Communicating regularly with your instructor and classmates

Just as you would in an on-site course, pay attention to your instructor’s attendance requirements, which are usually in the syllabus. Although you might not be required to visit the campus in person, your instructor probably can determine whether you have visited the course site and viewed the course materials regularly.

Instructors can track attendance in a variety of ways. Some instructors track page hits (the number of times you visit each page in the course) or the number of minutes you spend viewing each unit; other instructors require that you complete assignments to show your continued attendance. Most courses require a certain number of check-ins each week. Be sure to follow your instructor’s guidelines and to set regular check-in times on your personal calendar.

In writing courses that require a significant amount of interaction, you might have to demonstrate your attendance with some form of communication—posting to the discussion board, reviewing a peer’s draft, or completing a quiz, for instance. If you visit the course site but do not communicate through the means your instructor requires, you might be counted absent. In some courses, too many absences (or missed assignments) might result in your being blocked or dropped from the course. Check your syllabus carefully for your instructor’s specific policies.

In courses that depend heavily on discussion and peer review, be sure that you participate and submit your work promptly. Doing so demonstrates respect for your peers. In some cases, your peers might not be able to complete their assigned work (such as peer reviews or responses to discussion posts) until you have completed yours.

Remember, too, that you should contact your instructor whenever you need help understanding the course materials or requirements. In an online course, your instructor can’t see facial expressions showing that you might be worried or confused. If you have questions about the course, don’t hesitate to communicate with your instructor—by e-mail, by phone, or, if possible, in a face-to-face visit during his or her office hours.

Related topics:

Setting priorities and managing your time

Making adjustments to increase motivation

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