25_tips_for_success Engagement Makes It Real

Here are some tips for making your online education a success at Tiffin.

1. Participate!
Just because you are not sitting in class next to your fellow students does not mean you cannot create connections that can make a difference in your education. Be sure to participate in online discussions and take the time to build the same types of relationships you would if you were in a classroom setting.  Whether you are working alone or in a group, share your ideas and read what your classmates have to say. Your instructor is not the only source of information in your course—you can gain great insight from your peers, and they can learn from you as well.

2. Create a Support Network
Pursuing a degree is challenging to many students, whether you are taking courses on campus or online. Before you enroll or start a new online class, ask your colleagues, family, or friends to support you. This will help you on days where you are struggling to get through an assignment. The truth is that when most people are starting to relax after a day of work, you will be starting your school day. It helps to have people around you who support your dreams.

3. Find a Private Space to Study
If you can, put your computer in a space where you can shut the door and work in peace. If you try to share an open space, it is harder to stay focused.

Make sure that you have a reliable Internet connection and a computer that meets the minimum requirements.

4. Create a Routine
Log on to your course three or four days a week. Once you get into the habit, you'll be eager to see who has commented on your postings and read the feedback of your instructor and peers. You will be curious to see who has posted something new that you can comment on. If you let too many days go by without logging on to your course discussion group, it is easy to fall behind.

5. Be Polite and Respectful
Just because you are not sitting next to your classmates does not mean you should forget how to be respectful. Remember, you are dealing with real people. If you give feedback, please do it in a constructive manner.

6. Communicate Clearly
Remember that your professor cannot see you, so you must be absolutely explicit with your comments and requests. If you are having technical difficulties or problems understanding something about the course, you must speak up; otherwise there is no way that anyone will know something is wrong. If other students are able to help you, chances are they will. And if you can explain something to your classmates in need, you will not only help them out—you will reinforce your own knowledge about the subject.

7. Apply What You Learn
Studies show that if you can apply what you learn as you learn it, you will retain more. Try to make connections between what you are learning and what you do, or will do, in your job. Contributing advice or ideas about the real-world as it applies to the subject matter helps you and your fellow students!

Need More Information?
If you are a graduate student, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at (800) 968-6446 ext. 3401.
Or e-mail grad@Tiffin.edu. If you are seeking the online accelerated degree completion program, call the Office of Degree Completion Admissions at (800) 968-6446 ext. 3372. Or e-mail fasttrack@tiffin.edu.