Students entering their first year of the college lifestyle
at UT Tyler will find quickly that core level courses can be a little
overwhelming. Whether it is the change
in pace from their high school class experiences, or if they are brave enough
to take a full class load in their first semester (generally 15 hours), it can
be highly stressful for the first-time college student.
A solution often suggested by the freshman advising staff is
for incoming students to take at least one online course through UT Tyler. This is a great educational opportunity, as
it allows you to work at your own pace within certain parameters, and you can
finish all of your assignments and tests from the leisure of your own computer. Most often for freshman at UT Tyler, the recommended
online courses are for topics such as humanities, core history courses, and
sometimes even science classes through another university. This blog post will serve as a primer for new students with online classes, as there are often situations where these
classes are more than we originally expect.
1) Different format, same principle
First, keep in mind that just because the
class is in an online format, it is no less as important as a class that
requires you to meet in person with the professor. An online course has all of the same
expectations as a regular course: due dates for assignments, a textbook for you
to study, the student should prepare adequately for tests and projects,
etc. Avoid the temptation of thinking
less of the class because it is online.
This will result in a grade you will not expect or appreciate on your
transcript.
2) PROCRASTINATION IS THE BANE OF ONLINE CLASSES
I know this from experience. The student will put off the work that is
required from an online class because the class does not actually meet. AVOID THIS.
Try to have your assignments and tests finished as soon as possible. Not only do they pile up quickly, but also
they accumulate along with the assignments given from in-person classes, making
them seem like a lesser priority. Treat
this class like any other; otherwise, it will not be a cheery experience.
3) The professor is not imaginary
More often than not, the professor for your
online course is a UT Tyler faculty member.
Meaning, the person has a pulse, an office, and an opinion about your
work, and is paid and lives to assist you with you studies. Utilize his privilege, as it is possible for
you to get overwhelmed with your class and require assistance or guidance. You will quickly find that this visit could
be the deciding factor between getting a B and earning a well-deserved A for
the course.
Visit an advisor today for more info! |
If you feel like I am missing something, or there is some
other concern, I refer you to my third suggestion. While you are signing on for your online
course, see who is leading/teaching the course and go visit them during their
office hours! They will give
clarification to anything that you feel is unclear, or answer any other
questions that you might have about the course.
Also, feel free to call the UT Tyler Advising Office on campus if you
need any suggestions for what online classes are best for you. Do not hesitate to make an appointment with a
freshman advisor; they want to help you!
If you want to see if one of your core classes is available in an online format, remember to check the core curriculum first for UT Tyler entry students, then reference that list to your advisor to set up your schedule. Online classes are convenient, but they still merit the same
responsibility as any other college level course. Remember this when your advisor recommends
that you take one during your next semester of classes!
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