| Each online education program is different. Many of | | | | not anything that could be easily figured out by others. |
| them start with an enrichment class that is meant to | | | | When you log in, enter the classroom and read through |
| ease the student into the process. The majority of the | | | | all of the navigation tools, which are often found on the |
| online students are older people who may have been | | | | left-hand side of the screen, but could be different in |
| away from school of any kind for many years. In | | | | each classroom set-up. The instructor will often have |
| addition, for many of them this is their first real use of | | | | announcements posted and you should read those as |
| the computer, adding even more anxiety to the | | | | well. Make sure that you understand how to post your |
| process. If you are getting ready to start your very | | | | assignments, how to find your grades and all of the |
| first online class, first of all congratulations! You will love | | | | other information before day one - and if you have |
| it once you get started. | | | | any questions make sure that you know how to find |
| Before the class is scheduled to begin, start | | | | the answers. Most schools assign each student to an |
| familiarizing yourself with the process. Set up a time | | | | academic advisor who will help schedule classes, |
| schedule for your class and start using that time even | | | | answers questions and concerns and can direct the |
| before the class starts. For most schools, the online | | | | student to the right department in the school for |
| classroom will be open and ready for viewing at least | | | | questions outside of their control. |
| a day or two ahead of time. You should have ordered | | | | That first class will be thrilling and scary all at once. At |
| and received your books and other classroom | | | | first it will seem impossible but after the first week is |
| materials and hopefully have read through at least | | | | over, you will realize that you are going to be okay |
| some of the first few chapters in preparation for the | | | | after all. Take the success of that first class and build |
| class. Review the process for logging in on a day | | | | on it, making sure that you apply all of the good study |
| when you are calm and relaxed. Most schools have a | | | | habits that you learned with the first class to your |
| log-in page that includes your student ID or screen | | | | subsequent classes as well. Remember, after the first |
| name, and a password. The password is typically set | | | | class, the next ones just get more challenging and |
| by the school at first but should be changed after that | | | | complex. Make sure you're prepared! |
| first log in to something you can easily remember, but | | | | |