How to take (and be successful in) an Online Math Course

How to take (and be successful in) an Online Math Course

Math can be a challenging subject for many students...Do not panic...I will provide you with some tips and guidelines to help you be successful in your online mathematics course

Tip #1: Treat this course as if it were in a classroom on campus

• Lesson videos are made for EVERY section you will learn in this class (some videos have blank guided notes to follow along).

• Set aside (AT LEAST) 2-3 hours a week to watch and take notes on the videos and complete assignments

• A standard course on campus meets about 3 hours a week, and your online class really isn’t an exception to this rule; you just get the chance do it at home

Multiple Choice

How many hours (about) should you spend each week in this course?

• 0.5 - 1 hour

• 1 - 2 hours

• 2 -3 hours

• 4 or more hours

Tip #2: If You Know You Struggle with Math...

• consider if an online math course is right for you...An online math course takes determination and quite a bit of independence on the student’s part.

• If you must take an online math course (because of work schedule, distance, etc.) and you have a tendency to struggle with the subject, then there are PLENTY of resources I can provide you with so that you do not fall behind...

Tip #2 Continued...

• If you find yourself struggling with content or completing assignments, email your instructor ASAP

• Schedule a virtual session with your instructor to get one on one help

• Sign up for tutoring (this does not mean you can't do it, it just means you need a little guidance!), LCC has a great tutoring lab. Contact your instructor to get signed up.

• Reach out to a classmate... sometimes another brain makes all the difference!

Multiple Select

If you find yourself struggling with assignments or content you should... Check all that apply.

• Contact your instructor for help

• Sign up for tutoring

• Give up and drop the course

• Reach out to a classmate

• Rely on the internet to get me through

Tip #3: Do NOT RELY on GOOGLE/APPS/ETC.

• The World Wide Web can be a very helpful TOOL, but it should be only that, a tool.

• “Googling” answers will not help you retain information, and it is imperative that you retain what you learn in a math class; almost all our lessons build on one another!

• A video on how to properly use math apps and google will be posted in the course.

Multiple Choice

True or False: I can rely on the internet and phone apps to help me succeed in a math class.

• True

• False

Tip #4: CHECK, CHECK, CHECK

• Did I mention that you need to check?

• Check your email DAILY. Especially if you are in multiple online courses.

• Check the moodle class page AT LEAST twice a week to make sure you have completed all necessary assignments.

• Check your answers (this is where it may be appropriate to use a math app or the internet)

Tip #5: Time Management

• Ties into Tip #1...

• Do NOT wait until the last minute to work on an assignment. Things come up, internet goes down, etc

• If you are proactive, then emergencies do not get in the way (usually).

• Allow yourself adequate time to complete assignments (each week has a time *estimate*)

Multiple Choice

How many times should you check your LCC email?

• Weekly (at least)

• Daily (at least)

• Every Other Day (at least)

• Never