Online Success Toolkit

Strategies for Success

Plan ahead

Look over all of your syllabi and Blackboard sites ASAP

• Find out what books and materials you need

• Review the policies and procedures for your classes and make a note of any questions that you have

• Get a sense of exam dates and major project deadlines

Think about your technology needs for the semester

• If you're using your own computer for all or part of your coursework, make sure any necessary software is installed and up-to-date

• Test out any video conferencing tools you need before your first synchronous class meeting

• If you'll be using computer labs on-campus and need specialized software like Maple or Photoshop, find out which labs have the software you need

• If you're working off-campus, run an internet speed test to make sure your connection is working as it should

• If you have any concerns about whether you have the hardware, software, and internet access that you need to successfully complete your coursework, reach out to your professors ASAP

Start to think about how to schedule your time

• Whether you prefer a digital system (like your phone calendar or a big Google doc) or an analog one (like a paper planner, bullet journal, or big wall calendar), get it set up and ready so you can keep track of assignments, meetings, work schedules, and all the other stuff in your life

Get organized

Make a schedule - and stick to it

• Online and hybrid classes mean more unstructured time and "asynchronous" work, so it's up to you to schedule the blocks of time you would normally spend in a classroom
• Try to keep a regular routine and be sure it includes time not just for work but also for your physical and mental wellbeing 

Study smarter, not harder

• Working for hours on end without a break is a recipe for burnout. Think about how to build regular schedule of study time blocks, classes, and breaks/social time 
• Even if you can rewatch a video or look at slides online, don't forget to take notes. Otherwise, you’ll spend a lot of time re-reading or rewatching, which isn’t a very effective or efficient way to learn. You can always pause videos and note timestamps if there are spots you want to return to later

Minimize distractions

• Try to think like you are in a classroom: minimize distractions and avoid multitasking
• Learn the power of putting your phone in "do not disturb" mode; if you have parents or friends who worry if you don't respond to a text right away, let them know when you will be unavailable so you can work without interruptions
• Think about how and where you do your best work and - if possible - create a "remote classroom" space for yourself helps you be your most productive self 

Communicate with your professors

Check your email and Bb announcements often

• Checking your email is important under normal circumstances, and it’s even more essential when you’re online
• Login at least once a day, not just a couple times each week, so you don’t miss any important updates 

Speak up

• Don't be afraid or nervous about asking for help. Your Hood professors want to help their students - that’s why they are here!
• Reach out to your professors when you have questions or aren’t sure if you understand something, even more than you normally would
• This not only ensures that you are prepared for discussions, projects, and exams, but is also a great opportunity to practice professional email etiquette. Here’s a helpful guide on how to email your professors if you are nervous or shy about doing so
• Find out when your professor is having virtual or in-person office hours and take advantage of them. If you need to schedule a different time, just ask.

Engage with your community

Stay in touch with classmates

• Even online, every class forms a learning community. Get to know other students in your classes and make sure you have contact info for at least one person in every class
• Actively engaging with your colleagues in the class can help you learn and retain knowledge. So don’t just passively consume course content. Be sure you are contributing to synchronous and asynchronous discussions
• As appropriate, share useful videos, reference materials, notes, and sources 
• Find accountability buddies and form study groups to help each other

Get involved across campus

• College is more than just coursework. Even if you are physically off-campus, there are activities and organizations to help keep you connected. The Office of Student Engagement and Pergola Connect are good places to start

Help @Hood

Student Success Center

If you need help with accessibility services, tutoring, or time management and study skills, the Josephine Steiner Student Success Center is here for you. 

Library and Learning Commons

Our team at the Beneficial-Hodson Library and Learning Commons  can help you find books and articles, figure out how to cite your sources, and lots more. The Ask a Librarian page can help you connect via text, phone, and live online chat, and see tips for accessing library resources remotely.

Technology

iPads: quick start guide

Open Access Resources

Students can view Open Text resources here.

IT Helpdesk

Need tech help? Reach out to the IT helpdesk or email helpdesk@hood.edu 

Need to reset your Hood password? You can easily do that on the Password Reset page.

Your Advisor & Professors

One of the best things about Hood is that your professors are always there for you. If you're not sure how to contact any of your profs, you can look them up on the Faculty directory or your email address book to find their contact info.

Managing Your Enrollment: Financial Aid & Accounting

Visit Financial Aid for information on scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment programs.

Visit Accounting Services for information on tuition, payment methods and plans, due dates, and refunds.

Tech Basics

Not sure where to start with Blackboard and other online tools? Here are some resources to get you rolling. Click on any of the areas below for more info.