Like many schools and students, Sampson Community College is preparing to transition its courses online. For some Vikings, both instructors and students alike, this can feel like uncharted territory. Across campus, various people have stepped up in big ways to help prepare the faculty. Workshops and webinars have been held to ensure that all parties involved are prepared when online coursework begins next week

Many students may be asking themselves how they should prepare for these types of courses. Maybe you have never taken an online course, or maybe it has been a few semesters since you have completed one. Check out our tips for achieving success in an online course!

Practice good time management.

• Even though it seems like you may have more time to do assignments, remember that there are still deadlines and due dates in online courses. Take advantage of the flexibility that you have but try to create some sort of routine. Just like you had a schedule with your face-to-face courses, find a schedule that works with online courses.

Find an ideal study location.

• Find the perfect study environment and stick to it. The noisy areas of your home, or the comfortable areas may not be the most ideal workspaces. Keep your comfort and relaxation spaces separate from your academic study areas. Discover an area where you can be productive!

Communicate and Connect

• Even though social distancing is important, utilize tools like Zoom, Skype and Facetime to interact with your classmates and work and study together when necessary. Create virtual study groups! This is also a great way to schedule virtual appointments with instructors, which will be offered beginning March 30th.

Be organized.

• Create to-do lists, have a designated class folder, or keep track of assignments in a digital or paper planner. Treat this course as if was face-to-face. Check Moodle frequently in order to stay engaged with your course.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

• Set up virtual appointments with your instructors, reach out to classmates who are more tech savvy, utilize the Moodle App, or visit the Distance Learning page on the website https://www.sampsoncc.edu/distance-learning-home/ for more information.
• Division Chair of the College of Arts and Sciences, Lew Gravis, encourages students to reach out if they need advice. He noted “Rapidly transitioning from being in a seated course to one delivered online can be intimidating for some students, especially those that are non-traditional, but that doesn’t necessarily need to be the case. Students can always reach out to their classmates, some of whom are very proficient in Moodle.  If still in doubt, students should never hesitate to contact their instructors.  SCC faculty are there to assist students in every way possible.”

Tell us how you plan to prepare and share your tips for online learning with #StillLearningSCC.

About Sampson Community College: Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education.