Ten Tips On Networking With Your Fellow Students in Online Courses
November 16, 2010 by michaelm
Filed under Online Education
1. Introduce yourself at the beginning of the semester
The best way to begin networking with your fellow students is to introduce yourself early on. Make yourself a friendly figure that people are comfortable with.
2. Offer to help people in areas you’re skilled with
Are you a great proofreader or a math whiz? Offer to help people with your areas of expertise in order to meet people and share value.
3. Engage people and learn about their lives
Your online classmates are human, too - engage with people in meaningful conversations and learn about the people they are.
4. Create study groups
Study groups are a great way to connect with your online classmates. You’ll get to know one another and learn the material at the same time!
5. Find common experiences you share
Look for the common experiences you share with your online classmates, such as jobs you’ve held, companies you’ve worked for, or the difficulties in balancing an online education with the rest of life. Bond over these ties.
6. Ask questions when you need help
Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you need help, especially if you’ve helped others in the past.
7. Recommend resources and materials you’ve found helpful
If you find a great resource that’s relevant to the course, recommend it to your classmates who may also find it useful.
8. Arrange meetings in public with local classmates
If some of your classmates are local, meet up at a coffee shop or restaurant in order to get to know one another better.
9. Exchange work for peer review
Exchange papers and projects and offer feedback to one another - you’ll connect and receive valuable suggestions.
10. Support each other throughout the course
Above all, offer your classmates support throughout the course and you’ll meet many people.
