How to achieve success in online courses

Published

:twocents:I just got done with my pre-req's, and am on my way to clinicals! I wanted to share with you what worked for me as far as achieving excellent grades in online courses. I took Microbiology, A & P I, A & P II, and Chemistry online. My "recipe" worked with every class and I hope it works for you too. Good luck to all!

  • Of course, do your assignments in a timely fashion. If your text book offers review questions as you go along, answer them- write the answer in the book for review before the quiz. Make sure you print out the "class lecture" notes your teacher provides. Put them in a note book. Make sections for each module.
  • As far as the labs go, if you have trouble with an answer go beyone your class materials and do some research on the web. Google what you are looking for! I was asked very specific questions about the outcomes of the Anatomy computer simulated labs, so make sure you complete them.
  • At the end of each chapter, if questions are offered, review them. In fact, photo-copy them, with the answer circled and put them in your note book. Some of these questions will be on your quiz. Use sticky notes to mark important pages in your text book. Online tests and quizzes are timed- they don't want us to spend too much time looking up answers! If you know the material, you won't need to try to look anything up.
  • After you take that chapter's quiz, write out the questions and answers. Put them in your notebook. You will use them to study for your tests and finals. Make sure your notebook has sections for each chapter or module. Make sure you can locate things in your note book easily it is a great tool to study from.
  • Regarding lab quizes, after you take the quiz, write out the questions and answers to study from. Use your highlighter to identify body parts in your labs your teacher thought was important enough to quiz you on! You will see some of these same parts again on the final.
  • Tests: after every couple chapters or modules you will have a larger test. Study from your notebook. Go through chapters and pay attention to your sticky notes. Definietly re-read your "lecture" notes and the quizes you already took.
  • After you take your test, log on daily and see when your teacher will let you review your test with the correct answers. Use a tape recorder and SLOWLY read through the test. You will use this to study from for finals. You can listen to this while you are driving too. After listening to each about 3 times, I then went through and wrote down the questions and answers I still couldn't get through my head.
  • The finals seemed like the easiest tests of all because at this point I KNEW what the questions would probably be, and I WAS right! I got high 90's on all of my finals.
  • Lastly: Discussion Questions. As far as I'm concerned these are free points. You know the topic, you know you have to list your sources, and have a week or two to complete this and respond to your classmates. Write a good discussion response at least 2 or 3 paragraphs long, and SUPPORT YOUR POSITION. Use the spell check the program comes equipped with, and proof read your work before you submit it.

I know this sounds like a lot of work, but it wasn't. I didn't leave things to the last minute. (well I did two times, and then I had to recover from 60's on quizzes). It especially didn't seem like too much work when I got that final grade of an A ! :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I AM GOING TO FOLLOW THIS STRATEGY...I know online classes are a very independent way of learning....I am VERY nervous but Anxious @the same time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am considering taking a couple of classes online b/c the ones that really work great for me are full. Your program sounds great!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That's pretty much how I do my on-line courses as well.

I'm finishing up A&P I now. Our instructor also includes a ton of website links to review, especially for the lab portion. They are a must as most of the time that will be where our "images" on the tests/quizzes come from.

I also find it helpful to use index cards and to draw out some items on my own to reinforce what I've learned. For example, bones, neurons, etc. They aren't beautiful, but for a visual learner, it's a great help.

My instructor is Indian as well...so it's helpful to listen to her lecture several times to be sure to I get everything. Her pronunciation of some terms is "unique" as well, this is where dictionary.com helps to "get it right".

Part of it is figuring out the instructor...what they want, how they want you to answer it, etc. Pay attention and you'll be fine!

Good luck! On-line courses have been wonderful for me!

Sharon

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

One other thing that helped me with my online prereq courses....if you have any question about the material, or are having trouble understanding a concept, ASK your professor. Try it by email first, but if that doesn't help you, ask for a face-to-face meeting for some personal help. My profs were always willing to lend a hand to an interested student.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Infusion.

That is pretty much how I study for all classes! I wouldn't be brave enough to try the sciences online though! LOL!

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Alzheimers and geriatric patients.

I'm taking medical terminology this Fall online. I'll definatley use those tips! Thanks so much for posting them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I wish I read this before taking my online classes. Either I am a terrible procrastinator or I work best under pressure, because I always left things til the last minute, lol.

Somehow I managed to pass, but these are really great tips. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment