Online Learning Tips
Online learning is such a valuable tool, offering flexibility for those juggling work, family, and school.
Tips for Taking Online Classes
- Exercise discipline. Recognize that online courses are “real” courses. Show up to class on time and treat the class like a face-to-face course.
- Structure your time. Flexibility is an advantage with online classes, but it requires time management.
- Add major assignments to your calendar and schedule out enough time to complete your projects on schedule.
- Make sure to keep your calendar updated – use one that you check regularly. Make a practice of checking first thing every morning so you don’t miss important assignments and deadlines.
- If you have flexibility with class scheduling, do your classes during a time when you will be most receptive. Mornings can be great before the distractions of the day set in.
- Set goals and be accountable. It’s great to have an instructor that sends reminders, but it’s best not to be fully dependent on that – there’s a lot going on around us right now, set your own reminders. Find a classmate and become digital accountability partner.
- Manage your environment. If your family congregates in the living room, set up a spot in your bedroom, free from distractions, noise, and clutter. Turn off your cell phone and stay away from social media during your school time.
- Take advantage of resources. Facetime or Skype with classmates to keep that class connection intact and work collectively on projects, if possible.
- Communicate. Your instructor is ready to help you. If you are struggling with a lecture, don’t hesitate to contact your instructor so they can better assist.
- Online students have access to the same services as on-campus students such as the registrar’s office, career services, academic advisors, library, and financial aid.
Computer/Software Requirements
Below are the recommended minimum computer requirements in order to take online courses at Southeastern Community College. Contact your instructor for additional course requirements.
Personal Computer
- Windows XP or later operating system
- Pentium III processor
- 512MB of RAM
- Storage – 40 GB or more
- 56 kbps modem – Broadband preferred
- Sound Card/CD-ROM/printer Speakers/headset/microphone
- JavaScript and cookies must be enabled
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 browser or later
- Moxilla Firefox 2.0 browser or later
- Microsoft Office – Recommended
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
Macintosh
- MacOs X 10.4.x or later
- Power PC processor
- 1 GB MB of Ram
- Storage – 80 GB or more
- 56 kbps modem/ broadband preferred
- Sound Card/CD-ROM/printer Speakers/headset/microphone
- Safari 2.x or Firefox 2.x or higher
- Microsoft Office – Recommended
- Adobe Acrobat Reader