Tips to Get Engaged from an Online Student Perspective

Can you believe it? We only have four weeks left in this semester and three weeks until finals week. With everything going on, I wouldn’t have expected time to go by so fast.

I’ve been taking online classes for the last couple of semesters. I’m enjoying my classes this semester, but it’s been a challenge to stay engaged in all of my classes. In addition to my classes from Missouri State, I’m also taking one course from a local community college, so staying involved has been hard. Here are my top five tips for getting and staying engaged during the semester as an online student.

1. (If your class has a scheduled time to meet) Attend class even when you don’t want to

You might be feeling burnt out or too tired – you should attend class anyway. When you don’t attend class, you risk the chance of falling behind and not being able to understand course materials. Attending class can help you with quizzes or tests and with understanding what you’re being taught.

2. Always ask questions

Asking questions is a good way to stay active and is a way to use your voice, especially in an online class where we don’t have those face-to-face interactions that seated classes have. Asking questions helps you understand the material, stay alert during class and feel a part of your class.

3. Stay prepared

Some professors plan out the class for the entire semester and some don’t so staying prepared is a great way to stay engaged. Review the main points and prepare for class beforehand. You’ll be able to take more interest in your class, participate more and make connections when you do.

4. Talk to your professors

Knowing your professor can help you feel more connected to them and more invested in the class. Whenever you have questions or don’t understand something, you should feel comfortable enough to ask your professor. Talking to your professors can also help prevent boredom with your class. And, in addition to helping with your grades, getting to know your professors also provides a possibility of someone going the extra mile for you if you ever need a recommendation letter. This is especially important since some of us are relying on online relationships.

5. Have a positive mindset

Mentally you have to be ready to perform and do any tasks that you need to complete. Don’t think negative thoughts like that you’re never going to understand the material or are unable to do the work. Have thoughts that will help you establish a mindset that will work for you and not against you. Everyone is unique and works at their own pace; don’t bring yourself down by focusing on negative thoughts.

Something to Think About

The pandemic has been challenging everyone in so many ways and because of that, we’ve been challenged to keep ourselves together and work our hardest. I’ll be the first to tell you that not everything goes as planned; however, that shouldn’t stop you from being engaged in everything that you do. Hopefully, these tips are as helpful for you as they have been for me these past few semesters.

~Alexandria

(Bio: I’m the middle child of seven kids in my immediate family. I’m currently a junior business major at Missouri State University.)