To succeed with online learning, you will want to make sure that you know your tools, understand how to organize your time and engage with your classes, can connect with U of M resources, and focus on your health and well-being.
Know Your Learning Tools
Locate the tools you need to access your online courses. Familiarize yourself with Canvas, Zoom, MyU, and related tools. You'll want to make sure you have the technology to access these resources on your device—preferably a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. Your phone will work for checking email, reading Canvas announcements, and attending Zoom meetings, but it should not be your main device for accessing your courses. You'll also need a stable internet connection.
Find Learning Tips for Your Classes
Organize your schedule. Dedicate time for each of your online and on-campus classes, and be prepared to attend live online lecture sessions via Zoom if required. Check Canvas, your syllabus, and your email for details from your instructors on upcoming assignments, testing changes, and other course expectations.
Your classes may be in-person (regularly scheduled meeting times), remote-instruction (completely online but with regularly scheduled meeting times), online (completely online with no set meeting times), or blended (a combination of delivery methods: in-person and online).
Connect with Student Resources
Connecting regularly with your instructors and advisor as your primary contacts is especially important. In addition, the U of M can support you with tutoring, career services, counseling and mental health services, disability resources, writing, and much more.
Be Mindful of Your Health and Well-being
Your health and safety should be a top priority. Take a moment to check in with your physical health and emotional well-being: take proper precautions and seek care if you are in need.
Student and Faculty Perspectives
Online and blended learning can provide students with flexibility and opportunities to engage with their U of M program. Find out what students and instructors are saying about online learning in this video from UMD.