A quick Google search can often uncover all the help you need.