Tips for online learning

• When participating in videoconferences, be sure to use a computer with internet access thru a cable line and use a headset if you will be speaking.
• Make sure you have a private space where you can study.
• As soon as you begin the course, very carefully review the syllabus and if you do not absolutely understand what is expected of students, contact the faculty ASAP.
• If faculty do not respond to emails within 48 hours, try contacting them by phone and/or resend email.
• If there are problems with the course, contact the faculty director ASAP. If the faculty director is not responsive, contact the MPH program director Holly Kramer (hkramer@lumc.edu)
• Set aside time devoted to the online course every week. Mark this time on your calendar. Think of it as an appointment to advance your education and career!
• Stay committed to the course. It takes more self-discipline to do well in an online course compared to traditional coursework.
• Be open-minded about sharing life, work, and educational experiences as part of the learning process
• Be willing and able to commit to 5 to 10 hours per week per course.
• Accept critical thinking and decision making as part of the learning process.
• Before posting comments to a discussion board, sit back and think about your ideas for several minutes before responding.
• Be polite and respectful.
• Trust that high quality learning may happen without traveling to a traditional classroom. Become a true advocate of distance learning.
• Apply what you learn.