Skip to Main Content

New Student Tech Bootcamp: Learn to Learn Online

Information and resources for new students

Online Learning Success

 

Time management is integral to student success.

This guide covers a variety of tools and strategies students can implement to successfully manage their time and ensure academic success.

Use your course syllabus as a semester guide

  • Review your syllabus early
  • Map out all due dates, presentation dates, test dates, etc.
  • Make a list or chart of dates and make it visible! Place it somewhere you will see every day

The Pomodoro Method

  • Set a timer for a pre-determined block of time and schedule intentional breaks
  • Eliminating distractions while working on one project at a time

"Chunking" Out Time

  • Bookend your classes by scheduling time before and after class to study
  • Practice studying one hour before bed or wake up one hour early and get some study time in in the morning

Students can leverage built-in Canvas features like the calendar or notifications to help manage their time.

 

Calendar

The Calendar is a great way to view everything you have to do for all your courses in one place. You can view calendar events by day, week, month, or agenda list. Explore the links below to learn more

How To: Sync the Canvas Calendar with An External Calendar

You may already be using a calendar app like Google Calendar, Outlook or Apple Calendar. Explore the links below to learn how to sync your Canvas calendar with your personal calendar

Students can leverage built-in Canvas features like the calendar or notifications to help manage their time.

 

Notifications

Canvas includes a set of default notification preferences you can receive for your courses. However, you can change the default settings by setting your own notification preferences. Explore the links below to learn more about configuring notifications preferences to make them work for you!

Canvas Student App

The Canvas Student mobile app is a powerful tool to stay on top of your coursework. Set push notifications for important dates and deadlines, get alerts whenever an assignment or test is graded, keep your calendar at your fingertips, communicate with your instructors, and more - all from your mobile device.

Tools

Apps

Videos: Online Learning

Services for Students

Want to learn more about using technology to help manage your time? We can help. Fill out this form and someone will respond promptly.

Videos: Time Management

Demystifying Modalities

Course modality refers to the instructional delivery method used by a course.

There are five modalities used at Waubonsee Community College:

  • Face-to-Face
  • Asynchronous online
  • Synchronous ("Sync") online
  • Hybrid
  • Flex

Each course modality is different. Click on the tabs above to learn more about each type.

About Face-to-Face Courses

Classes meet in a traditional classroom setting on one of Waubonsee’s four campuses for the entire duration of the course.

Expectations

Students enrolled in face-to-face classes are expected to attend class at the scheduled date and time.

You may be asked to submit assignments online through the Canvas learning management system. Tests and quizzes are typically given in the classroom. You should have access to a computer with word processing software for written assignments.

Time Management Tips

  • Spend time before each class reviewing content for the course.
  • Be prepared with questions for class to stay on top of material.

About Online Courses

Instruction occurs exclusively online, through the Canvas learning management system, for the duration of the course.

Expectations

Students learn from instruction, such as prerecorded video lessons and assigned learning tasks, that they can complete on their own.

You should plan for at least one hour of study time per credit hour per week when taking online classes, and should check Canvas regularly. Students may be asked to work together in groups to complete assignments.

Time Management Tips

  • Set some boundaries. Studying and digesting course material is important. You might need to communicate your time limits with friends or family.
  • Account for distractions. It’s inevitable that things will come up. Carve out the time and make sure to stay on task!

About Sync Online Courses

Instruction occurs exclusively online, through the Canvas learning management system, for the duration of the course. However, unlike standard online courses, in this method, course instruction and student participation also occurs through a video conferencing platform (such as Zoom) on the scheduled days and times for the course, allowing students to engage with faculty and peers in real-time. 

Expectations

As in a traditional online class, students should plan for at least one hour of study time per credit hour per week and should check Canvas regularly.

Make sure to have access to a computer and reliable Internet access. You will attend class virtually on scheduled days and times, so plan ahead!

Time Management Tips

  • Avoid distractions! Put time limits on your social media accounts and avoid taking breaks that are too long.
  • Create your own schedule around class times. Use the time before and after class wisely and incorporate it into your study and homework routine.

About Hybrid Courses

Classes meet in a traditional classroom setting on one of Waubonsee’s four campuses, and instruction also occurs online through the Canvas learning management system. 

Expectations

Students are expected to attend face-to-face class sessions on dates identified in the course schedule and syllabus.

You should have access to a computer with word processing software for written assignments, and reliable Internet access for online coursework.

Time Management Tips

  • You are accountable for the online content too, so make a schedule and stick to it!
  • Use an agenda or calendar to keep track of the components in your course. The Canvas calendar is a great tool to help you prioritize and keep track of assignments and important dates!

About Flex Courses

Essentially, this option allows students to choose from among face-to-face, sync online, or online delivery methods throughout the course, depending on what works best for them on any given day. All class sessions meet face-to-face in a traditional classroom setting, but every session is also broadcast through the Zoom video conferencing platform live, in real-time. Class sessions are recorded and posted in the Canvas learning management system for review at any time, so that students may complete the course in their own time, even if they cannot attend in-person or virtually.

Expectations

Flex classes give students the option to decide how to attend class - in person or virtually. No matter how you choose to attend, make sure you show up to class. Participation counts!

If you anticipate attending class virtually, make sure you have access to a computer and reliable Internet.

Time Management Tips

  • If you are able to attend face-to-face, do it! Communicate with your instructor regularly, and stay on top of your course material.
  • Even if you attend class in-person, try to set aside some time to review Zoom recordings from your class, if provided.