Success in Online Courses

So, you’ve signed up for an online course this term. Whether you’re looking for a more flexible schedule, retaking a course, getting ahead, or tackling a program requirement, Student Success is here to help you reach your academic goals this summer!

Check out these online resources, strategies for success, and ways to stay connected to help you succeed in your online course(s) while you study remotely in the coming months.

Resources to Support Your Success

#1: Attend an Online Course 101 workshop.

Join the Study Skills team to learn how to stay organized and motivated this term while you take an online course. We'll also cover the common misconceptions of online courses, how they differ from typical in-person courses, and ways to find community while studying remotely.

Registration is not required - simply join the link below at the time of the session:

For the full list of academic workshops being offered this term, check out the Academic Skills (ASk) Certificate website.

#2: Book a Time Management or Study Skills appointment.

Looking to set yourself up for success this term? Book a one-on-one appointment with the Study Skills team to start the term strong and learn the strategies you need to reach your academic goals in an online course. Time Management appointments can help you get organized, review your course outlines, and plan out your term, while Study Skills appointments can help you strengthen your strategies for reading, note-taking, summarizing, test-taking - you name it!

To book an appointment, visit the Student Success Portal and log in using the first four letters of your last name + the last four digits of your student number (i.e., smit1234) and your regular Laurier password.

#3: Take advantage of writing resources.

The Writing team has put together four e-learning modules to help you brush up on your writing skills including: Writing with Inclusive Language, How to Cite Using APA, How to Cite Using MLA, and How to Cite Using CMOS.

All modules are located under the “Self-Registration” button on MyLearningSpace. If you score a 75% or higher on the module, you will earn a certificate that you can share with your professor to show you’ve completed the module.

Don't forget to take advantage of their online resources, as well, that cover everything from how to writing different kinds of written assignments to communicating at university.

#4: Check out math and stats support.

If you're looking for support with any quantitative components of your online course, we encourage you to connect with the Math and Stats team through their online drop-in sessions, one-on-one appointments, online resources, and more.

Keep an eye on your MyLearningSpace notifications for regular updates from the team about the sessions and resources they are offering.

Strategies for Success

#1: Get organized.

On the first day of the term, ensure you read your course outline(s) in full so you can review course expectations, assessments, and deadlines, and  get started by adding all of the important dates to a calendar or planner.

#2: Create a routine.

Since online courses do not have meeting times, it can be easy to forget about logging into your course regularly and staying on top of your tasks. Just as you would schedule an in-person class and show up to lecture, we suggest that you find consistent times each week dedicated to productive learning.

#3: Stay connected to your classmates and instructor.

At first it may feel a bit lonely in your online class because you’re not seeing familiar faces in a lecture hall, so we suggest finding opportunities to interact with your instructor and peers regularly. Whether it's attending virtual office hours or taking advantage of optional discussion threads, we encourage you to connect early and often.

#4: Review regularly.

After you review course content each week, try to summarize the top three takeaways in your own words. You can do this in bullet points on a page, by creating a mind map, or drawing visuals including diagrams or charts. These weekly reviews will be useful later when you reflect on past concepts, write discussion posts, complete assignments, or study for exams.

Staying Connected

#1: Bookmark the Student Success Portal.

The Student Success Portal is your gateway to booking appointments and registering for workshops with our Student Success team. Whether you're looking for math and stats, study skills, or writing support, we're here to help!

#2: Follow @LaurierStudentSuccess on Instagram.

This account is your one-stop shop for all things academic success, including: studygram strategies, reminders about important dates, information about our services, advice from fellow students, and so much more!