Online Learning Resources for Students

Welcome to online learning! Attending an asynchronous class is not like attending in person, but it can be just as rewarding and you can learn just as much. This guide is here to help. As always, if you have questions, talk to your faculty member, peer mentor or academic advisor.

Before Class Starts

• Check your equipment and technology. Make sure that your laptop and devices are updated to meet the demands of the online class and Canvas. Contact the Information Services Help Desk at 801.832.2023 if you need computer support.
• Is your wifi strong enough for the videos and other materials you need to review for class? You are always welcome to come to campus to use Westminster’s wifi for your course needs.
• Set up a workspace for yourself. It might be your regular desk, a study room in the library, or a chair in a quiet room—whatever works for you. Plan to have your required textbooks, syllabi, and notes you’ve already taken nearby and easy to access in your learning space.
• Once the Canvas class is available, take some time and go through it to better understand your professor’s organization. Note due dates, weekly assignment deadlines, and big projects so that you can plan ahead.

Plan for a Successful Semester

• Create a schedule. Just as you have a weekly schedule for your on-campus classes, use a schedule for your online classes and make this part of your weekly routine. Schedule your online class as if it were an in-person class by setting aside a regular time each week to do the work.
• Check Canvas regularly. This is the place your professor is most likely to communicate with you.
• Be an active participant! It’s your education. Don’t shortchange yourself.
• Read, listen, and watch: Read everything your instructors post. If your professor posts video and audio materials, listen and watch with the captions on. The great thing about online learning is that it’s easy to review course materials as many times as necessary.
• Ask questions: Your questions help your professor clarify assignment directions for you and for everyone else in the class. If you’re using the discussion tool in Canvas, jump in early to take charge of your learning.
• Take notes, even though the class is online. This will help you stay engaged and will give you something to study from later.

Technology and Concentration

• When you have a problem with technology, don’t panic or waste time trying to figure problems out yourself. Call the Information Services Help Desk at 801.832.2023 if you need computer support. Problems are likely to occur, but you’ll work through them and planning ahead for your assignments will help prevent minor problems from becoming bigger ones.
• Did you know that Westminster has a technology knowledge base? Check it out.
• Reduce distractions during class/study time.
• Turn off any devices you’re not using to connect to class.
• Consider an app or extension to help you stay focused in class (e.g., Forest App; StayFocused Google Chrome extension).
• Try the Pomodoro time-management method.

Communication is Key

• Ask for help early. Faculty expect that you will have questions, so don’t be afraid to ask them.
• Be respectful of classmates and your instructors.
• Use formal academic/professional style English in all communications. Use acronyms and emoticons only sparingly.
• Be specific and direct in all online writing, even chats or discussion posts, so that your classmates and professors will understand your message. Replace vague words like “it,” “they,” and “thing,” with more specific words or phrases.
• Be careful with humor and sarcasm, they both can be easily misunderstood.
• Review what you’ve written before submitting it to check your writing for errors.
• Respect the privacy of your classmates and what they share in class.
• Keep in mind that you are taking a college class. Something that would be inappropriate in a traditional classroom is also inappropriate in an online classroom.

Organization and Time Management

• Expect to spend the same amount of time on online coursework as a face-to-face course.
• A weekly schedule/routine will help you engaging with class regularly and learn at a reasonable pace.
• Successful online students are organized, so review the entire course early in the semester so you can plan in advance.
• Before you use AI to summarize readings or jump-start your discussion answers, check with your professor to see what’s permitted. Not knowing what’s allowed can lead to serious consequences.
• Use the Writing Center. They even have online appointments.
• Do not try to complete assignments (especially large assignments) in 1 night. Break assignments up into smaller chunks. Most assignments require you to research or read materials that you need to incorporate into your assignments, so plan ahead and allocate time and resources for those activities.