The secrets to success! The following are what have worked well for me:
1. Always read the syllabus. Pay attention to grading percentages and expectations. Many times your discussions are 25-30% of your final grade, so this is a big part. Focus your efforts on what provides the highest grade value first if you feel you cannot keep up in a week.
2. Many facilitators grade discussions differently. Some look for more posts, other more references, and most quality content and strong involvement.
3. Assignments and or papers are usually also a big part of your grade. Every class is different as attributed to assignments. Some have a couple and other one per week. Try to do well on your assignments. Ensuring you follow the grading rubric will usually get you the best grade.
4. Weekly quizzes and midterms. Some courses will have a weekly quiz and or midterm. For example, my financial classes had weekly quizzes. This was a good thing as it helps you understand where you stand. The facilitators and instructor truly care about how you do and will always help you or point you in the right direction, so never be afraid to ask a question.
5. Final exams are usually always proctored. The easiest place to take one of these is a local college. The Vista instructions will point you in the right direction when the time closes near. Pay attention to the grade percentage value of the final.
I had a class where it was 40%. I also had one where it was only 10%. Keep in mind the professors structure the course to accommodate the best learning scenario. Almost all exams are multiple choice. Some require mathematics and or essay answers.
6. Lastly just do the best you can. Try to get online at least once every day, and remember that these online courses are harder than the ones we take in person as they require dedication and discipline as you don't have to physically sit in front of an instructor and you cannot merely raise your hand to ask a question.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
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1 comment:
Dan,
Thanks for the advice! Really good tips; I can use them too, this is only my second course.
Best,
Erik
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