Online courses are student-centered. Your instructor assumes the role of a guide rather than a lecturer, and you glean information through assignments, readings, discussion board postings, and other tools your instructor may use. You must be an active learner in online courses. Your teacher is a facilitator and will help you learn the material, but you must take responsibility for your own learning. This includes communicating with your instructor if you don’t understand material, staying caught up on class readings, regularly logging into the course, and informing your instructor of assistance you may need or personal issues that affect your coursework. Also, it is important to note that e-mail sent from your instructor will go to your university-assigned e-mail account, so be sure to check it regularly.

You may be surprised by how much you communicate with other students in your online class. In fact, some students say they get to know their teachers and classmates in online courses better than in traditional courses. Students who say little in a traditional course often find it easier to participate in discussions in an online course. Your classmates are also one of your greatest resources when you need help. You’re not alone. If you need help, ask for it! The most successful online learners are not afraid to ask for help from their instructor or classmates.

If you need help, ASK! The most successful online learners are not afraid to ask for help from their instructor or 
classmates.