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Study Habits
In an online course, you'll be working independently most of the time. Here are some strategies to help you while you work online.
Keep Up with Assignments
Stay organized and focused while completing your readings and assignments. Make sure you know how to use Canvas effectively so you can participate and monitor your course progress:
- Turning in Assignments:(Canvas Guide) (Video 4:57 mins)
- Viewing Instructor Feedback:(Canvas Guide) (Video 3:06 mins)
- Track your Grades:(Canvas Guide) (Video 3:06 mins)
- Setting Your Time Zone:(Canvas Guide) (Video 2:18 mins)
- Note: St. Edward's operates in Central Daylight/Standard time zone, so course deadlines likely follow that time zone. Nonetheless, check with your instructor. Updating your time zone in Canvas will change your personal settings (and deadlines) to match your time zone.
Ask for Help
Don't be afraid to contact your professors for help. Be upfront with your professors about problems, including:
- Potential absences (if you already anticipate them)
- Issues with access to reliable technology
- Timezone challenges or other complications with remote learning abroad
- Need for class session recordings
Address these challenges with your instructor early. Keep communication going as you progress through the course. If your professors have online office hours, consider attending. If you can't attend, schedule an appointment by simply asking!
In addition, take advantage of these resources:
Substantive Interaction Requirement
All students in online courses at St. Edwards University must submit assignments and maintain substantive interaction in courses throughout each term. Students are encouraged to begin substantively interacting with classmates and/or the instructor as soon as possible during the first week and all subsequent weeks of each term.
Requirements for the Schedule Adjustment Period
To establish participation, students must log in to each course within the posted Schedule Adjustment Period and either submit an assignment or substantively interact with classmates and/or the professor. Failure to log in to course(s) and meet the substantive interaction requirement within the Schedule Adjustment Period (through the 12th class day or the equivalent during short terms) for each term as listed in the Bulletin may result in an administrative withdrawal (W) from the course(s).
The University's Substantive Interaction participation requirements for the course overrule any course late-work policies for the schedule adjustment period. This is a minimum standard, and students should see the course syllabus for a specific policy. See the current Undergraduate Bulletin for more information.
Time Management Skills
Even if you aren't meeting regularly, online courses still have specific timelines and due dates. Here are some tips to keep yourself on track:
- Think about how you'll balance your course commitments vs. other commitments you may have (family, work, volunteering, etc.).
- Mark deadlines and due dates on a calendar, and check it regularly to ensure you're keeping up.
- Schedule uninterrupted blocks of time in your calendar to focus on completing your readings and assignments.
- Don't wait until the last minute to submit assignments or take quizzes, in case you have questions or experience technical issues.
Technology and Tools
Your online course will require the use of various technologies. Please review the following:
Internet Connection
You'll need a reliable internet connection with speeds of at least 5-15 Mbps to participate in online classes. (You can test your internet speed on fast.com.)
Software
- Microsoft Office 365: Free for students using their St. Edward's email address to register.
- Zoom videoconferencing: Your instructor will send you a class meeting URL from your Canvas course.
- Note: Other course-specific software may be needed. Your online course will provide more information about these. You can also receive discounts on software or hardware with your student ID and email address.
In addition, there are other technology aspects to consider as you take your online course:
- Figure out a backup plan in case of technical problems. At a minimum, identify an alternative computer you can use and know another location with reliable Wi-Fi.
- Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Box) to back up your assignments and projects.
- Having trouble? Search for relevant support articles here in the OIT Support Center or submit a case to OIT support using the form on this page.
Additional Tips for Successful Online Students
Find out with the university's Online Course Readiness Assessment, which can help you prepare for an online course.
Other Resources