Give yourself an advantage with an arsenal of online tools for class. The extra assistance, and web tools will make the transition easier.

Here are some great tools and sites to add to your kit:

1. Time Tracker
   A to-do-list with a clock. This tool lets you know when you’re spending all of your time on one item, and alerts you to re-allocate time wasted to other efforts.
2. Co-mapping
   Online mind mapping software to manage and share information. You can use it to take notes, plan and organize. It’s a way to have one set of notes, and one set of files.
3. Notely
   For students looking to improve their grades with better organization, this is a great tool to utilize. Perfect for arranging your schedule, calendar, note-taking (if you need it), and homework planning.
4. Dropbox
   This is a virtual file storage unit. Just like google docs, it’s free to use, but this tool is great because you can access it from anywhere; your mobile phone, smartphone, laptop, desk top, any computer away from your home. It makes your documents mobile because they’re stored in a private area on the internet.
5. Zotero
   An add-on that helps a student keep track of all their sources while writing a research paper. It will help prepare a bibliographyfor Open Office or MS Word. It’s a Firefox extension.

Stay grounded in school, and carry an abundance of information and resources with you. If you know your options, you’ll be better equipped to handle the difficult assignments, time management issues, and term papers that come your way.

By J. Mason

College is the next logical step after high school. It’s part tradition, and part necessity for most professions. Continuing your education will depend on your readiness for a new environment, as well as new responsibilities. So, how do you know if you’re ready for the next step?

Read the full story

You can’t prepare for something when you don’t know what it is. If you have never experienced an online school before, now is your chance to become familiar with the online learning environment.

This is not your typical college fair. It is a real-time meet and greet with real students, staff, faculty and alumni from American Public University System, which includes American Military University and American Public University.

Who: American Public University System
What: Virtual College Fair
Where: Online
When: April 10, 2012
Time: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
How to register: Visit College Week Live for more details on attending.

What can you expect from this event?

• Live video and chat sessions with academics reps
• How to choose an academic program
• Overview of the admissions process
• Federal student aid information
• Military TA/Veteran Benefits
• Tuition Schedule
• A live step by step of the entire FAFSA process
• Special ask the faculty live session
• Exploring the classroom and e-campus
• Live presentation of student life in the online classroom
• Chat with Student Affairs, Career Services, and more University social groups

Reserve your spot today by registering for American Public University’s live virtual college fair.

Your success in online learning depends entirely on you. Instructors and resources are readily available, but it is your responsibility to make the best of the experience. No pressure, right? Following simple yet effective time management and organizational habits will greatly improve your higher education experience, online or otherwise.

[Setting Up Great (and Successful) Study Habits]

Enter your program gradually so you can feel out what fits into your life and once you are comfortable, maintain that balance with some helpful tips from your academic advisor. You’ll notice that a lot of the recommendations overlap, which must mean we’re onto something worthwhile!

[related: Top 5 Questions an Online Student Should Ask Their Academic Advisor]

1. Keep an agenda.
   In the online setting, tangible reminders of assignments are hard to come by. We don’t walk or drive to class and we don’t see our professors writing notes on the board. While this saves time spent getting ready and money for transportation costs, distance education is a tougher setting to physically connect with. Your campus, classmates, and often course materials are on the screen in front of you. A simple way to help bridge the distance is with an agenda that holds all the pertinent information you will need to succeed. Getting into the habit of physically writing down assignments and notes helps cement the information. Even writing down what habits work for you in an agenda will be that one extra thought to motivate you to keep up the good work.
2. Take advantage of the setting.
   An online classroom holds a much more diverse population than you’d find in a traditional classroom. Online learners are often pursuing their education virtually to best accommodate busy lives and careers. Use the flexibility of the online environment to your advantage. The syllabus and assignments are available to you as soon as the class opens; plot out the course by prioritizing assignments, breaking down your schedule, submitting work ahead of schedule if you have time and know you won’t later, and utilizing online resources. Online advisors and instructors are aware of their unique student population so don’t hesitate to contact them for help navigating through unexpected hurdles that interfere with your academic plan.
3. Utilize resources.
   Taking courses online includes assignments and instructors; however it also comes with a wealth of resources. Most institutions have extensive online libraries, tutoring services, student and alumni centers, and much more. Too often students run into last minute, high stress situations and only then contact the necessary outlets. If you familiarize yourself with the campus and resources preemptively, you will be better off when problems arise. Browsing library resources can especially benefit your coursework because there is always an article or database with new information that may be relevant to a paper or project you could be working on.

Being an involved, self-motivated student requires hard work. Subscribing to quality work and time management habits will make it easy and the proof will be found in a high GPA and in seamless academic progress. Your online university is created to allow for a quality, flexible higher education experience so do yourself a favor and tap into all the wonderful resources out there!

By Emily Ludeman
Academic Advisor at American Public University