Online learning gives you the flexibility to learn on your own time. But it also takes preparation, focus, and the right tools. Find what to expect in an online class at South Piedmont Community College, along with the skills you’ll need, tips for staying organized, and resources to help you succeed.
What to Expect from Your Online Course
All HyFlex, hybrid, and online courses at South Piedmont use Canvas as the learning platform. Each course will look a little different depending on the instructor and delivery method, but you can expect to find:
- A current syllabus
- Course procedures and protocols
- A class schedule
- Instructor contact information
You’ll also access learning materials, submit assignments, join discussions, and complete assessments through Canvas. Staying organized and checking your course site often is key to staying on track.
Preparing for Online Course Success
Basic Computer Skills You’ll Need
To succeed in HyFlex, hybrid, and online courses, you should feel comfortable with everyday computer tasks. At a minimum, you should be able to:
- Manage passwords and protect your device from viruses
- Start and shut down a computer
- Open and use a web browser (we recommend Chrome or Firefox)
- Create, save, and upload documents
- Send and read emails, including attachments
- Use your South Piedmont Office 365 account and cloud drive
Time Management and Study Skills
Online learning gives you flexibility, but that doesn’t mean it’s self-paced. Every course has deadlines, and you’ll be expected to:
- Stay organized and avoid procrastination by planning ahead
- Follow a weekly schedule for assignments and exams
- Spend time outside of class watching videos, reading, and joining discussions
- Keep up with announcements and check your email daily
Is Online Learning Right for You?
Online learning works best when you’re organized, self-motivated, and comfortable with technology. You don’t have to be an expert, but being able to manage your time, stay on top of assignments, and ask for help when needed goes a long way. Not sure if online learning is a good fit for you? Start by asking yourself:
- Can I manage my time and stay motivated without in-person reminders?
- Do I have regular access to a computer and internet?
- Am I comfortable learning new tools on my own?
- Do I communicate well in writing?
Achieving Goals with HyFlex
Jamie Hart, a dedicated mother of four and full-time employee, recently earned her degree from South Piedmont’s Early Childhood Education program.
Thanks to the flexibility of HyFlex courses, she was able to manage her demanding schedule—balancing work, family, and school — without putting her life on hold.
The HyFlex format gave Jamie the freedom to learn on her terms, making it possible to pursue her education while staying fully present for her family and job.
Now, she’s taking the next step and working toward her bachelor’s degree.
It’s super convenient, for starters. I take classes in person when I can … When I can’t take classes in person, I take them through HyFlex. South Piedmont gave me the flexibility I needed to be able to work full time and still be a mom.
Jamie Hart, ’23 Early Childhood Education graduate
Being Respectful Online
We’ve included a guide to respectful communication online, or what we call “Netiquette.” Whether you’re posting in a discussion board, emailing your instructor, or chatting during a virtual class, these core rules apply.
For specific expectations, check your syllabus, course policies in Canvas, or assignment instructions.
The golden rule of “do unto others as you would have others do unto you” should be applied in all communication formats. Before you click “send” and put words out that you can’t reel back in, consider how you would feel if someone else had written it. Remember to be careful — once a message is sent you have no control over what a recipient may do with it.
Strive to adhere to the laws and ethical standards of “the real world” when interacting, responding, and posting online. Most of the time people do not behave rude or obscenely in-person — it should be the same when online.
“There is a time and place for everything” is a familiar saying to most. Individuals should always consider who the audience or recipient of their message will be and use that as a guide for their structure, tone, and verbiage. The way you speak to a close friend or your peers will likely vary from how you should speak to an instructor or potential employer.
We live in a technology-centric world now where everyone sends and receives digital messages regularly. Considering this, it should be your goal to communicate in a concise and to-the-point manner. Avoid redundant messages, using the “reply all” function when it’s not necessary, and avoid irrelevant graphics or images attachments/signatures.
A great aspect to communicating virtually is the absence of judgement related to characteristics such as physical appearance or clothing, the sound of your voice or accent, etc. It’s obvious that this type of anonymity empowers individuals whether that is a positive or negative aspect of the online world. The aspect you will be judged on, though, is the quality of your writing. Therefore, consider the following any time you compose something:
- Stay on topic and keep your posts relevant to the conversation (i.e. in a discussion forum)
- Be polite and cordial
- Use correct spelling and grammar — proofread for errors as you go
The internet was originally created to facilitate and promote the sharing of information among scientists. Because of this, every person should feel comfortable sharing their knowledge when it is appropriate and applicable. If you ask a question and get multiple responses, take the time to compile all of those answers together and re-post for everyone’s consideration. Similarly, if you find a suitable website or online resource that could assist others, consider sharing that information (within the context of the discussion forum or assignment’s instructions).
Disagreements are not uncommon in online social forums. Disagreements that escalate, however, can involve very heated and sometimes angry responses — on social media and online forums this kind of back-and-forth may be called a “flame war” (where antagonistic comments are posted to spark more comments). To forward the process of instruction however, it’s up to everyone in a discussion to promote civility and redirect a stream of comments that detour from the initial question or discussion seed.
Interacting with others on the internet may foster a sense of anonymity depending on the setting. Always respect the fact that others are sharing private information with you that you should respect and not share locally or otherwise. Similarly, don’t disclose information about yourself that is comprising or details that you would not share in a public group otherwise.
Be mindful that there are individuals in online environments with expertise and training that goes beyond the average user. Depending on the scenario this may actually be you. If you are a new user always be respectful and cautious of new interactions. Likewise, if you are a user with “power” that does not make it acceptable to abuse others through your abilities.
Everyone is “new” at some point in their online journey. Regardless of your experience it’s considered good practice to be forgiving of others who display poor netiquette or don’t follow posted instructions. On a related note, being knowledgeable about a subject or knowing proper netiquette is not a license to correct other individuals at every turn.
Remember to apply the concept of “praise in public and correct in private” if you are in a position to correct or advise someone.
*These rules were adapted from The Core Rules of Netiquette Shea, V. (1994). Core rules of netiquette. Netiquette (Online ed., pp. 32-45). San Francisco: Albion Books
Online Learning Resources
Develop and hone your skills. Checkout the following list of external resources to grow your skillset and create habits for a positive impact on your learning.