A lot of first-time online students have a bit of anxiety and nervousness surrounding their first online classroom experience.  I wanted to compile some do’s and don’ts for those of you who may be new to this!

I did a bit of crowdsourcing for this post… thanks to the awesome folks from the AMU Facebook page for their awesome insight!

Without keeping you waiting any longer, here’s my top 10 list of online classroom fails (as shared with me by real, live online students!):

1. Cursing or ranting in a discussion post.
2. Improper use of grammar.
3. Failure to use spell check.
4. THE USE OF ALL CAPS.
5. Not citing your work, “borrowing” from classmates’ posts.
6. Failing to proof-read your post before submitting.
7. Attacking classmates and/or their opinions or beliefs.
8. Improperly using the copy/paste function from Word (resulting in a bunch of code mumbo jumbo before your actual post).
9. Scrutinizing classmates’ work instead of constructively contributing to discussion.
10. Being boisterous and presumptuous.

Want to read more? Check out the thread here!

By N. Cooper

You wouldn’t enroll in a class at the local college and attend without ever speaking to or getting to know a soul, now would you?

Just because it’s easier to slink into the corner of your classroom discussion when you go to school online, it doesn’t mean that it’s okay to go through your online education without getting to know your peers.

Your peers can prove to be valuable resources during your studies, as well as post-graduation.  Building a network with the folks that share classes with you; or even those that share similar interests, can help you with school assignments, job placement/coaching, and more.

[Find your peers on Facebook]

Don’t take the easy road, branch out and get to know the people you go to school with, you won’t regret it!

Have you thought about going to college? Are you unsure if it’s the best choice or the right time for you? Do you have questions about admissions, student culture, or technology requirements? When someone decides to jump into higher learning, it can be an eye-opening and sometimes overwhelming experience. It’s okay. Take a deep breath and relax—you’re about to embark on a rewarding journey. This is not a choice that should be made quickly. It requires a little research, self-assessment, and firm goal setting. Here are a few reasons people choose to enroll:

• Achieve qualifications that employers require for specific jobs.
• Enjoy the sense of accomplishment and respect that comes with having an associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree.
• Increase your potential to earn more on the job.
• Join a community of people just like you, who appreciate lifelong learning.
• Satisfy your thirst for knowledge about a particular study or about many disciplines.

Just remember, people of all ages and walks of life choose to bolster their careers, enhance their earning potential, and achieve their educational goals by getting an advanced degree.

[Considering online learning? Read, "Online University—Is if Right for Me?"]  

By Online Learning Tips Staff

Don’t just slink away into the back room and come out, red-eyed and silent, after a few hours of studying. Share bits and pieces of what you’re learning with your friends and family. If you discover something interesting, bring it up at the dinner table or discuss it while driving your kids to school. Let your spouse or friends tag along on field trips to the art museum or city counsel. Chances are they’ll enjoy being involved in this part of your life and you’ll appreciate the chance to share it!

(source: About.com)

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