What kinds of mistakes do online college students usually make? In my three years of experience teaching online I have found online students to make these top 10 mistakes:
Online Student Mistake #1: Using Texting Language
More and more students are texting today to communicate, but LOL, Gr8, L8er, etc. have no place in online class discussions or online academic assignments. Your online instructors will not appreciate this and may take off points for doing this.
Online Student Mistake #2: Turning in Late Assignments
Most online classes and instructors have strict late policies. One way to fail is to turn in a lot of your assignments late.
Online Student Mistake #3: Cheating and Plagiarizing
With Google and access to so much more information today it is even easier to cheat and or plagiarize. Don’t fall into this trap as most online colleges and instructors use plagiarism detectors which can quickly catch your plagiarism. Also, new technology can catch most online cheating as well. Just don’t do it!
Online Student Mistake #4: Procrastinating!
Online courses tend to move very quickly, often much faster than onground classes. It is critical that you keep up and never fall behind. Good advice would be to make sure you are always a week ahead on all readings and assignments to be successful.
Online Student Mistake #5: Being Difficult
Some online students tend to not take their classes, instructor, or even fellow students seriously. They sometimes will be difficult by using profanity and being disruptive. One good rule of thumb is to never say or do anything in your online class that you would not do in person face to face. Don’t hide behind your computer!
Online student Mistake #6: Making Excuses
Telling your online instructor that your computer ate your assignment (the modern day my dog ate it excuse) just won’t cut it. Also, that your computer crashed or that the internet and or power went out is no excuse either. You should have a good backup plan in case any of these scenarios do take place.
Online Student Mistake #7: Lack of Self-Motivation
You must be very self-motivated and determined to be a successful online student. No one is going to remind you when assignments are due or what needs to be done.
Online Student Mistake #8: Not Following Directions
All through school (K-12) students have been explained verbally what is expected of them and what they need to do to be successful. In online classes, no one is going to tell you this verbally as you must read in detail and follow all specific instructions to be successful.
Online Student Mistake#9: Outdated Hardware and Software
Most online colleges require that you to have an up to date computer with the basic software packages which usually includes MS Office in order to be successful.
Online Student Mistake #10: Poor Technology Skills
Most students have the required technology, but don’t know how to use it. It is critical that you have basic tech skills in order to be a successful online student.
What do you think? What are some of the most common mistakes that hold online learners back? Share them with us on Twitter or Facebook! Next week, we’ll have an all new post. Stay tuned.
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