Just like typical college professors, online college professors are more than happy to help students who feel confused or are struggling with their schoolwork.  That’s their job!  Instructors are here to help you learn and have an optimal educational experience.  Online is just the format, so don’t let it lead you to believing you cannot interact with your instructor. 

Most professors, however, won’t go out of their way to ask you if you need help.  They are busy grading papers and preparing their lesson plans.  So, don’t be afraid to speak up, and do so as soon as you start feeling unsure about a concept or lesson. If you wait until the end of the semester, you won’t be prepared for tests and the confusion will only snowball until it’s unmanageable.  Additionally, a little virtual “face time” with your professor may go a long way in your understanding of the class.

Source: Best Online Universities

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Not sure where to start budgeting your time? In the latest installment of “Ask an Advisor“, you’ll find helpful tips on how to strike a balance between your school work and your daily life commitments. Read the full story

Hoarding image courtesy of the University of Michigan Health System

So we’ve all probably seen those shows documenting people with extremely obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) who end up hoarding everything possible, until it consumes their lives and everyone around them. Most of us are lucky not to suffer from this serious disorder.  However, how many times have you found yourself saving a magazine or newspaper because you tell yourself “sure, I’ll read this later, so I will hang onto it until then”? Come on, you know you’re out there. Read the full story

Sometimes folks forget that they can print their assignments.  They just assume that an online classroom means that you have to read everything electronically.  Especially in this day and age when we’re all worried about waste and the environment. 

However, too often, important information is missed when reading on the computer. Print off lectures and assignments and store them in a folder near your workstation so that the information is available any time you need to quickly reference it.  You can print on recycled paper, with recycled ink and then recycle your notes after your course is complete.  By having a well organized well documented set of syllabi and course materials, you’ll be able to reference things from previous weeks quickly and efficiently. 

Additionally, by printing your assignments, you’ll be able to easily take notes and highlight important passages in the materials.  Just because you’re taking a class online with an e-book, that doesn’t mean you cannot print.   Also, if you have computer or internet access issues down the road, you’ll buy your self some extra time by printing assignments out early.

(source: Online Education Database)

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