Although our Spring Break has only just begun and so many of us are hesitant to think about classes and coursework while the sun is shining, this week also happens to mark the release of the University Schedule of Classes for Fall 2020. Despite being several months away, it’s never too early to get a hold on your semester – I like to plan far in advance, partly because I want to make sure I can fill my schedule with classes that are necessary for my major requirements (and interesting regardless), but also because I have a loaded schedule and need to know how I can shape my working hours, class hours, and free time. to suit my needs
As a full time student, my credit requirement tends to mean that I will have to take a full five classes in the next semester. But, as a student who also works two jobs on top of that, my time is limited and I need an ideal schedule. If you find yourself in a similar position – or even if you’re just looking for a little more leniency in your schedule – I have found that it is a wonderful idea to include at least one online course in your semester total.
The Benefits of Online Courses
Online courses are favoured primarily for their flexibility. Instead of needing to meet on campus for a set block of time, in the same room, on the same days every week, an online class often has a set amount of work communicated to you ahead of time accompanied by set due dates or deadlines. Aside from needing to meet those deadlines, the time you spend studying, reading given materials, and otherwise completing work is structured how you see fit.
Some of my favourite online courses have followed a unit structure. In these courses, each week of the semester is considered a unit in which there are given readings (such as a chapter of a textbook or a few articles), a mandatory forum discussion (meant to encourage students to engage with the material and each other), and a short quiz on the reading that was assigned. The only times this unit structure changes is when a new assignment is introduced in place of the forum post or quiz, or when a midterm or final is assigned. In any of these circumstances, you will know of the change far in advance if it has not already been noted on your syllabus.
With this breadth of information readily at hand, it is entirely possible to plan out your full semester, if that’s something that helps you keep track of your work and your time. This also makes it possible to know when you will have the most time for other, non-class related activities, such as work or good old fashioned fun.
Minor Drawbacks
How well you perform in an online setting depends largely on what kind of student you are, what kind of instruction or guidance you need, and generally, how comfortable you are with self discipline and time management. If you know that you have trouble keeping to deadlines and completing work when you don’t have to physically check in with a figure of authority – online courses may be a little trickier for you to navigate.
Occasionally, you may also encounter an online course in which your Professor admits to having little experience with the online format. This can be a little frustrating, but it is also a fantastic opportunity to offer constructive advice and to help build a format that works for you, your instructor, and the class as a whole.
Tips and Tricks
How can you make the most of an online course, then? In theory, it’s pretty easy, but the execution can be a little difficult. To help you navigate an online course, either now or in the future, I’ve included a little bit of advice below.
- Prepare Early and Keep Organized. Before you commit to an online class, make sure that you have stable, uninterrupted access to a computer and internet. Afterwards, make sure that you are well prepared to keep up with the coursework. The best way to make sure that you remain on track is to keep some sort of planner or organizer. While I prefer a physical planner that I am able to write in, a calendar on your phone may work better for you – try out multiple methods and see what works best.
- Know What’s Expected of You. This includes knowing what work is assigned each week and knowing on what days or during what times certain portions or sections are due. It also means knowing just how much information your instructor wants you to provide in written assignments and forum posts.
- Practice Self Discipline. When you decide on a time frame for completing your online work, make sure you keep yourself on topic. This can be the hardest part, but the flexibility of your online classes won’t help you if you end up always pushing your work aside to do other things.
- Communicate. If you’re having trouble with the format, or if the deadlines don’t seem to fit your schedule very well, reach out to your instructor! More often than not, your instructor will be more than willing to work with you to find a solution to your individual troubles. They want to see you succeed.
- Try! This may sound basic, but it needs to be said. If you don’t put in the effort to make an online format work for you, then it isn’t going to. Make sure you tackle your classes with the proper mindset and motivation.
All in all, an online course can be the perfect addition to a busy schedule, so long as you are able to exercise a good amount of personal responsibility. If you’re looking to pursue this alternative option, then I wish you the best of luck in the coming semester!
Written by Brittany C., a Rutgers—Camden Undergraduate Student and Editor in Chief.