Passive Scroller to Power Learner: A Guide to Engaging in Your Online Classroom
You’re in your first or maybe 15th online class. How do you maximize your experience when interacting with course material, your instructor, and peers? We talked to some experienced Miami Online faculty to get their best tips for online learners, and we’ve created an outline of five big ideas to help you succeed. Being an engaged online learner improves your retention and understanding of the content. Staying connected and managing your time well are skills you will carry beyond the classroom. We’ll address:
- Virtual Discussions
- Leveraging Technology
- Fostering Connections
- Online Netiquette
- Taking Ownership of Your Learning
Five Big Ideas for Improved Online Engagement
1. Master the Virtual Discussion
- Make the Most of Discussion Boards: Contribute thoughtful, well-cited responses that build on what others have said. Ensure that you meet the minimum participation requirements.
- Use All the Tools: Interact during sessions using features like breakout rooms, polls, and Q&A functions.
- Show Interest: Respond to a classmate’s comment or ask a follow-up question.
Jill Gomez, M.A., senior lecturer and online instructor at Miami University, recommends, “Go beyond simple responses like ‘I agree!’ or ‘Good point!” Instead, think about how you can add something new. You could offer a different perspective, ask a thoughtful question, or share a new insight to foster reflection.”
Jill Gomez, M.A., senior lecturer and online instructor at Miami University, recommends, “Go beyond simple responses like ‘I agree!’ or ‘Good point!” Instead, think about how you can add something new. You could offer a different perspective, ask a thoughtful question, or share a new insight to foster reflection.”
2. Leverage Your Tech: Tools for Success
- Collaboration Platforms: Use tools like Google Docs, Zoom, or Miro to work with your peers on group projects.
- Study Aids: Explore apps that help with focus and organization, such as MyStudyLife for planning or Evernote for note-taking.
- Mind Mapping: According to Wikipedia, Mind Mapping is a diagram that visually organizes information into a hierarchy, showing relationships among pieces of the whole. Mind mapping may be a helpful way to organize notes from reading or a lecture. Tools like Canva may help you visualize complex concepts and make connections.
Monticha Sompolvorachai, Ph.D., associate teaching professor and online instructor for Miami University Regionals, recommends “Using notifications wisely.” “Turn on course notifications so you don’t miss announcements, reminders, or feedback. Try to handle them immediately when they pop up — it often takes just a few minutes. If you make this a habit, you’ll avoid forgetting important tasks.”
3. Foster Connections
- Set Up Study Groups: Proactively reach out to a few classmates to form a study group. Even a quick 30-minute virtual meeting can be incredibly helpful.
- Engage in Extracurriculars: Many online programs and universities have virtual clubs, events, and even social media groups — seek them out and join.
- Connect with Your Professor: Attend virtual office hours, send an email to ask a question, or simply thank them for a helpful lecture. Building this rapport is crucial.
Professors Gomez and Sompolvorachai emphasized the importance of communicating with your online instructors — they’re available to support you. “If something isn’t clear, don’t wait until the deadline. Reach out early — we’d much rather help before things become stressful.”
4. The Digital Norms: Mastering Online Netiquette
You’ve probably been interacting with others online for a while, but did you know that there are best practices, or Netiquette, for interacting with each other in shared digital spaces.
- Be Professional: Use proper grammar, punctuation, and a respectful tone in all communications, from emails to discussion posts. Avoid using overly casual or slang language.
- Think Before You Type: It can be easy to misinterpret words without the benefit of body language or tone. Review your message before sending it and consider how your peers or instructor may receive it.
- Cite Your Sources: When referencing information in discussions or group chats, provide links or mention the source to give credit where it’s due and avoid plagiarism.
Professor Gomez’s tip: “If you have an online group project, make a plan with your teammates from the very beginning. Decide on a clear way to communicate and make sure everyone knows their responsibilities. Setting a timeline with firm deadlines for each part of the project will help ensure everyone stays on track for a successful outcome.”
Check out our previous post about working together on online group projects and netiquette.
5. The Proactive Mindset: Take Ownership of Your Learning
- Stay Ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute to read or do assignments. Being prepared allows you to engage more effectively in class discussions. Even if you don’t have time to start the assignment, reading it a few days before it’s due saves headaches later when you realize that you underestimated how much time it would take to complete.
- Create a Dedicated Space: Establish a clean, quiet workspace to help you focus and signal to your brain that it’s time to learn. Professor Sompolvorachai reiterated this point, “Having a dedicated space helps you stay consistent [in your coursework.]”
- Use Your Camera: If you are comfortable with it, turning your camera on during synchronous sessions can help you and your classmates feel more connected.
Tip from Professor Sompolvorachai, “Treat online classes like a live class.” “Set up a schedule for yourself. Block out consistent times for readings, discussions, and assignments. For example, you might plan to read the material twice a week (Tuesday and Thursday at 5 p.m.) and then work on the assignments between those days. This way, you get an early start and finish before the deadline. Creating a schedule forces you to check in regularly instead of procrastinating.”
What is Your Takeaway for Being an Online Power Learner?
Being an engaged learner in the online classroom takes some intentionality to get the most out of your experience. This guide offers many tips. What is your takeaway? Can you implement at least one or two ideas this week? Setting a reminder on your phone or adding a sticky note to your desk may help you remember a tip that you want to put into practice.
Content written by University Communications Marketing (UCM) staff with the assistance of AI. Miami Online and UCM thank Jill Gomez and Monticha Sompolvorachai for their thoughtful contributions to this post.