5 tips for online learning success from UIC students

As online education becomes the norm, understanding how to thrive in online learning is important for academic success. To shed light on this subject, we turn to the experts in higher education: students enrolled in online graduate programs at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) who have sharpened their skills and strategies for succeeding in the virtual classroom.

Five UIC graduates provide their tips and tricks for excelling in online courses. From time management to building meaningful connections, these insights will guide both new and experienced online students towards academic excellence.

Tip #1: “Prioritize time management for successful online learning.”

Adlane Haouchine is a graduate of UIC’s online Master of Engineering with a focus area in AI and Machine Learning program. Currently working as a Service Field Engineer, Adlane highlights the importance of effective time management when balancing work and school. Adlane found that careful planning not only helped him succeed academically but also improved his self-discipline. By scheduling both work and study times effectively, Adlane boosted his productivity and performed well in his online classes.

There are various apps on the market that can help online students with their time management. The app Trello stands out with its interactive dashboard compromised of boards, lists, and cards which helps to prioritize tasks. Another notable option is Evernote, a popular app known for note-taking and event scheduling.

Tip #2: “Take one class at a time.”

According to a report by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, nearly 76% of graduate students work at least 30 hours a week.

Dr. Anthony Shanks, MD, FACOG, offers valuable insights based on his experience as a Professor of Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Having graduated from UIC’s online Master of Education in Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment (MESA) program, Dr. Shanks acquired expertise in evaluating educational data and conducting research projects.

Dr. Shanks recommends prioritizing a single class at a time. He believes that online students can establish a more effective routine by focusing on one class, allowing for better time management and a deeper engagement with the material. By focusing solely on one class, Dr. Shanks found he could devote adequate time and attention to each subject, which enhanced his learning experience and academic performance.

Tip #3: “Have several years of work experience before pursuing your graduate degree.”

Amanda Hansen, a graduate of UIC’s online Master of Science in Health Informatics program, highlights the importance of her program’s requirement for applicants to have prior work experience. In her role as Director of Analytics & Innovation at Advocate Aurora Health, Amanda appreciated the process of applying the knowledge she gained in her coursework to real-world work situations.

Having work experience before embarking on a graduate degree journey can serve multiple purposes. It allows individuals to better define their personal and professional goals. Additionally, working full-time provides an opportunity to manage finances effectively, enabling individuals to plan and budget for their education expenses. Moreover, it opens avenues for potential financial support from employers, who may offer tuition reimbursement or sponsorship for further education.

Tip #4: “Engage in all of your coursework.”

According to UIC alum Karena Coicou, MPA, it’s crucial for online students to actively participate in all aspects of their coursework.

In the online Master of Public Administration program at UIC, students explore various topics such as public management, financial management, and organizational leadership. Karena advises that even if certain coursework initially seems less relevant, it is wise to pay attention to all assignments. She notes that what may appear unimportant at first could later reveal its value. Engaging with all your coursework could lead to significant insights and valuable learning opportunities.

Tip #5: “Ask if you have a question!”

Mary Elizabeth Stephens, an alum of the online MESA Graduate Certificate program, encourages students to ask questions. She recalls a challenging course assignment where a classmate expressed confusion on a discussion board. Within an hour, three classmates offered assignment tips and outlined pathways to the correct answer. By the end of the day, the professor had also chimed in with a comprehensive study guide for the entire class.

Despite the common misconception that online programs may feel isolating, Mary highlights the substantial support available to online learners from professors and classmates alike. She encourages online students to utilize their online community who are readily available to provide assistance through various online channels and tools, enhancing the online learning experience at UIC.

UIC prioritizes the needs of online learners in its program designs. Collaborating with faculty across academic colleges, UIC’s Instructional Design and Media Production Studio (IDMPS) ensures the development of online courses that are not only of high quality but also deeply engaging and student-centered. Discover more about the enriching online learning experience offered at UIC.