You CAN Succeed!

Whether you're new to online courses or returning, here are a few tips to help you succeed!

Time Management

Time management is the #1 reported challenge by Moraine Valley online students. Start thinking about your time management strategies now. Check out this short video created by students and faculty, Online Course Tips for Success: Time Management.

Here are a few tips to get you started!

Schedule time each day
- Decide today, when and where you are going to study. Shorter sessions are more productive than an all-nighter.
Use a planner
- Whether you prefer a digital calendar or a paper planner, use it. Add each assignment, quiz and study session now. Review your syllabus carefully.
- Have a larger assignment or project? Create mini-deadlines to make sure you're on track.
- Don't forget to add your personal and professional obligations to the same calendar. This will decrease the likelihood of overcommitting.
Ask for help
- Moraine Valley has many resources to help you. Take advantage of the campus resources early and often.
- Don't be afraid to ask. Remember to ask your instructor questions early on. This will provide the instructor time to respond and time for you to take advantage of the response or ask a clarifying question.

Communication

Communication is an important factor in being a successful student. View this short video by students and faculty for their advice, Online Course Tips for Success: Communication.

Here are a few tips to get you started!

Instructor
- Your instructor is here to help you! Don't be afraid to ask your question. It's a good idea to double check the syllabus and classroom first. This may save you time.
- When communicating with your instructor, provide a little context to your question. For instance, "I need help on the assignment." is vague. Instead, try this "Could you help me with Essay #2? I was able to locate information on the first topic, but I can't find a relevant resource for the second. I tried x, y, and z."
- Take a little time to review your message before sending it. A few items to consider:
  - Provide a descriptive subject line. Use "Unit 1 Assignment" and not "Help me!!!"
  - How did you address the email? When in doubt, use Professor instead of a "Hey there!".
  - Did you proofread for spelling and grammar? A simple typo can cause a contusion. (Get it? A simple typo doesn't cause a contusion, but it can cause confusion!)
  - Use complete sentences and avoid text messaging abbreviations. Use punctuation cautiously. There's a difference between "Right!" and "Right!?!?!!!!"
  - Did you identify yourself? Which class are you taking?
Emails & Announcements
- You're encouraged to check your student email and announcements in each of your courses daily. It only takes you a few minutes but it will keep you informed.

Organization

Taking an online course has many benefits, including flexibility and low traffic times. It also has its challenges. Check out this short video by students and faculty, Online Course Tips for Success: Organization.

Here are a few more tips to help with organization.

Select a study area: This study area should be away from as many distractions as possible. You will want an area with a stable Internet connection and a computer or laptop.
Digital folders: Create a new folder for each of your courses on your computer. Save the files in the correct folder each time and you avoid wasted time searching for your homework.
Create a schedule in a planner or digital calendar: Block off dates and time on your schedule that you can use to study and complete assignments. Plan for more time than you think will be necessary. Add assignment due dates and exams to your schedule. Also, you will want to fill in other obligations such as employment and social engagements.

Review Grades

Transcript for Video

The Grades page displays all grades for a course's assignments. You can also view scoring details, comments, and rubrics. Information about the instructor's grading system is also provided.

The Grades page also includes a feature called the "What-If? Gradebook". This allows for clicking on any grade and testing a score, seeing its effect upon the final grade for the class. This helps to give an idea of needed assignment grades to reach a desired final grade in a course. For more information, read the guide "How do I approximate my assignment scores using the What-If Grades feature?".