Title: M0 | BONUS SURVEY: How to be Successful in an Online Course
Course: Templates for Canvas

Q: Select the reason(s) you decided to take an online course.
- Convenience
- Prefer to learn online
- Don't like traditional classrooms
- All of the above
- None of the above
A: Convenience
Feedback: Learning online can be very convenient since you can access the course anywhere and anytime. However, due to its unusual availability, you may find that the online portion of the class may not easily fit into your schedule as a regular class might. You may also discover that it becomes difficult to carry on several conversations simultaneously or that you have difficulty processing all of the information you receive. And, it may be disconcerting to express your opinions in text form or during webinars. Also, you may have difficulty navigating the structure, asking questions, and submitting your assignment. So it is important to understand that learning online can be a great experience but you also need to be organized and self-disciplined.

Q: Be honest: How fearful are you of taking an online course?
- Not at all
- Somewhat
- Very much
- Scared to death
A: Not at all
Feedback: If you have any concerns about taking an online course, the only way to get over any fear is to jump in and give it your best. If you run into a bump in the road, ask for help from your instructor or classmates. You are all on the same journey and need each other to get there. After you have more experience you will find your own path to success.

Q: What qualities do you think make a successful online student?
- Must be self-reliant and self-motivated
- Must have good, basic computer skills
- Must have good self-discipline
- The ability to read carefully and to follow written instructions
- Must have good time management skills
- All of the above
A: Must be self-reliant and self-motivated
Feedback: All of these qualities are important to be successful in taking an online course. You may not have been challenged before to tackle all these qualities. Online courses will not only challenge you, but will provide experience in obtaining valuable organizational habits that will help in all your course, work, and life activities.

Q: True or False: Online courses require more time than on-campus classes.
- True
- False
A: True
Feedback: Usually, you will spend more time studying and completing assignments in the online environment than you would in an on-campus course. How can that be? The online environment often requires a lot of writing. To communicate with your instructor and other students, you must type messages, post responses, and communicate through typing. For many, typing is slower than speaking. Most students feel they learn more in an online environment, but you will have to make a greater effort to accomplish that learning.

Q: True or False: Online courses make it harder to procrastinate because the instructor sets deadlines.
- True
- False
A: True
Feedback: Procrastination can be one of the biggest challenge in an online course. There is no one to tell you to get to class on time. You will get some reminders from the instructor, but no one will preach to you, beg with you, or plead with you to stay on top of your coursework. It's easy to put off reading and assignments in the online environment. If you aren't diligent, weeks can go by without completing assignments.

Q: True or False: Online courses require that you become a technology expert.
- True
- False
A: True
Feedback: You are right that you don't need to be an expert, but you do need to be familiar with certain computer equipment and software, including the learning management system. At minimum, you should be able to review the course materials, submit assignments, navigate the Internet, type in a word processing program, save and retrieve files, and use email. Missing or faulty equipment and software may prevent adequate course access. Off-campus computer hardware and Internet access are the responsibility of the student. Although owning a personal computer is not mandatory, it is highly recommended that you have your own personal computer to participate in this online course or have access to one several times per week.

Q: True or False: Online courses should be monitored often so you don't fall behind.
- True
- False
A: True
Feedback: You do need to monitor what is posted often. The online discussions will be more enjoyable if you spend that time in three or four sittings during the week. Some students find it helpful to log on at least 5–6 days per week and to work on the course in smaller amounts of time. By checking in almost every day, you'll know if something new has been posted, you'll be able to keep up with the threaded discussions, and you will not fall behind. This will allow you to post your opinions and get feedback on ideas, rather than just reading after the fact on what everyone else has said. In other words, the online course is more interactive to the extent you frequently read and contribute.

Q: True or False: Online courses require good time-management skills.
- True
- False
A: True
Feedback: An online course requires that you develop personal time-management skills. If you don't manage your time properly, you will find your head buried in the computer with a mountain of coursework. Online courses require the self-discipline to set aside chunks of time to complete your studies. You need to make studying online a priority and not let other activities interfere.

Q: True or False: Writing long messages is a great strategy for online discussions.
- True
- False
A: True
Feedback: The typical message should be no more than a screen or three paragraphs. If it is more than two screens, people will get lost and probably not read further. The key is to limit your contribution to one key idea with supporting points and only one question. If you have more ideas or questions you want ask others, place each in separate postings. Otherwise, you will confuse the conversation.