Becoming a More Successful Online Learner

Here are some tips to help you prepare for your workspace for online course activities. 

• Get some peace and quiet. You will need a quiet place to work without distractions from things like television, family, or roommates. Have headphones for listening to lectures or discussions (especially important in shared spaces).
• Avoid social media. Consider installing website and app blockers that prevent you from using social media during specific times. 
• Turn off your cell phone. Let friends and family members know the hours that you will be "at" school. If you are in your own room, consider putting a sign on your door like "in class, please do not disturb." 
• Beware surfing. It is easy to lose track of the time as you wander from site to site.
• Consider ergonomics. Adjust the height of your chair, keyboard, and screen so that you are comfortable. Forearms and thighs should be level and parallel to the floor. Wrists should not be bent while typing.
• Set up good lighting and comfortable seating. Lighting in the room should be at least as bright as the computer screen to avoid eye strain.

In general, you will need the following resources at home in order to take online classes:

• A computer
• A webcam and microphone (almost all webcams have mics built in)
• Internet access

Not everyone has those resources at home, so here's a link to the IT Essentials Guide for Students to help you get all of the tools you need to be successful!

Additional Technology Resources

How to Set Up UW Email Forwarding

How to use UW Use Google Drive 

How to use UW OneDrive for Business

How to Join a Zoom Meeting for Students

How to Communicate in Zoom (for students)

Accessing Library Resources from Off-Campus & Technical Support - Many of the Libraries' databases, electronic journals, e-books, and other resources are available online, 24/7! However, most of them can only be accessed from off-campus by current UW students, faculty, and staff.

UWare - Download free or reduced cost software

As a UW Tacoma student, you have access to millions of library resources and services from anywhere with an internet connection! Here are some tips to improve your library research:

• Take it one step at a time. Even a small action can help when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Identify a few easy tasks to help you move forward as soon as you get your assignment. Some good options are doing a test search on your topic on the library’s website, setting up a meeting with your subject librarian, or finding a few helpful databases related to your course.
• Use your resources. Finding the right starting point can help you maximize your time and reduce stress. If you’re not sure where to begin, see if there is a research guide for your class or visit the Start Your Research page.
• Try out Interlibrary Loan (ILL).  If the library doesn’t have electronic access to an article, an ILL request typically only takes 1-2 days.  You can find a link to more information on Interlibrary Loan through Your Library Account.
• Ask for help. Research help is available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you’re meeting with a subject librarian on Zoom to brainstorm a research topic or in a late-night chat to answer a citation question, support is available. We can help via phone, Zoom, chat, or email.
• Stay informed. We’re always working to provide you the best support possible. You can stay up-to-date as services change by checking the Library Status box on the UW Tacoma Library homepage.

UW Tacoma Library Resources

• Ask Us! Email or chat 24/7
• Start Your Research
• UW Tacoma Library FAQs for Fall 2020

Online learning can be harder to manage your time than an in-person class. Without solid time management skills, you might easily find yourself cramming before classes or handing in subpar assignments.

Though how you manage your time will depend on your schedule, learning style, and personality, here are some universally valuable tips to help you practice and improve your time management skills. 

• Review the syllabus for each of your courses. Develop a long-term plan for completing your major assignments - If you know the due dates, you will be able to spread out your coursework, so you can complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Make a daily "To Do" list and create a weekly schedule that you follow, designating certain hours each week to reading, watching lectures, completing assignments, studying, and participating in forums. Commit to making your online coursework part of your weekly routine, and set reminders for yourself to complete these tasks.

• Stay organized  – If you have separate binders, notebooks, and folders, you will be able to locate assignments easier. Also, avoid clutter. You can also use digital note taking systems like Google Docs or Evernote. 
• Stay healthy – Practicing regular exercise keeps energy levels up, resulting in a more engaged mind. Getting adequate sleep and eating healthy also helps. 
• Check in periodically throughout the quarter, and look at how you’re spending your time. Ask yourself: How much time am I dedicating to course reading and assignments? Am I regularly underestimating the time it’s taking me to get things done, forcing me to cram the nights before the exams? A little self-reflection and adjustment can go a long way.

Peer Success Mentors are available to guide their peers toward academic success through one-on-one appointments to discuss study habits, set academic goals and develop effective learning strategies. 

See more general Time Management Tips

Communication skills are vital in online learning because students must seek help when they need it.

Instructors are willing to help students, but they are unable to pick up on non-verbal cues, such as a look of confusion on a student's face. Here are some tips to communicate effectively in a virtual space. 

• Use the tools provided by the school to communicate with your instructors. These might include e-mail, discussion groups, chat room office hours, cell phones, and even text messaging. Instructors want to help you to succeed in your classes and will answer your questions. It may feel awkward to talk with your instructors this way, but don't worry. If your instructor has chat room or cell phone office hours, don't be shy about using those tools to communicate with your instructor.
• Use appropriate style and language for school. When communicating with instructors and other staff, you should write in full, grammatically correct sentences and with a respectful tone. Many students are used to a very informal style of writing in chat rooms, blogs, text messages, and so forth.
• Because of the distance, it's tempting for some students to say things out of anger or frustration that they would never say to an instructor in person. Online teachers are professionals. Treat them with respect and courtesy.

Netiquette

Netiquette refers to a code of behavior to promote professional digital interaction. When attending an online class or in a breakout room, treat the experience as you would an in-person class, especially if you are required to show yourself on video. Think about how you are presented both in words (in a Chat or other typed discussion board), in sound (because everyone can hear all of the sounds in the room you are in), and in image (because everyone can see you and the background - real, virtual - behind you).

• Include a subject line. Give a descriptive phrase pertaining to your message (not just “Hi!”)
• Avoid sarcasm. People who do not know you may misinterpret your meaning.
• Acknowledge and return messages promptly. Check your student email and course messages for important information sent to you from your instructors.
• Use appropriate language. Avoid coarse, rough, or rude language. Observe good grammar and spelling.
• Use appropriate intensifiers to help convey meaning. Avoid “flaming” (online screaming) or sentences typed in all caps. Use asterisks surrounding words to indicate emphasis.
• Any derogatory or inappropriate comments regarding race, gender, age, religion or sexual orientation are unacceptable and subject to disciplinary action.

Remember that distance learning interactions are still overseen by the Student Conduct Code and all prohibited conduct, including academic misconduct, alcohol/drug violations, computer abuses, bullying, harassment, violence, and discriminatory acts, will be sanctioned as appropriate.

It is easy to forget about wellness when you are at a desk in front of computer. It is important to take care of our bodies and minds now more than ever. Practicing self-care every day includes relaxing, getting the appropriate amount of sleep, exercising when possible and staying connected with our communities.  

Here are six quick tips for self-care:

• Connect with community: Take time every day to connect with your community. This can mean friends, family, or peers. Pick three people a day to check in with. Social distancing does not mean isolation, so find creative ways to stay connected.
• Take a break and relax every day: take breaks and make a point of relaxing and doing things you enjoy everyday.
• Limit information intake: checking the news constantly leads to unnecessary stress and anxiety. You can stay informed by checking reputable news sources occasionally, not constantly.
• Practice gratitude: Taking time out of every day, even in difficult times, to practice gratitude can help us persist through challenges. What are you grateful for today? Take two minutes every day to make a list.
• Sleep: Sleep helps your body recharge and your brain to consolidate learning. Aim for 7-8 hours every night.
• Exercise: Even in close quarters you can find creative ways to exercise. UW Recreation offers live and pre-recorded fitness classes and more. 

There are a number of UW resources available online, including:

• Coping with COVID-related stress.
• UW TACOMA COUNSELING & PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
• Self Care and Family Resources on the E-Syllabus page