Staying Connected in Online Classes
If you don't approach Alaska education online classes the right way, you may end up feeling isolated from your peers and professors. Here we'll suggest several ways you can keep yourself engaged as a distance learner.
Starting Your Alaska Education Online is the first step, not only to a college degree, but to a new career.
Take some time to develop a good bio. Most online classes begin with the instructor and students sharing their bios on the message boards. Take the time to make your bio a good representation of your personality. You might share a bit about your interests, family, favorite music or movies, etc. Also make sure you read through your classmates' bios to get to know them.
Remember that you are not alone. Chances are, if you are feeling isolated in an Alaska education online environment, then at least a few of your peers probably are as well. Try to take the initiative to overcome this isolation by reaching out to your peers and fostering a sense of community.
Make a friend. When you post your bio, the time is ideal to run through your peers' information and select someone you'd like to get to know better. You could post comments on his/her bio and get more contact information. Try to pick someone who seems responsible and motivated academically. That way, your friend can double as a study buddy.
Log on as frequently as possible. Even when you're not facing due dates or trying to meet participation requirements, get in the habit of logging on to your online classroom. Read the discussion posts, check for instructor announcements, and check your email inbox, if you have one assigned to you.
Talk to your friends and family about your online class. If you were taking a class at a brick-and-mortar school, you would probably be eager to share what you're learning with loved ones. The same principle applies to Alaska education online. You will feel more engaged if you can share your class discussions and learning experiences face to face with family members or colleagues.
Ask your instructor questions. Use email, chat rooms, and discussion boards as a chance to ask your instructor questions about the material. Asking questions will help you develop rapport with your facilitator and get more involved in the learning process. Instructors are usually more than willing to offer their expertise, so don't hesitate to get in touch.
