Online education gives you an exceptional amount of control over your learning journey. Since there are no set class times or office hours for online classes at Florida Tech, you decide when to take classes, complete assignments and interact with your instructors.
Here are some things to expect as you start your education journey online at Florida Tech:
You’ve Got to Make Flexibility Work for You
“You gotta make it a priority to make your priorities a priority.” ― Entrepreneur and author Richie Norton
Flexibility is one of the most significant advantages of online education, but it comes with a lot of responsibility. As a student, you’ll be responsible for setting your schedule and completing assignments on time. That means you’ll have to be diligent about maintaining a schedule and sticking to it.
Here are a few tips to make the most of your flexible online experience:
- Keep track of your assignments in your calendar.
- Be realistic about how much you can handle in a day.
- Create a workspace where you can focus.
Your Motivation Is in Your Hands
“Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.” — Athlete Bo Jackson
While self-motivation is critical for success in any educational environment, it’s imperative for online students. If you are determined to learn, you’ll be more inclined to persevere even when the going gets tough. The right attitude toward success might help you connect better with course material, perform better on assignments and keep you focused on the diploma at the end of your studies.
Here are some tips for staying motivated:
- Set goals (small and large ones) and reward yourself for achieving them.
- Be conscious of your stress levels.
- Keep the big picture in mind.
You’ll Use Technology to Enhance Your Education
“Technology will never replace great teachers, but technology in the hands of a great teacher can be transformational.” — Author George Couros
Online education as we know it today would not be possible without technology. As an online student, technology will play an integral role in all your education activities: How you take courses, collaborate with classmates, interact with instructors, submit assignments and take tests. Don’t worry if you aren’t a tech expert: Schools with a long history of online education, such as Florida Tech, provide the resources and assistance to help students use all of the required tech tools.
Here are some tips:
- Check the syllabus to see what software you’ll be using.
- Familiarize yourself with the technology early — you don’t want to learn how to use a new program an hour before your assignment is due!
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.