PSYCHOLOGY 2
Academic Success
Dr. Diane Finley
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Succeeding in an Online Class
There are several considerations when you enroll in an online course. Online courses offer flexibility and convenience but it is important to recognize that they are as rigorous as face-to-face (F2F) classes. They can also take more time and self-discipline than a face-to-face class. Following are some hints to help you succeed in this online course.
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READ!!!!
- Spend 9-10 hours during the first week exploring each navigation button.
- Read EVERYTHING.
- Read EVERYTHING again.
- Ask questions if something you have read is not clear.
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Textbook
- Be sure you have purchased the correct edition of the textbook, along with any ancillaries packaged with the text.
- Not buying the text before classes begin hampers your chance to do well.
- There can be many changes to new editions – it is best to purchase the current edition.
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Time Management
- Online courses require at least as much time as F2F – a minimum of 9-12 hours per week for minimal success (that means a C).
- It is prudent to honestly examine how much time you have for school work – taking more classes than you have time for results in lower grades or failure. If you are taking 4 classes, you need to allow at least 40 hours per week for studying, reading and other class activities.
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- Make a schedule, including all time responsibilities. Be sure you can devote
this much time to your course. - Plan for reading, posting to the Discussion Board, reading all DB responses and working on longer term projects
- Work early in the week to allow for technical or other difficulties
- Waiting until the last minute can result in work not submitting properly and thus not counting.
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Organization
- Success demands organization
- Keep a calendar that shows all due dates. Double check each week for what is due.
- Be sure to check the Weekly Notes for any changes and reminders.
- Create a notebook with tabs that label each section. This makes for easy referral, especially when you are not online.
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Resources
- The College offers many resources that can help you succeed.
- These include workshops on academic skills, the Writing Center, the Counseling Center and free tutoring.
http://www.pgcc.edu/pgweb/pgdocs/student_services/index-sds.htm - You need to schedule time to take advantage of them
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