By Shanakay Osbourne
We are almost towards the end of the Spring 2020 semester. With all of the changes that have taken place, I wanted to share a few helpful tips on how you can continue to stay on track to be successful with your online classes. For this semester, my classes were already online so the transition was smooth for me. Below I will explain some of the things that I have been doing to stay organized for my online classes.
- Use a Planner. Using a planner is a great way to stay organized.
For each class that I have, I write down all of the assignments and when they are due. I also write the time that the assignment is due. If you do not have a planner you can use a calendar. There are various calendar tools that you can use. One of them is located in your outlook email. You can use the calendar to add your assignment and set reminders. Another one is Google calendar. The last tool is your UMKC Canvas calendar. The calendar should automatically have the assignments that your professor has posted on Canvas. If not, you can fill in the information for all of your assignments from your classes.
If you are not a big fan of calendars, another method that you can try is creating a weekly to-do list. You can write all of your assignments down in order from the nearest due date to the farthest to help you prioritize your assignments.
- Make a Schedule. Create a schedule for the rest of the school semester. Designate a specific day and time for each class that you have to complete your assignments.
Some of you may be working from home or have other related responsibilities while trying to keep up with your classes. Create a schedule to help you monitor your time. For every one credit hour for a class, you should spend approximately two to three hours studying. For example, if you have a creative writing class that is 3 credit hours, you should set aside six to nine hours for studying or completing any other related assignments or projects.
- Keep in Touch. Make sure that you are keeping in contact with your professors. Do not be afraid to reach out for help on your assignments. Also, reach out to your classmates for support.
If at any point during your online course you do not understand a particular assignment, contact your professor. They are more than willing to provide you with the necessary information so that you can have a better understanding and do well on your assignments. Keep in mind that each professor has a different preference on how to contact them. Some professors use email, appointments via zoom, or Canvas inbox messages. Usually, your online class should have a discussion area where you can ask general questions and interact with your classmates.
If you are not sure how to write an email to your professor visit this website https://academicpositions.com/career-advice/how-to-email-a-professor
- Know your Resources. Be sure to know the different resources that are available to you. One of the best ways to keep up to date on resources is to follow UMKC organizations and departments on social media.
I have created a brief list of resources that could help with your classes:
UMKC Library Tools
The link will give you different research tools to help you with writing papers.
https://libguides.library.umkc.edu/tutorials
UMKC Writing Studio
The Writing Studio will continue to offer individual writing consultations by Zoom and email. UMKC students can schedule an appointment for a writing consultation at www.tutortrac.umkc.edu or request an email session here. The Writing Studio’s Zoom meeting room (304-507-3962) will be open for drop-in sessions during operating hours when writing consultants are available. If you need help scheduling an appointment or have questions you may email writingstudio@umkc.edu or call 816.235.5010 or 816.235.1146 during business hours.
For more information visit https://www.umkc.edu/writingstudio/index.cfm
Academic Support and Mentoring
UMKC Tutoring has tutors available to help with your classes by appointment and drop-ins via Zoom only. You can schedule an appointment and see times for drop-ins for your course on TutorTrac. If you need help scheduling an appointment or have questions, you may email umkctutoring@umkc.edu or call 816.235.1179 during business hours. Please see the Online Tutoring page for more information about using Zoom for tutoring sessions.
For more information visit https://www.umkc.edu/asm/mast/
Student Disabilities Services
If you are a new student and need to set up an Accommodation Plan, please contact Scott Laurent at (816) 235-5696 or by email at laurentr@umkc.edu. If you are currently registered with the office and have questions about accommodated exams or note-taking, please contact Jane Holland at (816) 235-5672 or by email at hollanddj@umkc.edu.
For more information visit https://info.umkc.edu/disability-services/
Technology Support Center
If you are having technical difficulties be sure to contact Technology Support Center at (816) 235-2000 or visit the website https://www.umkc.edu/is/cts/ILESupport/CTSSupportTEXT.asp
- Work Ahead. Try to work on big projects ahead of time.
Assignments such as papers, presentations, and group projects, can be time-consuming. Take the time to complete these before the deadline. Also, you can send your assignments to your professor way before the deadline to receive feedback.
- Take a Break. Take a 10-30 minute break
Do not overwork yourself and become burned out. Take small breaks in between working on assignments. You can do some stretches, eat a snack, play with your pets, or even take a short nap to restore your energy.