[MALT]  [my Ashford MAIN page]  [^^home]  

Hello and welcome 
to your first week of class! 

You may be feeling some level of anxiety about 
attending online classes. This feeling is 
completely normal, but you don’t have to worry 
because you’ll get all of the support you need 
at Ashford University. Here are some suggestions 
that previously successful students have provided 
to ease your way into online learning and ensure 
your success.

Successful Ashford University students do the following:

Review Learning Blocks Early in Week: 
These sections are where your assignments 
are posted, so make sure to check them at 
the beginning of each week to help you 
plan and complete your course assignnments.

Read Guidance Every Week: 
Consider this section the lecture portion of 
the course. You’ll find very good tips, ideas 
and assignment directions for you. 

Set Regular “Class” Times:  
Though you don’t physically sit in a classroom, 
you should still treat your online class the 
way you would if you had to be seated in the 
lecture hall at a certain time.  Set that 
certain time for the days you choose to log 
in and stick to your schedule.

Keep a Class Calendar: 
When you receive your syllabus, mark important 
dates such as test days or essay due dates on 
the calendar. Also, build in time for yourself 
to study and prepare. Set specific days or 
times to complete online assignments.

Identify your peak study time: 
Like many things, you’ll find that you’ll get 
80% of your studying done in 20% of your study 
time.  That means that during that 20% of time, 
you’ll get the most out of what you’re studying.  
Try to figure out when you study the best - maybe 
in the early morning, maybe late at night – and 
work on your more difficult study subjects during 
that time. 

Make studying an active pursuit: 
Re-write your notes as you study. Record yourself 
going over your notes to listen back to and 
understand things in a different way. Read 
out loud. Make your study sessions interactive 
so you will be involved and engaged in what you 
are learning. 

Don’t Play Catch Up: 
Stick to your schedule and it will be much 
easier to stay on task and avoid procrastination. 
Like getting to work on time, allow for technical 
difficulties that may be beyond your control 
(the web will be slow at times, servers may 
go down unexpectedly).  

Be Assertive & Ask Q's:
 Don’t wait to ask your professors or other 
classmates if you have questions about the 
topic or assignment. You want all the info 
you need when it’s time to complete your 
assignments.    

Create a comfortable study space:  
Turn off the TV, make sure you have enough 
light and find a spot with room for your 
materials where you can sit comfortably 
(without falling asleep!). Let anyone 
else in your household know that while 
you’re studying, it’s important that you 
have that time and space to yourself. 
Add your own personal inspiration such 
as a scented candle or your favorite 
music mix in the background.  

Take breaks: 
Allow yourself a break every 30-40 minutes 
to stretch, relax and process what you’ve 
been going over.  You’ll return to your 
studies with a clear head and refocused energy.      


Here’s also what some recent graduates have said 
worked for them:

aReach out to your fellow classmates, 
drop them an email, shoot them an 
Instant Message, get to know them.  
Learning isn’t something that’s done 
by yourself, you learn by sharing 
with others.  
- T. Alfano, ‘07

Stay in communication with the instructor 
via e-mail. I sometimes wasn’t sure where 
the instructor wanted us to go with 
assignments. By asking questions, I was 
able to understand where she was taking 
us and she provided great questions to 
make me think and to write my essays.
- K. Carpenter, ‘07

Good luck in your class and welcome 
to Ashford!
             Posted by: Brian Savarese      
 


     
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