So You’ve Signed Up for an Online Class – What Now?

Once you have registered for an online class, what’s the next step? When can you access the class, read the syllabus, and order the textbook? All of this information should be available when you register for class. Most schools open online courses several days before the official start date of the term. This gives students extra time to check technical requirements and make any contacts that are necessary (academic advising, disability services, tech support, bookstore, etc.) before class begins.

Waiting until the first day, or perhaps a day or two after that, to log in to your class can potentially delay your ability to complete the first week’s work on time and that is not a good way to start out a course. Aside from being late, there is also the risk of making a poor first impression with the instructor and your classmates.

Here are five steps to a stress-free and successful class start that ensures a good first impression and timely completion of the first week’s work.

• Check computer requirements and skills – All schools have computer information available on the online learning webpage. Double-check to make sure you have all the required hardware and software. Requirements generally include internet access, video/audio software (most of which are pre-installed on your computer or are easy and free to download online), school email account, and word processing capabilities. A basic list of skills usually includes the ability to use a word processing program, send and receive emails, save and name files, and attach files to email and the course assignment dropbox.

• Order the textbook – When students register for class, information about required textbooks is usually available at that time. If not, contact your academic advisor to find out what textbook you need for the class. Do not delay in ordering your textbook; instructors expect students to have books when the class begins and generally do not allow late work just because a student did not order the textbook on time. Once the textbook arrives, don’t just stick it on a shelf somewhere; look through the table of contents and skim through the first couple chapters.

• Log in to your class as soon as you have access – Early access in most schools is three to five days prior to the opening day. You should check that the login username and password are valid, and if not, use this extra time to contact tech support to get the problem solved. Once you have logged in, click through all the information and navigation tabs so that you understand the structure of the course and the scheduling of due dates and the requirements for discussions and writing assignments.

• Print and read the syllabus –Take time to read the syllabus. Generally, the syllabus will have two parts: school information and specific class information. There will be a schedule of weekly reading, discussions, and assignments throughout the course. Take note of any long-term assignments, such as projects or group work, and highlight those so you can put them on a schedule far enough in advance to ensure these are completed on time.

• Mark your calendar – This is vital to your success in any online class. Some students use a calendar (print or online) while others use a chart or checklist. Some people prefer a wall calendar and others prefer an online calendar that includes a daily and weekly agenda. The main advantage to an online calendar is getting email or text reminders. Choose which works best for you and update your schedule for each week in the class as you go through the syllabus and the course prior to the opening day.

Starting early keeps you calm, confident, and ready to make a great first impression when class starts. To gain an even better chance for a stress-free start, spend time during those days before class reviewing and taking notes on the first week’s readings. You might also get a head start writing your class introduction and drafting the first discussion posting. Many students find it helpful to make notes and start writing a draft for the first week’s homework/writing assignment.

What tips can you share for getting an early start in your online classes?