Tips for Successful Online Learning

Take a moment to review these helpful tips about becoming a successful online student and adapting to an online environment.

Start slow!

• Students new to online learning should take advantage of our part-time learning environment and begin with just one course at a time. This will ensure you have time to learn and become comfortable with the course structure and timeline.
• When you feel ready, you may enroll in up to three courses at once. This often means up to 25 hours of reading and coursework a week. Most students prefer to continue completing the program at a more relaxed pace and just complete one course at a time. If you are just taking one course, you can always work ahead and finish early and start a new one right away. This way you can avoid getting overwhelmed with multiple courses, tests and deadlines, as well as the potential extension fees that come with falling behind.

Time Management

• Set aside a specific time each day to do coursework. Scheduling a specific time to complete online training is key to being successful and completing on time.
• Find a place in your home or community to be your "workspace". This will help you focus and be more productive.
• Don't procrastinate! You can be your own best friend and follow suggested submission timelines. As a rule, it is best to submit 1 unit/assignment every 5 days, which will give you enough time to write your exam before the end of the course.
• At the end of each course (except practicums), there is a required written exam that must be supervised by an approved proctor. Find a proctor in your community, and schedule your exam as soon as possible. A list of approved proctors can be found on our "Who Can be a Proctor" FAQ.

Data Protection

• Save your work frequently
• Back up your files in case your computer crashes

Know your Resources

• Use your Student ID and Password to login to our website and access Student Resources from your student page. Here you will find access to credible and helpful websites and journal articles. Among the many amazing resources on this page, there is a link to The Science of Early Childhood Development (SECD) website that is used as a textbook supplement in many of our courses and the Early Years Professional Development (EYPD) website, where you can find professional development opportunities throughout the province.
• "Like" and "Follow" us on Facebook to keep up with important school updates such as closures, links to new resources, curriculum activities, and professional development activities.
• Finally, don't forget to carefully review our Student Handbook. It contains an introduction to Pacific Rim ECI, our programs and courses, and important policies.