Like in-person classes, online lectures will be different depending on the course content and teaching style of each instructor. Whether the course is synchronous or asynchronous, you will want to stay organized with a weekly schedule. An agenda or calendar system can help you keep track of important deadlines and your schedule.
Synchronous lectures
Synchronous lectures are delivered at a scheduled time each week. You will join your classmates online (in Quercus) to attend lectures. Some instructors may share the video recording of the lecture afterwards, while others may not.
Here are some tips for success in synchronous classes:
- Develop a weekly schedule to help you to stay organized and avoid falling behind in your readings and assignment prep.
- Find a lecture-viewing buddy to help keep you accountable and ensure that you log in to your lectures.
- Join a Recognized Study Group to find new study buddies in each class.
- Choose note-taking methods that work best for you and fit with the course content.
- Download the lecture slides in advance (if available) and add notes to the slides.
- Open a Word doc and use it in split screen mode to take notes while watching your lectures.
- Keep paper and a pencil close by for quick diagrams.
- If your lecture video is available after the lecture, you can go back and re-watch parts that you find confusing. Make sure to write down the time code during the lecture so that you can locate the relevant section later.
- Participate in your lectures as you would in person — use the chat feature, ask questions during a scheduled Q&A period or raise your hand in BB Collaborate.
Asynchronous lectures
Asynchronous lectures are pre-recorded and available online. You can watch asynchronous lectures at your own pace. Staying motivated and organized with asynchronous lectures can be challenging.
Here are some tips for success in asynchronous classes:
- Develop your own class schedule to view asynchronous lectures on the same day and time each week and keep track of class dates in a calendar.
- Find a lecture-viewing buddy to help keep you accountable. You can watch asynchronous lectures at the same time and chat with each other after class.
- Join a Recognized Study Group to meet classmates and find new study buddies.
- Check discussion boards and participate regularly. Post questions or use the search feature to look up a specific concept or question
- Take advantage of pre-recorded lectures by taking breaks, rewinding and chatting online with classmates when questions about the lecture content arise.
Tutorials
Tutorials are your opportunity to reflect on what you’re learning in class and participate in discussions with classmates, just like with in-person classes.
Tutorials are typically held weekly and your Teaching Assistant (TA) may share their screen to allow you and your classmates to follow along. You will be able to participate either by audio or by asking questions using the chat feature. Having your camera on is optional in most tutorials but recommended so you can meet your classmates and TA.
Labs and practicals
Labs and practicals are typically held on a bi-weekly basis to help you learn how to conduct experiments, work through problems or learn how to program code. Depending on your discipline, you may be replicating an experiment in a virtual lab, analyzing data, or working collaboratively on a problem set.
Studying
Studying outside of class time can feel extra challenging now. While it’s important to schedule dedicated times for lectures, you may also want to consider scheduling dedicated study time outside of class. Meet to Complete can help you stay motivated and on-schedule with group study-with-me sessions offered online multiple times per day. Make a note in your calendar of a few times each week that work for you and set a reminder to join a Meet to Complete session.
