As you read about each of these key skills think about what your virtual classroom will be, and how you can create a productive working space and gain the skills needed for success.

Organization

Being organized is important in any course, but it is even more important in an online course where you are responsible for not only learning the content, but for when and where you learn the content. There won’t be a scheduled time and place for you to be every week to get class work done, so you have to plan for that on your own. Some of the things to think about when getting organized are:

Location – Find a place(s) where you will be able to concentrate, keep any supplies that you need, a place you can easily access when you are ready to do your work and that will be available to you when you need it, and one that will give you internet access.

Supplies – Look at the course syllabus as soon as it is available and figure out what you will need for the course. Make sure to order any textbooks, download reading assignments, have all the needed software downloaded to your computer, paper and pens (yes even in an online course these can come in handy), and you might want to have a thumb drive for backing up your work.

Backup plan – Sometimes computers crash and information can be lost. Create a backup system so you don’t lose important information. It is a terrible feeling when a paper you have been working on vanishes, or your computer crashes and you lose all of your work. Instead of composing in the discussion board or assignment page of your course use a word processor, where you can save the information, then paste it into your course. This way you won’t lose your work if there is a connection problem with the internet.

Calendar – Organizing your time is extremely important. Figure out a place to keep all of the important dates for your course, like due dates for assignments, tests, and exams. Don’t forget to include the time each week you have scheduled for working on the course.

Just in case – In an ideal world everything will run smoothly and you will sail through the class. However, it never hurts to have some plans in place just in case there is a problem. Plan to turn your assignments in early in case you have a technology problem. You don’t want to turn in an assignment late because of a computer crash, software problems, or because you can’t access the internet. Have a plan for accessing another computer in case you have problems with yours. That could mean going to a library, or borrowing one from a friend or family member, and that is when having your work backed up on another device is helpful as well. Put important contact information for the course someplace where you can access it when you need it. Maybe, create a document and print it, or store it on your phone, so it is handy if you need help with something.

Self-Motivation

For some students having weekly face to face meetings where you engage with other students and an instructor provides the motivation to keep up with the course work. In an online course you won’t have those face to face opportunities, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay motivated.

Determine why you are taking the course, and use that as motivation to be successful.

Is it a graduation requirement? Then put a picture of a cap and gown near your computer.
Is it a course that will help you with your career, or landing your first job? Put up notes near potential distractors reminding you why you are taking the course.
Are you motivated by money, keep a reminder of the cost of the course nearby to motivate you to do your work and not waste the money spent on the course.
Are you motivated by rewards? Set up a reward system so you treat yourself for every successful assignment you turn in, or you let yourself buy something you really want if you get an A in the course, or tell someone about each success in the course who will give a deserved congratulations for doing well.
Create a list of all of the assignments due for the course and check each one off as you turn it in to keep yourself motivated to keep up with the assignments.

Computer Skills

You are probably comfortable using a computer and can easily get started in your course. Before the course starts take some time to become comfortable with the course site. You will want to know where to find assignments, quizzes, tests, announcements, and discussions. If you are having trouble you can always get help directly from Canvas. Just click on the question mark in the lower left of the screen. You will see a variety of ways that you can get support, including a 24/7 phone line.

Make sure to check the course syllabus to find out if there is any new software you need to download and do that before the course starts so you can get help if needed, Then, spend some time testing out the software. Even if you already own the software needed for your course you may want to become more comfortable using it. For example, if you will have to create a presentation in PowerPoint, or turn in Excel spreadsheets, now would be a good time to become comfortable with the software, or find out where to get help if you need it. There are plenty of free online options you could use. Maybe you have a friend who is skilled in the software and would be willing to help you if you get stuck. Figuring all of this out before the class starts will set you up for success.

Your professor might offer virtual office hours, or online conferences to help you understand the content. If this is the case you will need access to a microphone (it may be built into your computer) or a video camera (may be in your computer already) to participate.

You may be asked to purchase an online textbook or access the publishers website for additional course content, activities, and assignments. You will want to do this before class starts as well, so you have time to get used to using these resources.

Online classes often rely on typed assignments. You may be asked to write an essay, complete a worksheet, participate in a discussion board, or create a presentation. All of these require typing. If typing doesn't come easy to you it might be worth getting in some practice time, or you might want to leave extra time for assignments so you have the time you need to complete activities that will require typing.

Writing

In online learning, many, if not all, of your assignments will involve writing. If you are not used to doing a lot of writing for a course, then make sure to leave plenty of time for writing, editing, and revising your assignments. Always proofread your work before submitting it, even if it is just a response on a discussion board. You should assume that the instructor expects your writing to have correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation, even for discussion board posts and questions about assignments.

It is usually best to use a word processor, like Microsoft word to write your assignments. Even discussion board posts and responses. Once you are finished writing, proof reading, and editing then you can upload your finished file, or you can copy your writing and paste it into the appropriate place.

It is not appropriate in a course to use emoticons or other abbreviations that you might typically use when texting or e-mailing friends.

During the academic year, you can also get help with your writing from the Learning Center.

Self-Direction

One of the great benefits of online learning is the ability to learn anywhere and anytime. One of the responsibilities of the online learning is the need for self-direction.

In an online course, you can’t rely on in-class reminders from your instructor to get your work done. Even quizzes, tests, and exams frequently happen on your own time. The benefit is that you get to decide when and where to do your work. If you work best in the morning, then you might take your exam at 9:00 AM; if you are a late-night person, then you can complete your assignments at 2:00 AM. However, this also requires you to be responsible for getting your work done, keeping up with the course, and meeting deadlines. There are many ways to do this, and having these skills will benefit you both as a student and as an employee.

Before the first day of the course create a plan, be realistic, be consistent, and create whatever system you need to make sure you follow through. Being self-directed doesn’t mean you can’t enlist the help of others. Asking family members, friends, or other students, to check in with you, or remind you of your plan may help keep you on track. You should also evaluate your plan every few weeks to make sure it is working and make changes for things that aren’t working.