Are You Ready for Online? | Distance and Online Education
The University of Iowa

Are You Ready for Online?

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Are You Ready for Online?

 

At Distance and Online Education, we are committed to your online journey. This page will provide you tips for online success, a self-check quiz for your online readiness, and online resources. Are you ready for your online journey?

 

Tips for Online Success!

Self Check

After watching Tips for Online Success, do you think that you are ready to take an online course? Complete our short quiz to see if online learning is right for you. Click on the link below.

Am I Ready For Online Learning?

Take the Self-Check Quiz

Skills to Consider

Online learning resources are available and easily accessible on the web. Here we list some essential skills you will need, and provide you additional resources that will help you build success in the online educational environment.

Student at computer

You’ll use your computer to search the web and use a course management system called ICON/Canvas to engage in your course work. Within the online course setting, you will communicate with your instructor and classmates through email and video conferencing, collaborate on projects with classmates, and navigate course features. Having good technical skills will contribute to your online learning success. Below are highlights of the resources for technical skills.

Technical Skill Resources:

Web and Computer Skills:

Share Documents and Collaborative Tools

Bookmark sites:

How to navigate Canvas:

Student at desk
As an online student, you may be given the flexibility to meet course deadlines at times that may be more convenient for you. However, this can raise potential problems. You need to make sure you manage your learning time, set studying goals and plans for your learning success, and communicate effectively with the instructor and peers. The above video on “Tips for Online Learning Success” provides helpful strategies for your online learning success. You can also find resources for study skills below.

Study Skill Resources:

Tutoring

Enrolling in an online course at the university level will require you to build skills in critical thinking, communication, writing, leadership and management, and networking. Developing these skills will help you achieve your academic success and provide you a strong transition to your future careers. A variety of academic and learning resources and support are available from the university, such as the Writing Center, the Tutoring Center, and the Center for Student Involvement & Leadership. Additional academic skill-building resources are linked below.

Academic Skill Resources:

Accessing Online Courses from Outside of the United States
There are some locations outside of the United States where University of Iowa students have had difficulty accessing online courses. Please find more information here: 
Online Outside of the U.S.