HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR ONLINE STUDIES
While online learning offers convenience and flexibility to those who are unable to attend classes in person, it does take a considerable amount of discipline to be successful at it.
Dr. Marie Bountrogianni, dean, The Chang School of Continuing Education at Ryerson University, has a few tips on how to manage your time effectively and make the most out of your online studies.
“Work out a time in your schedule that you can stick to each week in order to meet class deliverables,” Bountrogianni says. “Remember, even though you do not need to attend a physical classroom, it is important to participate and be truly present in the ‘virtual classroom’ to get the most out of a course.”
She adds that a regular routine of logging in to review the course materials and post to a discussion board will provide the best online experience.
If you are a parent taking online courses, or have multiple personal commitments, talk to your family before school starts to prepare them for what’s to come.
“Share the experience of taking a course online and the importance of being able to set time aside for your online studies,” Bountrogianni says.
And just because the learning is online, it doesn’t mean you can’t connect face-to-face with your teachers and classmates.
“Make time to get to know one another and set up times online or in person to help each other with course material and share ideas.”
The Chang School prioritizes accessibility and flexibility by offering a variety of learning formats including in-person, online, or blended hybrid classes (offering a combination of online and in-person formats), daytime, evening, and weekend classes, and intensive boot camp-style and fast-track programs.
This fall, The Chang School is launching a number of new course series in: 3-D printing; creative writing; environmental sciences; family and community engagement; professional health-care careers foundations; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); children’s publishing; social media practices and reputation management; and creative photography.
For more information about The Chang School, visit ryerson.ca/ce.