Welcome to the world of online learning! Online learning allows you to access educational materials and resources from anywhere, at any time. You will have the flexibility to learn at your own pace, on your own schedule. You will be able to access your course materials, participate in class discussions, and communicate with your classmates and instructors through various online tools. With online learning, you will have the opportunity to learn from some of the best teachers and experts in the field. However, it is important to note that online learning requires self-motivation, discipline, and time management skills. By being an active participant in your education and taking advantage of the resources available to you, you can achieve your academic goals and succeed in your online coursework.
What is asynchronous online learning?
- Asynchronous learning allows you to learn on your own schedule, within a certain timeframe. You can access and complete lectures, readings, homework and other learning materials at any time during a one- or two-week period.
- A benefit to asynchronous online classes is, the flexibility. Asynchronous online classes mean that you don’t always need to be online at the same time as your instructor or classmates.
- Online asynchronous classes might include short videos teaching key concepts that you can watch over and over again, if necessary. In some classes, students can also complete homework assignments and receive immediate feedback, as opposed to waiting for instructors to grade them.
- Asynchronous online classes are just as rigorous than their synchronous or on-campus counterparts.
- You should expect to be doing work one week at a time. You will interact with your instructor and classmates every week in a substantial way.
Online Learning at Roosevelt University
The format of online classes at Roosevelt University is very similar to traditional classes with regard to schedule and workload. Instead of physically going to a classroom each week, you access course content online through Roosevelt University’s learning management system (Blackboard). Courses are structured into weekly modules, and each week you’ll access a new module of learning content. Within a weekly module, you’ll find a variety of learning activities including readings, instructor videos, and discussions. Typically, within a week, you will also have assignments to complete with set deadlines and due dates.
How much time is required for an online class?
Online classes are more flexible but require the same time commitment as an in-person class. You choose the time each day that works best for your schedule to complete learning activities, and you are still required to meet deadlines and class expectations each week. Online classes have regular due dates for you to follow just like any in-person classes.
How will I interact with my instructors and classmates?
You will interact with online instructors and classmates in a variety of ways. From online discussions where you will dive deeper into the course content to group projects and assignments, there are several opportunities for you to interact with your online instructors and classmates. Several tools will help keep you connected and communicating including emails, announcements, and discussion boards. Instructors have virtual office hours via Zoom where you can interact directly with your instructor.
How will I complete exams and assignments?
Exams and assignments in your online class are not that different from an in-person classroom.
- Assignments: You will complete reading and writing assignments and upload documents to your course site for your faculty to review and provide feedback.
- Research Projects: Research projects help you apply the concepts from the classroom. If working in a group, a variety of technology tools allow you to collaborate together online to complete your projects.
- Quizzes and Exams: Online quizzes and exams are provided within the online course site.
What kind of study habits do you need?
Online classes are convenient and flexible but students have to be disciplined enough to make time to study and participate. Successful online students:
- Log in regularly to their classes (multiple times per week).
- Plan ahead to ensure enough time to study and complete assignments.
- Take notes as they study.
- Commit 6 - 9 hours each week for a three-credit class.
- Enjoy communicating in writing and reading the writing of others.
- Are able to work with others via e-mail and chat to complete projects.
- "Speak up" to their instructors when problems arise.
- Are willing to share their ideas and carefully consider their responses to others.
- Are prepared to have their ideas challenged occasionally.
What skills do you need?
The instructor cannot see their students and won't know if you are confused, bored, or frustrated unless you communicate it. Successful online students:
- Are comfortable with technology (see technical requirements for online students).
- Read and write well -- Most, if not all, of your interaction with your instructor and other students will be through email and forum postings.
- Are assertive -- It can be harder to make your needs known in an online course than it is in a traditional classroom setting.
- Have good time management skills -- You will need to plan ahead and follow a schedule to finish readings, assignments and tests on time.
- Have solid research skills, including how to effectively use the Internet.
- Have the ability to work well cooperatively -- Your course will require you to interact and coordinate with others even though your communication is restricted to e-mail, forum postings, or chat.
- Are flexible and adaptable -- Learning online is an adventure that will expose you to many entirely new experiences. The ability to be flexible and remain open-minded is critical to having a positive experience as you move into this uncharted territory.
5 Tips for Student Success in Online Learning
Whether you’re new to online classes or you're an expert distance learner, everyone can benefit from these tips for online learning success. Time management, organization and motivation will take you far while you earn your degree online – as will knowing where to go when you need help.
Remember: Learning methods can vary from student to student. It's all about finding which of these helpful tips for online learning work best for you.
1. Create a schedule and manage your time wisely
- Keep a semester and a weekly calendar. On the first day of class, read the course syllabus and enter all due dates in your calendar, along with reminders for the due dates.
- Commit to studying or participating in your online class for at least three hours per week for every one credit hour the course is worth. According to experienced online learners, one of the most helpful tips for online learning is to be deliberate with your time.
- Prioritize your work. What due dates are coming up first? What information is the most important for you to learn? What assignments are worth the most points? Make a smart decision about how to best spend your time.
2. Stay organized and be thorough
- Have a designated study space that is free of distractions so you can focus on your work.
- Here's one of our best tips for online learning: Prepare as if you have to teach the information you are studying. Organize information by creating charts, outlines, study guides, flashcards, concept maps and chapter maps. Create practice exams to evaluate your mastery of the material.
- Use smart test-taking strategies. Before a quiz or exam, write down formulas or other information you may need. Survey the exam before starting and budget your time. Begin with the easiest test questions and work your way to the harder ones. Expect memory blocks. Often the information will come back to you if you move on to other questions.
3. Remain engaged throughout the whole course
- Prepare and review for every lesson, attend in person/virtual class sessions and take notes to help you study.
- Analyze all returned quizzes and tests as well as any instructor feedback and develop a plan for improvement.
- Make use of office hours on a regular basis and ask questions of instructors or peers if needed. Your fellow online students are a great resource to discover even more tips for online learning success.
4. Take care of yourself
- Look inward for your motivation. Remembering the goal, you are working toward will help you as you work through the challenges of being a student.
- Stay healthy by getting adequate rest, nutrition and exercise. Use positive self-talk to reduce anxiety. Schedule time to take care of yourself and spend time with your friends and family.
- Keep a growth mindset. Your success has as much to do with your effort as it has to do with your ability. Monitor your self-talk and stay positive.
5. Know where to turn for help
- Roosevelt University offers many academic services for online students, including Peer Tutoring, and Academic Success Center through the Learning Commons.
- Take the Blackboard tutorial , click on the help tab and locate the tutorial under Student Training Opportunities.
- The Murray-Green Library can assist with locating resources to assist in your learning
- If you need accommodations for a disability, you can request assistance from Disability Services which is a branch of the Learning Commons.
- Need tech support? We can assist you with technology questions . Search the knowledge base for answers to common questions or submit a support ticket.