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Successful Online Students

Getting Started

Want to know what online learning looks like? Are you wondering what technology you will need? Are you curious about how SUNY Cortland supports online students?

Start by exploring the topics below. 

What is online learning?

Online learning is more than just logging into a class. It requires responsibility, organization and self-motivation to complete your work. 

Course Formats

Online learning can happen in different formats, with differences in when and how you interact with your instructors and peers.

Synchronous Learning: This format means learning in real-time. You will attend live classes, discussions, and meetings on Teams or Webex. 

Asynchronous Learning: You will access pre-recorded lectures, readings, and assignments as they fit into your schedule. 

Bisynchronous Learning: This format is a blend of both styles (synchronous and asynchronous). 

Course Terms throughout the Academic Year

 SUNY Cortland's online classes follow the traditional 16-week spring and fall semesters, with accelerated courses offered during the summer and winter. The summer and winter courses are intensive and run between 2.5 to 10 weeks.

Advantages

Flexibility: Complete your courses around your schedule when it works for you

Personalized Learning Environment: Choose where and how you study

Diverse Peers: Make some friends across the globe

Tech Skills: Become more technologically savvy and adaptable

Potential Challenges

Technological Issues: Computer or internet issues can impact your progress

Procrastination: Some learners may find it difficult to manage their study time

Less Immediate Feedback: There may be a lag in response time from instructors

Screen Fatigue: Video conferencing or computer time in general can be tiring

Succeeding with online learning

Thriving online takes more than a computer with internet access. There are several core skills that can help you stay on track and engaged towards transforming your learning while enrolled in virtual courses at SUNY Cortland. Online learning necessitates:

Time management:

  1. Plan for and track due dates of assignments
  2. Balance your commitments between your studies and your personal life
  3. Avoid procrastination by chunking what you do to meet your course deadlines
  4. Build ‘class time’ into your week to keep up on activities

Organization:

  1. Organize your space to reduce stress
  2. Devote a physical or digital location for all your study materials and notes
  3. Prioritize tasks and activities
  4. Create a calendar with due dates and completed work

Self-Motivation:

  1. Set smaller weekly goals to stay on track
  2. Regularly share your progress with family or peers
  3. Minimize distractions whenever possible
  4. Create study and time management routines
  5. Reward yourself for accomplishments

Study Strategies:

  1. Take notes during lectures or meetings
  2. Return to and review the syllabus for deadlines
  3. Preview assigned course readings and activities

Communication and Patience:

  1. Engage in discussions
  2. Contact instructors early for clarification and feedback
  3. Form an online study group

Technological Proficiency and Acceptance:

  1. Familiarize yourself with SUNY Cortland's Brightspace and Starfish learning management applications
  2. Learning to upload assignments and respond to virtual discussions
  3. Being open to using multimedia sources for learning (e.g., podcasts, videos)

Tools and technology

Beyond having an open mindset, taking courses online requires certain tools and technologies. At its most basic, online learning requires a computer with internet access. However, there are other tools that can help you succeed. 

Essential Technologies and Access

  • Reliable internet access
  • Computer or device that connects to the internet
  • Updated internet browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox)
  • Webex/Teams video conferencing applications

Academic Learning and Support

    Online student support

    While you may be located off campus, there are many resources available to support your online learning at SUNY Cortland. 

    Writing Center

    • Delivers targeted help throughout the writing process for all your online written assignments and formatting

    The Learning Center

    • Offers virtual peer tutoring, study support and strategies and insights about time management and being a successful student

    The Tech Help Center

    • Provides support for tech issues, accounts and campus technology use (e.g., Brightspace, video conferencing, printing)

    Memorial Library

    • Extends technological resources and research help, including with databases, journal articles, books and more

    Disability Resources Office

    Course Communications (Instructors and Peers)

    • Contacting your instructors and peers will also help you get the support you need. Often times, instructors do not know help is needed unless a student reaches out.

    Additional Resources

    Do you have what it takes?

    Use the checklists below to see what resources you have and those that you may still need to be a successful online learner.

    1. Technology Checklist
    2. Skills Checklist

    Do You Have More Questions?

    SUNY Cortland Admissions
    607-753-4711
    admissions@cortland.edu

    Ready to Apply!

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