Online etiquette, or netiquette, has never been more important. You may be learning from home, but you should still present yourself professionally. See our tips for proper online etiquette below!

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Tips to Get & Stay Organized for Online Learning

• Create a dedicated workspace: Seek a place with minimal distractions and noise, a power source, and strong internet connection. See basic tips for setting up your workspace here.

• Commit to a structured schedule: Designate times to commit to schoolwork, even if your course does not include live lectures. Block off those times on a calendar or planner, keeping track of due dates and assignments. Place the schedule prominently in your workspace to serve as a visual reminder.

• Communicate with your support system: Surround yourself with supportive people and communicate your needs and boundaries. If your online learning space is shared with others, make sure you are on the same page. Post your schedule and note times when you do not want to be disturbed.
• Connect with your professors early: Build rapport with your professors, get answers to any questions you may have, and show your commitment to success. Continue to maintain open communication with professors, and keep them advised of any difficulties you are having.
• Have a backup plan: Have a list of alternative locations you can study that have internet access readily available in case of unexpected challenges.
• Organize your inbox: Avoid getting overwhelmed by budgeting time in your day to read, organize, and respond to emails. Online learning relies on virtual communication, so check your emails regularly. Utilize subfolders to if you are receiving multiple emails for different classes.
• Stay ahead of schedule: Lessen your stress and work ahead. This allows you more flexibility and provides leeway in case of technical difficulties.
• Schedule breaks: Don't overschedule or procrastinate and leave yourself without room for breaks. Schedule breaks for yourself and take them. Taking breaks will improve focus and prevent cognitive fatigue. Don't forget to step away from screens on your breaks!
• Use bookmarks: Bookmark websites you visit frequently (e.g. Canvas, Office 365). This can be especially helpful when writing research papers.
• Set reminders: Utilize your phone to be on time to lectures and stay on schedule with assignments. Set alarms and reminders for upcoming exams and assignments so you never miss a deadline.
• Create backups: Technology is not always reliable. Whether it's cloud storage, a USB, or an external hard drive, always save a back up copy of the most recent version of what you are working on. If your computer crashes, you don't want to be worried about losing all your hard work too!

Resources

• Canvas | Most courses are housed in Canvas. It will be your go to for all things related to your courses, including tests, submitting assignments, and viewing syllabi.
• Office 365 | Vanguard's tool for email and the Microsoft suite of products. You can access these applications from any device with an internet connection using your Vanguard credentials. For questions related to OFfice 365 contact IT at helpdesk@vanguard.edu
• Zoom | Some professors may be lecturing via Zoom. To attend a meeting via Zoom you do not need an account. Visit the link to download the Zoom app, create an account, or for troubleshooting.

Set a Schedule (and stick to it)

• Maintain a planner with a daily or weekly calendar to keep yourself on track. Use the planner to track all exams and assignments in one place. Each week create a to-do list based on what is coming up in your calendar.

• Plan to dedicate a reasonable, set amount of time to each task. Set a timer and work until the time is up. When the alarm sounds, take a break.

• Need help? Academic success coaches are available through the Academic Resource Center, and can provide strategies and support for successful planning and time management. They are a great resource, and can help to keep you accountable. Learn more about success coaching via the Academic Resource Center website, and request a coach here.

Click the infographic below to see tips for Time Management Mastery!

Focus on a Single Task

With an increase in independent work, your schedule may lack the structure that you are used to with traditional instruction. This often leads to attempts to multitask, even unintentionally. While it may feel productive to "multitask" research shows that only about 2% of the population can do so effectively. What you are actually doing is rapidly alternating between tasks or “microtasking." This is inevitably less efficient and leads to errors and poor quality work.

• Assignments take longer. Each time you come back to an assignment from another task or distraction, you must familiarize and reorient yourself to the task.
• More mistakes. Distractions and alternating tasks leads to cognitive fatigue.
• Poor recall. The short duration of focus on the task/material does not allow the brain to process information thoroughly enough to create a long-term memory.
  

• Focus on one thing at a time.
• Take breaks between tasks, especially when you're feeling fatigued.
• Consider the “Pomodoro Method” to help you focus. Work for 25- or 50-minute periods and then reward yourself with 5-10 minute breaks. Set a timer on your phone to make this happen.

Transitioning to online learning takes some adjusting when you are accustomed to in-person instruction, but many of the same principles for success still apply. Below you will find tips for making your time viewing video lectures a productive learning experience.

• Follow the instructor’s schedule. This provides a feeling of normalcy and prevents you from falling behind.

• Find out how to participate in discussions. How does the professor prefer you ask questions? What if you have a comment? Is there a chat feature? Is a discussion forum available?

• Close distracting tabs and apps. See above for a discussion on multitasking. (Hint: It's not good.)

• Take notes.  Continue to take notes when you watch videos or participate in live sessions just as you would in person.

• Watch recordings at regular speed. Research shows that increasing playback speed by 1.5 times lowers your ability to retain complex, multi-step concepts (like lecture topics) and results in decreased assessment scores.

• Request a tutor or join an SI session. If you are struggling with course content and need support tutors are available to all students via the Academic Resource Center. Request a tutor here. Supplemental instruction (SI) sessions are also offered for select math and science courses. These small group, peer-led sessions are offered by the Academic Resource Center. Learn more about SI sessions here.

Online collaboration may look different than in-person, but it can still be successful and fun! The following tips will help as you navigate collaborating virtually.

• Don't procrastinate. Make progress in small increments, and stay in touch with your professor and classmates via email or videoconferencing tools like Zoom.
• Plan regular virtual meetings to check in, especially if you usually touch base during class or lab. Consider a quick text or email to your group members about progress every couple of days.
• Set a purpose or objective for each meeting in advance. Take notes in a shared document so you can all contribute and follow along. Try using OneDrive to share files. It's included as part of Office 365 and is available to all Vanguard students.
• Keep the live meeting video open when you can. As long as you can see the material you need to collaborate, have the meeting video feed open on your desktop. It will improve engagement with your teammates and allow you to stay connected to one another.
• Check on each other and ask for help holding other group members accountable. If someone has been absent from your group meetings or chats, ask them directly if they are still able to participate. If you aren’t getting responses, ask another member to reach out. If an extended amount of time passes without any communication, inform your professor of the situation.

Connecting with family and friends in some way is more important than ever. Staying in touch with instructors and classmates is equally important for continued classwork. Here are a few ideas:

• Schedule virtual meet-ups with friends and family. This can be a great stress reliever.
• Use available virtual tools like Zoom or FaceTime to connect with classmates to talk through tough problems.
• Attend any virtual meetings your professors offer each week so you can stay connected and ensure you are keeping up with coursework.
• Join SI sessions. Another great way to connect with students in your classes and improve your understanding of lecture material is by joining SI, or supplemental instruction, sessions. These sessions are peer-led, small group meetings that support and supplement regular class lectures. They are offered primarily for select math and science courses. Learn more about supplemental instruction at the Academic Resource Center website.

Don't forget to engage in self-care to optimize your productivity and focus and promote good mental health. See tips for managing stress and practicing self-care below.

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