Top 7 Tips for Student Success Online: Start with 'Why'

Savanna Winstead says a little personal reflection could be the most helpful homework a college student does to ensure their success.

"My No. 1 tip to give a student would be to Identify their why," said Winstead, who works as an online student coach for the Global Campus at the University of Arkansas. "There are many reasons to attend college and achieve a bachelor's degree, so I would encourage students to identify the intrinsic and extrinsic values in why they are choosing to attend."

Knowing why will help create a deeper connection to a student's degree plan, she said.

"It will make it more meaningful and help them understand it is not just something they are forced to know, but something that holds value and can open up a lot of opportunities in their lives," she said.

 

Support Services

The Global Campus supports the U of A academic colleges and schools in the development and delivery of online degree programs and courses, and workforce development programs. This unit provides instructional design services, learning technology support, media production services, and assistance with financial administration, recruitment and marketing.

Within Global Campus, the Innovation and Online Student Experience team focuses on ways to help students studying online be successful. It includes liaisons, coaches and an orientation specialist. Liaisons typically work with students through enrollment, when coaches take over. Online orientation gives students a chance to familiarize themselves with the technology, resources and support services at the U of A.

Through their extensive interactions with students in online programs, these Global Campus staff members have a firm grasp on how to help students. 

 

Using Resources

Randy Forst, online student orientation specialist, offers a tip he wishes he used more when he completed an online master's degree.

"I believe the best tip that I could give is to be sure to use all of the resources that are provided for you," he said. "There are so many different resources available: online tutoring, the Writing Studio, the subject librarians, the student coaches, along with your professors who are all eager to help you be successful."

Forst also suggests communicating with family members so that everyone knows what is going on and what you need as a student to be successful.

 

A Clear Plan

Kati Williams, the online student coaching coordinator, suggests students use a planner. It can be pen and paper or a digital tool used to organize your schedule.

"It may sound cliché, but writing down due dates, upcoming tests, and other important deadlines can make a huge difference," she said. "I always suggest that students review their syllabus during the first week of classes and note every assignment and exam date right away."

This helps students avoid last-minute surprises.

"Most of our students are working adults with families and other responsibilities, so having a clear plan for the semester allows them to manage their time more effectively," Williams said.

Forst reinforced Williams' advice to create a schedule, which aids in time management.

"This includes not only having school-related information, but personal things as well in order to integrate home and work life with a school/study schedule," he said. 

Williams also strongly suggested: Don't procrastinate.

"If you have the chance to work ahead, take it!" she said. "Life is unpredictable, and when unexpected challenges arise, being caught up, or even a little ahead, makes it much easier to handle without added stress."

 

More Timely Wisdom

Winstead also mentioned organization and combined elements of Williams' and Forst's advice.

"My second tip would be keeping their schedules and study space as clean and organized as possible," Winstead said. "I recommend students start planning as soon as they can. Staying organized, plugging syllabus due dates into a planner or calendar, allocating enough time for family, friends, work, health, and well-being are also vital elements."

Staying on schedule promotes balance and stability, she said, and eliminates guesswork of what to study for and when to find time to study.

"Being consistent and intentional with their time will alleviate a lot of the stress, especially when they are learning something new," Winstead said.

 

Bonus Tip

Lean on other students while in classes, Winstead said.

"Take advantage of the opportunity to interact and engage with other course mates," she said. "Online learning can be a bit isolating. So, if they see a student who posted a unique discussion response, they could take a moment to introduce themselves, send a direct message in Blackboard to see if they would be interested in a group study or if they would be open to discussing homework assignments."

The Online Student Union maintained by the Innovation and Online Student Experience team offers a great place for students to get to know others in their major, Winstead said.

"Even if it seems a bit awkward to meet someone new, they should keep in mind it could be the one connection that helps them cross the finish line," she said.