Here’s our “wrapped” list of our best updates and advice for online students from the past academic year.
If you’re reading this in May, you’re about to cross the finish line for the semester, and we’re cheering you on! You may be new to The Download blog, and we’d like to take the opportunity to feature some of the best content and advice that we shared with online students this past year. We’ve also added a few updates.
Time management
Nearly everyone can benefit from learning to use time more efficiently. In August 2024, we shared several tools and strategies to help you effectively manage your time. If you’re feeling stressed with final exams, preparing for an interview, or figuring out a new summer routine, check out these ideas and more:
Goblin Tools: Track your progress and stay motivated by breaking your tasks into manageable steps and setting time-bound targets. Learn how to break down projects with this free digital app easily.
Pomodoro® Technique – Time Management Method. Use this technique to focus on a task or study session for brief periods with scheduled breaks.
Video: Learn how the Pomodoro Technique works.
Online group projects
Let’s be real — many of us experienced a time when a group project wasn’t amazing. It’s also possible that you’ve forged new friendships or partnerships from some groups that worked well. Online group projects can be especially challenging in a virtual setting. According to Indeed.com, Online “Netiquette” may help you communicate more effectively with groups. Some examples include:
- Practice empathy and active listening
- Respect the privacy of others
- Respond to communication promptly.
Read the September 2024 post for these tips and more.
Video: Learn about Online Netiquette
Celebrating transfer students
If you’ve transferred to Miami University from another institution, we’re glad to be your new home! Read about Astrid’s experience as an online transfer student and ways to connect with other students virtually or in person, featured in October 2024.
Budgeting and finance
You may have aimed to get your finances in order this year. How’s it going? In November 2024, we shared the 50-30-20 Rule for budgeting, free financial tools, scholarship resources, FAFSA info, and more. It’s never too late to start managing your money in a way that works for you!
Health and wellness
In December 2024, we shared wellness tips for Winter Break. If you prefer sunny, warmer, longer days, luckily, we’re headed toward summer! However, you may still want to be mindful of getting enough rest, hydration, and exercise to be your best self.
Resources and technology info for online students
Keep this informational post from February 2024 bookmarked. It’s full of Canvas resources and tips to help you succeed in your online classes. Miami professor Tom Mays, Ph.D., also shared additional tips for online students. See the original post for more links.
- Canvas offers a variety of ways to access the same information. Figure out what is most efficient for you.
- Know how to navigate to the Calendar in Canvas. You can see all of your assignments here.
- Check grades regularly—about once a month. Errors can happen; don’t wait until the end of the semester to resolve grade issues. Be proactive and advocate for yourself.
- Respond to faculty questions. When you receive an assignment back from your instructor, check for comments on your work. By responding, you create a dialogue and help your instructors understand your thinking.
- Attend Virtual Office Hours. Take the time to ask your professor questions. Many faculty have a link in their email signature so that you can easily schedule a meeting with them.
Miami Online: Refreshed and top-ranked
In November 2024, Miami University introduced a reimagined, stronger online presence with Miami Online. Soon after, in February 2025, we proudly shared new rankings from U.S. News & World Report, including that Miami Online ranks in the Top 5 for the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Ohio.
Internship, career, and career fair prep
Are you preparing for an internship, summer job, or a new career? Even if you’re still attending college, the March 2025 post is full of information and resources to help you succeed with interviews and prepare for career readiness.
Get your résumé ready
- Résumé tips
- Find dozens of free, editable résumé templates with Google, Canva, or Microsoft Word.
- Add work experience, volunteering, coursework, research, and internships.
- Market all of your experience to make the best impression on potential employers.
- You will also want to be sure your resume is error-free and formatted correctly.
- Run spell check.
- Create a free account with Grammarly or another app to help identify errors in your content.
- If you plan to submit your résumé online, avoid columns and graphics; use 10-12 point text and standard fonts such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri.
- Include keywords that match or are relevant to the job description.
- Provide links to examples of your best work, if applicable.
- Campus career centers will also review your résumé and give you recommendations.
Is an online graduate program right for you?
Are you wondering if a master’s degree is worth it? Miami Online offers programs to help busy adults fulfill business, education, nursing, engineering, and other educational goals. In April 2025, we learned about one online grad student’s experience with Project Dragonfly, a unique conservation program that combines online coursework with experiential, worldwide learning opportunities.
That’s a wrap!
The Download will continue to feature relevant content for Miami Online undergraduate and graduate students and those who are curious about online learning.
If you have ideas for features you’d like to see in The Download, please email us at MiamiOnline@MiamiOH.edu with “blog” in the subject line.
Content written by Miami Online staff. Miami Online thanks Work+ students who shared their experiences.
