The Covid-19 pandemic has led to the temporary closure of tertiary institutions, resulting in the virtualisation of classes. This leads to new and existing students having to adapt to the e-learning environment. To prepare students for the online learning environment, here are five things they can expect when undergoing an online learning course.
What Should Students Expect From an Online Course?
1. Reviewing Learning Objectives
Every course programme has a list of learning objectives for effective online learning preparation. These objectives allow students to know what they will achieve throughout the course. It gives students a clear focus on what to study in an online course and what they can gain from it. Learning objectives are also the basis of assessment tests to gauge whether or not students have successfully understood the course content. Without learning objectives, students may feel lost and unmotivated in class which may result in them skipping classes. If you are struggling to meet the learning objectives, approach your lecturer right away and highlight the topics you are currently stuck in.
2. Reading Lecture Materials Beforehand
To make the most out of class time, students should go through the uploaded lecture notes before the day of class. By doing so, they can understand the structure of the lecture and ask relevant questions. They will also know which are the key points for effective note-taking. Students who did not read prior to class may feel overwhelmed since they are seeing the learning materials for the first time. To save time and build rapport with your lecturer, go through the lesson materials beforehand to make your online class worth your time as well as your educator’s time.
3. Participating in Discussion Boards
To promote student engagement and healthy debates, online learning platforms include virtual discussion boards. Students can create threads based on a particular topic, while lecturers can facilitate the discussions among online learners. They can see which of their students understand the topic well. For students who face difficulty when replying to their classmates’ questions and comments, their lecturers who are moderating the discussion can easily guide them back to the lessons taught. As students share their opinions and read different perspectives from their peers, it expands their theoretical understanding and worldview.
4. Online Assignments and Exams
One of the common student expectations for online learning courses is the willingness to improve on their digital literacy. Now that class assignments, quizzes and exams are conducted online, set aside just as much time as you would for a traditional class. What makes online classes different from physical classes is the strict adherence to time. The submission time for assignments has been prefixed on the digital learning platform as well as the cut-off time for online exams.
INTI International University and Colleges offer industry-relevant online learning courses in Malaysia to prepare today’s youths for the employment market and to assist with continuous personal and professional development. With our award-winning Blackboard LMS (Learning Management System), students can ensure quality remote learning and interaction with their lecturers and classmates. Visit https://newinti.edu.my/ for more information on our wide range of academic programmes today!