1. Figure out the rhythm of the assignments – is there a pattern that can help you know what to expect from week to week? In the classes I teach we alternate from week to week. One week there are reading assignments, a discussion in the main forum and a writing assignment. The following week there are various types of written work, but no discussion. Understanding that pattern can be very helpful in planning your study time.

2. Understand major class policies that can affect your success. Every instructor has his or her own way of managing a class, so it’s important to know some of the major requirements up front. For instance, some instructors count class participation and discussion question responses as one grade while others choose to give separate grades for these.

3. Make sure you pay attention to your instructor’s availability schedule so you will know when the most convenient time is to contact him or her for assistance if you should need to do so.

4. Review and print out your course calendar and put it where you can always refer to it. I make a notebook for each course with my calendar in the front for easy access. There is no doubt that your calendar should be a tangible item, not something you refer to on your computer screen. Just try it. Having a hard copy can make a difference.

5. Your syllabus will explain very important information such as where to find course materials, where to post particular types of assignments, how to use the various forums in the class. This is imperative to your success. My advice is to also print your syllabus so you can make notes and highlight important information.

The bottom line is you need to read your syllabus! Even if you don’t read every detail up front, at least read through the whole thing noting important information to help you get off to a good start. Then at the beginning of each week carefully read the information pertinent to the week as you go through the course. Oh, and don’t forget to check the main forum for additional messages from your instructor! More about that later.

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