How To Be An Online Student

What to Expect from the Online Experience

As you prepare to launch your academic experience as an online student, you may have questions about what to expect. Whether you've taken online courses before or this is your first time, you'll find that when it comes to your academic success, preparation is essential.

How Courses Are Taught

K-State Olathe offers a variety of class styles, including:

• In-person
• Online
• Hyflex

Each of these class styles is designed to ensure you have the resources and information you need to be successful.

Learn more about K-State's instructional modes and course modalities.

Synchronous and Asynchronous Class Options

Some online classes may be asynchronous, while others will be synchronous. Asynchronous classes may be completed at your own pace, on your own time. You will have due dates; however, you can complete your course work at any time during the day. On the contrary, synchronous classes typically require that you meet over Zoom during scheduled class meetings to talk with your professor and classmates.

Tips to Maximize Online Classes

• Connect with Your Student Success Coach
  When you begin studying at our campus, you'll be assigned a student success coach who will support you throughout the duration of your program. Meet with them to discuss your class schedule and to plan your program of study. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions about career options and pathways. Remember that your student success coach will offer you advice, support and guidance throughout your academic career. They want to help you succeed, so reach out as often as you need to.
  
  You also can stop in to our Student Success Center to chat with your student success coach in person, grab something to eat from our Cats' Cupboard Cart or find a quiet place to study.
• Keep Up with Your Reading
  You might be surprised with just how much reading online classes require you to do. Depending on whether you're taking a synchronous, asynchronous or hybrid class, you'll need to be ready for a large amount of reading. Start by familiarizing yourself with the course syllabus so there are no surprises. Some instructors want you to complete daily readings or discussion board posts as a way for you to engage with both the content and the other learners. Creating a plan for how often and how much you need to read will ensure you're able to keep up with the required texts for the course and to be successful as a student.
• Prepare for Each Class
  It's important to show up prepared for any class, but this is even more true when you're an online student. Before you attend your classes, take the time to review Canvas or any emails from your instructors that will give you notes, assignments or information that will be useful to you during class.
  
  You also should prepare talking points for class. Bring a few questions or insights you can offer to your professor and your peers. Simply writing down a few things you'd like to talk about ensures that you are an active participant during your in-class discussions. You don't have to spend a lot of time on this. Consider highlighting a portion of your text you find interesting, bringing a few specific questions about the readings or sharing something that surprised you in the materials.
• Keep Your Camera On
  During an in-person class, your professor can use your body language to make sure you understand the material. If your camera is turned off during a virtual class, your professor won't know if you're sitting there listening or if you're having technical issues. Keeping your camera on also gives you more chances to interact with your classmates and professors.
• Practice Using Zoom and Canvas
  Be sure to practice your Zoom and Canvas skills in advance.  
   
  You can use the Zoom app on your phone or computer to "host" a call. This will enable you to make sure that your camera and microphone are working prior to class. Be sure to know how to raise your hand in a Zoom call, how to mute and unmute yourself.  
   
  For Canvas, explore the website and find where your class is located on the platform. Then be sure to explore until you locate your syllabus and discussion boards. Note that we have an on-site IT team for any additional technical problems you might encounter.
• Ask Meaningful Questions and Engage with Classmates
  Asking questions does more than just let your professor know you read the materials. It also means you'll have the chance to dig a little deeper into the content and get more feedback from your professor. Additionally, asking insightful questions can help spark class discussions, which benefits both you and your peers. 
  
  When you're taking an online class, connecting virtually with your peers is an essential way of staying immersed within your program. One of the best ways you can connect with others is to focus on being engaged with your online discussion board posts. Almost every Canvas-based course includes discussion board posts as part of the class curriculum. When you write your posts, avoid writing to a word count and instead ask yourself if your content is something your classmates can easily respond to. 
  
  As you write, aim to: 
  
  

  • Include meaningful quotes 
  • Reference in-class discussions 
  • Ask questions your classmates can respond to 
• Take Advantage of Office Hours
  Did you know that even online students have access to office hours?  
   
  Talk with your professors about what their office hours might look like. In some cases, instructors may have an open Zoom room during specific times where you can drop in and out. This functions as a virtual office and provides you with a chance to get to know your professor.  
  
  Remember: Your instructors want you to succeed! Visiting them during their office hours is one of the best ways you can get study tips, develop a stronger understanding of the material and get feedback before you turn in essays or take exams.
• Reach Out to Your Cohort 
  Did you know that even online students can build meaningful connections with their peers? Reach out to your classmates through Canvas or email so you can start networking with each other. Talking to your cohort also means you'll have study support throughout the semester.  
  
  If you're thinking about advancing your academic career at K-State Olathe, congratulations! We can't wait to have you around campus or online in one of our many animal health, engineering, hospitality management or horticulture classes. Be sure to reach out to our student success coaches to learn more about how you can make your time here as successful as possible.