How To Learn Online: Navigate New Ways Of Meeting Education Goals

Tips for Keeping in Touch:

• Keep your instructor informed. Self-advocate by asking your instructor for help when you need it. Let them know if you are ill, unable to log on, need an extension on an assignment, etc.
• Reflect and chat with peers. Share your learning goals, study tips, additional resources relevant to the course, something that makes you laugh, music you love, etc.
• Assume good intent. Everyone is trying their best. Emails and text-based discussions do not have the verbal and visual cues you're used to seeing to inform your reaction and interpretation.

Collaboration

Collaboration and group work in an online learning environment can be a very rewarding experience. Working together helps you improve communication skills and strengthen your knowledge of a topic by incorporating others' points of view. Learning to manage tasks as a group and collaborate efficiently and effectively are also important workplace skills.

Getting Started. If group work assignments are a component of your course, start by carefully reviewing the assignment details to make note of major tasks and requirements. Take time to get acquainted with your teammates, whether your team is determined by your instructor or you are tasked with finding a team. Discuss the project with your team and make sure everyone in the group understands the assignment fully.

Planning. As with anything, have a solid plan.

• List out the tasks required and the steps to achieve those tasks.
• Assign roles and tasks. Decide upon a leader to keep the group members on schedule and accountable to deadlines.
• Create a schedule. Work backwards from the project due date to determine realistic deadlines for milestones and associated tasks.

Choose technology for collaboration. You and your team should choose technology and tools that allow easy communication and collaboration for all team members. Be sensitive to the limitations team members might have, including Internet access, video and audio capabilities, cloud services that may require a subscription fee, and privacy concerns. There are a range of free or paid options. Your instructor may have suggestions or requirements as to what you and your team should use.

Communicating. Practice active listening and supportive communication with your teammates. Offer constructive and actionable feedback, not just criticism and negative comments. Make suggestions to group members that may need help, but resist doing their tasks for them. Address issues within the group early, and communicate any issues that can't be resolved by the group to your instructor.

 

Thank you for joining us for this short book "How to Learn Online".

I wish you all the best as you pursue your learning goals.