Ten Ways to Make a Bad Impression in an Online Course
October 14, 2010 by michaelm
Filed under Online College
Much of the communication in an online course involves writing. It is much easier for your classmates and instructor to understand what you are trying to say when it is written using standard spelling and grammar.
Disregarding the Instructions
Some students seem to believe that the instructions are suggestions rather than the way things should be done. Following the instructions as written will be much more successful.
Posting Personal Conversations
The discussion boards of an online class are friendly, but they are not social networking sites. Try to move lengthy personal conversations to e-mail.
Not Reading the Material
It is impossible to contribute to an online discussion if you have not read the material first. Respect your time and the time of other students by being prepared for the discussions so that you can really contribute.
Making Personal Attacks Instead of Constructive Criticisms
Some of the content of college classes involves issues that people feel passionately about. Try to remember to keep the discussion about the issue instead of resorting to name-calling or other inflammatory tactics.
Ask Public Questions Before Reading the Instructions
If you read the first few words of the instructions and immediately begin posting questions to the professor, you are wasting everyone’s time. Read the instructions thoroughly.
Consistently Turn Assignments in Late
The deadlines for online courses are important so that the class can be completed on time. Being late creates more work for you and your instructor.
Be Uncommunicative
The design of online courses require that you put a little more effort into communicating. If you never participate in discussions, people will become uncomfortable with you.
Claim Technical Difficulties Constantly
Everyone has computer problems from time to time. Complaining that you can’t finish your assignments or participate because of technical problems every week can become irritating to the instructor and the class.
Constantly Change the Subject
People who attend online courses are usually fitting school in around their busy schedules. If you are always changing the topic of discussion away from the schoolwork, they may begin to feel like you are wasting their time.
