Top 5 Mistakes Online Students Make!
You might enter into your first day of your online degree program thinking this is going to be just like being in a classroom. But online learning presents different challenges than classroom learning (and some really cool bonuses as well). Here are some of the most common mistakes students are prone to while earning their degree online and how to deal with these issues before they become a problem.
1. The Biggest and Most Common Mistake… Procrastinating
When you work on your own schedule, it can be all too easy to tell yourself you’ll handle that later. As difficult as it can be to stay on task during traditional school, it can be even more difficult to focus when your education is completely online.
How to avoid this mistake: Set deadlines for yourself and follow them. Don’t let yourself slip into the mindset that you can get it all done at the last minute and learn everything you need to know without the care and consideration that goes into learning.
2. Not Staying Connected to the Online Classroom
With so much of our lives now taking place online, adding school to the mix might feel overwhelming. While some people might advise completely turning off devices and not accessing the Internet at all for long periods of time, when you’re earning a degree online, this can prove disastrous.
How to avoid this mistake: In order to keep in touch with classmates, stay on top of discussion threads, and find out quickly if an assignment has changed or a date has been moved, check your school e-mail account at least once a day and keep up with your Canvas dashboard. If you’re waiting on an email or think class might be canceled for some reason, stay on top of it. Nothing is more frustrating than not getting a relevant message until hours later. But beyond frustrating, an assignment or deadline change could cost you a grade.
3. Getting Distracted by Anything and Everything
Going to school from home can be challenging just for the fact that when you can go to school in your living space, you might find yourself getting distracted by everything else in your living space. Whether your distractions take the form of people or familiar items, it can be difficult to stay focused with so many distractions competing for your attention.
How to avoid this mistake: Start by preparing your workspace, and yourself, for online classes. Take breaks when you need them to regain your focus when you’re struggling. Most of all, get your work done early so if you need to take an hour or the entire evening off from your studies, you’re not fighting to beat the clock with a mountain of coursework.
4. Losing Track of Assignments, Tests, and Quizzes
Was that paper due tomorrow or next Thursday? Since online learning is digital and the vast majority of your work won’t be physical papers, it can be easy to lose track of when assignments, quizzes, and tests are due. While missing one a session might not be a big deal, missing one can lead to missing two, and then your grade will pay the price.
How to avoid this mistake: Canvas offers a To Do List to help you keep track of your assignments and tests. With an app you can use on your phone or tablet, it becomes even easier to check what’s due and keep ahead of your coursework. Be sure to check and double check your list to ensure you’re on top of your classwork.
5. Not Preparing for the Unique Challenges of Online Learning
You might be tempted to think online learning is the exact same as classroom learning. While you will still have tests and quizzes, you will have a very different experience than in a classroom. While this has some downsides, there are plenty of bonuses to online learning as well. Be sure you understand the pros and the cons before your first semester starts.
How to avoid this mistake: It’s true that you can’t really know what online learning is like until you’ve been through it. But going in with an open mind will help you to make adjustments where needed and adapt to this learning style.
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Are you ready for the challenges and triumphs of online learning? ECPI offers year-round classes with accelerated course work, helping students to earn their degrees faster. With several degree prorgams available that are 100% online, you never have to leave the comfort of your own living room to learn. If online learning sounds right for you, contact an admissions counselor today. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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