Tips for Success

• Write down your instructors’ contact information. Contact your instructor when you have questions and need clarification. If your instructor has office hours, plan to attend them if needed. Office hours are times that instructors reserve specifically to meet with their students!
• Pay attention to deadlines. Make sure to read the calendar in your course syllabus carefully. There are usually specific deadlines throughout the semester when you will be expected to submit work.
• Set a schedule for class work. Set aside time each day to work on your class assignments. Put your schedule and due dates on a calendar. The Weekly Study Plan Worksheet (DOCX - 42KB) can help you organize your week. For an example, see Weekly Study Plan Example (DOCX - 44KB).
• Take notes and organize information. When reading or studying class content, take notes in your own words and prepare visual aids such as charts, flashcards, concept maps, etc. Different colored pens and highlighters can help you stay organized.
• Prepare for exams. Review the required readings. Study your notes and read them aloud to yourself if you are an auditory learner. Make practice tests or flash cards to prepare for quizzes, tests and exams. Partner with fellow classmates to have a study session.
• Use Dallas College’s free student resources and services. Learn more about Dallas College resources to help you succeed in the classroom and beyond.

In addition to the above tips, the tips below are specific to on-campus learning.

• Prepare for class. Complete assigned work and required readings. Review your study materials before class. Prepare a list of questions you want to ask. Pack your needed class materials, such as books, notes, paper, pen, calculator, etc.
• Get to class early. Find your preferred seat. Begin to review your notes and study materials from the previous class to refresh your memory.
• Listen carefully and take notes. Write down what the instructor emphasizes during lecture and the main ideas discussed in class activities.
• Ask questions when you need clarification. It's likely that other students have similar questions.
• Review your notes. Take a few minutes immediately after class to review what was covered and write down or highlight the most important takeaways. This will help you remember the information later.
  

In addition to the above tips, the tips below are specific to online learning.

• Create a distraction-free work area. Prepare an uncluttered workspace in a quiet area. Turn off distractions such as the TV and your cell phone.
  
• Read everything carefully. Course announcements, emails, and instructions on eCampus all provide important information. Read carefully and contact your instructor if you have any questions or concerns. 
  
• Participate regularly in the course. Log in to eCampus daily to check for announcements from your instructor, complete assigned work and participate in course activities.
  
• Do not wait until the last minute. If you experience technical difficulties right at the deadline, you may not have time to fix the issue and complete your work. You also want to give yourself plenty of time to think about your work before submitting it. 
  
• Contact Student Technical Support if you need help with eCampus. See Student Technical Support for contact information and other help resources.
  
• Connect with classmates. Reach out to other students to form a support or study group.

Two or three days before the class begins:

1. Log in to eCampus and access your class
2. Read the syllabus for the class
3. Know where to go for help
4. Send your instructor an email to introduce yourself

When the class begins:

1. Check for course announcements
2. Access your learning materials
3. Make a to-do list for the first week of the course (based on the syllabus information)

We know things can get hectic before classes begin, so don't worry if you're looking at this a few days into the class. You have plenty of time to catch up. If you find yourself in this situation, focus on:

1. Reading the syllabus
2. Making a plan for how you will study
3. Creating a to-do list for the coming week

Manage your time:

• For a 16-week online class, plan to spend between six and nine hours studying for that class each week.
• For an eight-week online class, plan to spend 12-18 hours studying that class each week.
• Plan multiple study sessions throughout the week, lasting approximately one or two hours based on when assignments are due.
• This semester, one of our students, Masen, studied an eight-week PSYC2301 course, this was his study plan:
  

Masen's example schedule

• Start your quiz as soon as you can. If your instructor makes a quiz available for three days, plan to take the quiz as early as possible. If you have an issue, you'll have time to contact technical support and your instructor.
• Limit distractions. Block ample time in your schedule. Ensure no distractions when taking the quiz: turn phones off, make sure children and/or pets are cared for, etc.
• Read all of the instructions. Refer to the syllabus, any communications from your instructor, and the quiz description and instructions for guidance about your upcoming quiz.
• Check your internet connection. A wired connection is usually more reliable than a wireless connection.
• Set up your device for optimal performance. Use a supported browser and turn off popup blockers. Close all other applications except eCampus. Maximize browser window and do not resize or refresh during the quiz.
• Be mindful of time. Your instructor may have set a time limit to complete the quiz. Also, limit breaks once you begin a quiz. If you are idle/inactive in eCampus for 180 minutes (or 3 hours), you will be timed out of eCampus and your quiz.

• Do not refresh the page while taking a quiz.
• Do not close the window while taking a quiz.
• Do not use the browser's back button while taking a quiz.
• Do not print the quiz.
• Do not access other webpages or files during the quiz.
• Do not click outside the quiz area. For example, do not click any course menu links, such as "Assignments" or "Announcements".
• Do not double-click on a quiz link or button (single-click only).
• After submitting a quiz, do not log out of eCampus before receiving confirmation that your quiz was saved and submitted.