Classroom Instructions vs Screws and Screwdrivers
OK, let’s say you’re in an online class and you get your trusty syllabus in hand so you will know what is expected of you. Let’s say you print it out and you even read it! Wow that’s a great start. A course syllabus is supposed to be your reference manual.
You Only Get One Chance to Get it Right
You know I’ve written quite a few articles about the importance of following directions or reading instructions. If you’re putting a shelf together and you’re handy with a screw driver, you just might be able to figure it out on your own. If you mess up, you can even take it apart and try it again. But if you’re taking an online course, you normally get only one chance to post an assignment. If it’s wrong, you’re the one who makes the bad grade and there is not usually an opportunity to redo it.
Don’t Ignore Those Helpful Tips
The online class I’m teaching right now is getting close to the end of the term. As we near the deadline for the final essay to be submitted, I’ve been posting everything I can think of that will be helpful to my students in preparing their final draft before the due date arrives – sample essays, APA information, tips and advice of all types.
Now, mind you, this final project is worth a hefty number of points and can mean passing or failing for many students. We’ve been working toward this end throughout the entire term. And I am still, at this point, amazed how some students do not seem to pay any attention to all these helpful messages I am posting.
How do I know they aren’t paying attention?
Trust me, I know based on the questions I receive or by the assignments that are being posted. So, I would like to say if anyone who reads this ever takes an online class of any kind, take advantage of everything your instructor offers you in the way of instruction. If you choose not to read the weekly messages your instructor posts, you can be sure you will miss out on a lot of helpful advice that isn’t in your syllabus.
Accredited-Online-Colleges.com offers a directory of online degrees in a wide range of fields to help you prepare for the career you want. Whether you want to earn your Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree or you’re ready to take your degree to the Master’s level, you can find many accredited programs to help you reach your goals.
Tweet
Tags: Accredited Online Colleges, College Syllabus, Online Colleges, Online Degrees, Online Universities, Reading Instructions
Sandy Davis is a long-time educator who holds a Masters Degree in Education and currently teaches Online Communication Courses on the college level.


