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Lesson 2.4:
1. Taking notes in an online class
1. Taking notes in an online class
Below is a Cornell Notes template. Why not try it out by taking notes on the slide show? (Mobile users may wish to open it in a new tab.)
2. Studying for online tests and quizzes
2. Studying for online tests and quizzes
Tests, quizzes, and labs are common assessment tools that students will encounter when taking an online class. Many of the ways that you prepare for tests are similar to how you would prepare for a pen-and-paper exam. See the information wall below to familiarize yourself with best practices for studying, with some additional tips for online test-taking
Plan ahead
Plan ahead
Researchers find that making and keeping a study schedule is one of the most effective ways of learning and applying material. Studying effectively is not a result of chance--it is an outcome of planning and prioritizing your time.
How to do it:
Designate specific study hours during the week
Choose a location to study where you can concentrate without being disturbed
Have supplies on hand—water, pens, sticky notes, so that you have what you need
Don’t rely on inspiration to strike—make studying a habit, not a special occasion
Organize everything
Organize everything
When you have a test or quiz, you need to go through and assemble the materials you need to go over. This can be pulling up PowerPoints, going over readings and discussion posts, or gathering flashcards that you made. Well-structured notes, folders, and readings will make your study session more effective!
How to do it:
Prepare and organize your notes in advance!
Color coding is your friend—have a different color associated for each course so you can find materials quickly and easily
How to study: Review, Repeat, Repeat
How to study: Review, Repeat, Repeat
Studying effectively starts way before your exam date. Help your future self by setting aside 30-60 minutes each week where you review that week’s notes, lecture, and materials. When you know your test date, set aside 30-60 minutes each day to review your material. Research shows that spacing your studying out over time aids your retention of the material.
How to do it:
Overlearn your material by making yourself flashcards and reviewing them until you’ve got the info down pat
Make flashcards using an online tool, like Quizlet
Re-type your notes to help you remember them
Highlight your chapter or an article to help pull out main points
Remember what you read
Remember what you read
Skimming through pages and pages of work before a test won’t help you unless you remember the key points of what you read later on. Whenever you’re rereading and studying, be sure to identify key points that you can easily remember when you’re taking the test.
How to do it:
Read the text out loud
Read an article or chapter and then write yourself a summary paragraph highlighting important concepts
Summarize a chapter for a friend—share with them what you know, and then have them do the same
Develop questions based on your reading to test yourself on later
Online testing logistics
Online testing logistics
When taking a test online, you need to be careful to keep your internet connection strong and not accidentally close the window or tab that you’re taking the test in.
How to do it:
Sign into your learning management system 5-10 minutes early for the test to make sure there are no login issues or tech issues occurring
Consider plugging an Ethernet cord directly into your router to ensure a stable internet connection, rather than relying on Wi-Fi
Close any non-essential applications or windows not related to your test
In a new window, find the test in your learning management system. Be sure to not close that window until you’ve submitted the test, otherwise some of your answers may not be saved
If you run into internet issues while taking the test, screenshot what happened and email your professor immediately to let them know what happened.
When you’re finished with your test, click “submit.” Only press this button once. Only close the window when you see confirmation that you’ve submitted your test.
3. Common campus resources
3. Common campus resources
No matter your college or university, there are dedicated departments on your campus that are there to help you succeed. Every university may call certain resources something different, so if you can't find a particular resource on your campus, speak with an advisor to see what it might be called and where it is located. Knowing the resources available at your school—and using them—can make a huge difference in your college experience. Play the game below to discover some useful resources that are available to you. (Mobile users may wish to open it in a new tab.)
Part 4: Building community when taking online classes
Part 4: Building community when taking online classes
Research from a 2019 community college engagement report showed that students who feel a sense of belonging to their university, and who feel valued by their professor and peers, receive better grades when taking online classes.
Building a community online can be challenging when you haven’t met your peers or professor in person. However, there are lots of ways to reach out and build relationships through email, lectures, and discussion posts. Building a relationship beforehand can also make it easier to reach out to others if you find yourself falling behind or needing a helping hand.
Read on for some tips below.
Introduce yourself. Don’t underestimate the power of a first impression. When taking an online class, email the professor to explain a bit about your background, your major, questions and concerns about the course, or anything else that you’d like to share. This shows you take initiative as a student, and when you need to ask for help, the professor will already know a bit about you and your background.
Use the chat function. If you’re taking a synchronous course, drop a line in the chat function with your name and a quick hello during your first class.
Respond (thoughtfully) to a discussion post. If your classmate writes a great discussion post, take some time to respond with why you liked their post. Better yet, further the discussion with an example from your own experiences to keep the conversation going.
Form an online study group. Get to know other students—and keep your grades up at the same time! Set up a Zoom call to help you prepare for an upcoming exam, with extra time for chat and digressions as you get to know your classmates.
Hold a virtual boardgame night or get-together. Lots of games, like Codenames or Scattergories, can easily be played online with friends from class. You can also throw a PowerPoint party, where every participant prepares a 3-minute PowerPoint on a topic they’re passionate about. Topics can include why The Fast and the Furious series is cinematic gold, why Survivor is the best reality show ever, or anything else that you’re interested in—the possibilities are endless.
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