Skip to main content

Sitting in the Front Row of an Online Class

We all remember that first day of class and trying to decide where to sit. Even when we felt like hiding in the back row (and texting on our cell phones), we knew we were probably better off in the front. It seemed that the ones just a few feet from the lectern were almost part of the instructor’s secret club. And when we joined that club on the first row, it seemed as though our grades were higher, the teachers liked us more, and we were more confident.


Being at the front of the class felt like being at the top of the class.

In an online class, the front row has a lot more room than it does in a traditional classroom. There’s space for a lot more of us to be an active part of the learning experience. And finding that perfect spot is fairly simple - even in a virtual space.


Provide a memorable introduction.


Most courses provide for an opportunity to introduce yourself during the first days of class. Make a positive impression by not only telling about your academic goals but revealing some personal information as well. Tell about your hobbies, a recent trip, or your pets. Adding in a photo is even better. 


Post early and often.


Nearly all USG eCore and eMajor courses have a discussion board, typically with weekly requirements. Try to usually be among the first to post a response to a prompt. Waiting until hours before the deadline is kind of like taking a nap in the back row. 


Then take this a little further, and post follow-up responses on multiple days during the week. This allows you to truly engage with the experience, and shows that you’re not treating it as simply a chore.


Email the instructor.


Instructors tend to notice those students that take the time to reach out to them. It’s kind of like raising your hand in the traditional classroom. When you see a chance to ask a clarifying question, don’t hesitate. 


Likewise, if you take a quiz and miss a question that you thought was correct, let your instructor know. On occasion, mistakes happen. By reporting an issue, you’re helping everyone. On the other hand, if you truly got the question wrong, don’t be embarrassed. Instructors love the chance to talk more about their areas of expertise. 


If you enjoyed the course, send your instructor a brief note near the end of the term. You might highlight something positive about the instructor - such as how they graded quickly or provided helpful feedback.


Leverage the technology.


Typically, there’s a lot of text in an online course. But making it more visual and interactive is simple. Consider adding a photo or screenshot to a discussion post. Adding a link to a relevant article that brings in new information also shows that you are going above and beyond.


As an online student, it doesn’t matter if you are wearing pajamas or working on your course at midnight. There’s always room at the front of the class.


USG eCampus is a service unit of the University System of Georgia that assists SACSCOC-accredited USG institutions in administering quality, affordable, high-demand, post-secondary online degrees and credentials that address the workplace needs of Georgia and beyond.
-
By Austen Clay, anclay@ecampus.usg.edu
Media Contact: Katie Black, kblack@ecampus.usg.edu

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

USG eCampus Creates USG Resource Guide for Transitioning to Remote Instruction

To limit the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), University System of Georgia (USG) institutions transitioned to remote instruction in mid-March through the remainder of the spring 2020 semester. Institutions will continue with remote classes through the summer, with plans to resume on-campus operations in the fall. This safety precaution, along with several others (i.e., quarantine, social distancing, shelter-in-place, etc.) encouraged across the country and state, has resulted in an adjustment period for innovative e-learning formats. Faculty and students from the USG’s 26 institutions quickly migrated to emergency remote instruction, which differs from traditional classroom settings by regularly including virtual lessons, assignments, and interactions among instructors and students. “We recognize that faculty and students are under a great deal of stress with this quick move to remote learning and that the situation is less than ideal” said eCampus Associate Dean, Dr....
Post a Comment
Read more

Four Enchanting USG Institutions to Visit During the Holidays

With holiday breaks soon approaching, there’s no better time to hit the road and visit a few of Georgia’s most beautiful college campuses. Whether it’s an old-fashioned postcard scene with snow-capped mountains or a symphony of lights, several colleges and universities are already hauling out the holly. Here’s a few of our favorites: University of North Georgia - With a backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, UNG’s main campus is in Dahlonega, which Southern Living has named the “perfect Christmas town.” In addition to a variety of musical performances that you can catch on campus during the holidays, the town itself goes all out with lights, a festival of trees, and daily carriage rides. Georgia College and State University - This beautiful liberal arts college is steeped in tradition and will perform the 25th year of its Nutcracker ballet – right on campus. December 8-10, 2023 University of West Georgia – Just an hour from Atlanta, UWG is a newcomer to the holiday scene. 20...
Post a Comment
Read more

Professor Broussard: This Georgia College Professor Teaches History from a Very Unique Point of View

Not only is Dr. Ray Broussard a UGA/USG eCore History professor still teaching in his 90s, but he’s also a World War II and Korean War veteran. eCampus visits Dr. Broussard’s home in Athens, Georgia for an update on his love of life and teaching. We last interviewed Dr. Broussard in 2012 , when we learned about his time in the Navy, his early teaching days, and his genuine surprise when he realized you really could teach History online. Today, he is not only the oldest, but also one of USG eCore’s most engaging instructors and consistently receives gushing comments from students in his course evaluations-- many who are amazed to learn world and United States history from someone who helped make the history. At 91 years old, Dr. Broussard and his wife (a retired high school history teacher), haven’t been up for traveling as much, so he invited us to visit with him at his home. We arrived at his peaceful, quaint little house on the Eastside of Athens where he eagerly welc...
3 comments
Read more