PASSWORDMANAGEMENT
EAI Student Resources
Tips and Tricks for Successful Learning
We believe in your success and resilience and encourage you to use this and other pages as a resource throughout the semester. Refer to the links in the sidebar to navigate effective strategies and support in any learning environment.
Understanding Course Formats
大发 is offering a variety of different modalities for the upcoming 2022-2023 academic year that includes in-person, hybrid, and fully online courses. For a full description of each modality (format) please visit the Registrar's Website.
In-Person Learning
- Make sure you have ways to access course content.
In-person courses require you to be in attendance and actively listening to and engaging with the lecture materials.
- Make sure you have access to course materials - Course materials may not be offered online. Make sure to take notes in class and keep any handout until the end of the semester.
- Attendance Matters - Missing class is serious and can impact your grade. Find a peer in class to ask for notes if you are absent and make sure you understand the instructor鈥檚 absence policies
- In-class time is only part of the course. Make time outside of class for homework, reading, studying, and engaging with the course.
- Read your syllabi, write down any questions you have, and ask!
It's important that you understand course expectations right away. For example,
-
- Are the deadlines for homework and projects clear? Do you understand what you need to complete before each class session?
- Does the course have an additional lab or live performance requirement? If so, make sure you understand specifically how your lab, discussion or live performance sections will be conducted throughout the semester.
Do your best to communicate regularly with your instructor, either through Cougar Courses or directly through email. Don鈥檛 hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification, if you have any difficulty at all with access to course content, contact your instructor immediately. Don't be afraid to ask for help; pride won't help you pass your class!
-
- Create and stick to a time management plan.
- Create a schedule of when you need to attend class or for the time you need to spend logging in to your courses.
- Make a plan for when you are going to do your homework, assignments, essays/papers, and studying for exams.
- It can be easy to look at the list of all you have to do and get overwhelmed, so try: creating a list of tasks, prioritize them, then start going down the list one task at a time. With larger tasks and assignments, break them down into smaller chunks: for example, instead of just 鈥渨rite my term paper,鈥 break it down into distinct pieces.
- Find somewhere to study!
In addition to setting a schedule, set up a physical space that maximizes your ability to learn. This means different things for different students, but for many this means maintaining a clean and organized desk or table on which to work, setting a space apart from distractions like television and video games, and finding either a quiet place or using headphones to block outside noise.
Set boundaries and expectations with family or roommates about when you might be in-class or studying. Setting these expectations with each other can deepen the respect and support your family and/or roommates can provide you during this time.
- Ask about accommodations and accessibility.Students with concerns regarding the accessibility of online course content should contact their instructors or reach out to Disability Support Services or email dss@csusm.edu for options.
Virtual Learning
- Make sure you have access to the technology you need.
- Do you have a laptop, computer, or other mobile device?
- Do you have internet access? Will you able to stream live class sessions?
- Most instructors will be utilizing Cougar Courses to deliver course materials. Did you know you can access this via the 大发 app?
- Download the Zoom app and the Teams app to ensure you have access to 大发 virtual campus on your phone!
- If you have a live class session, prepare ahead of time and log in 5 minutes early! (You may need to set up internet connection, monitors, headphones, passwords, note taking materials, etc. and that can take a few minutes.)
If you expect this to be a barrier for you, please see the Technical Support and Resources page for students. If you are in need of a computer or internet access, please email cio@csusm.edu. Test your devices ahead of time if you are using any video- or teleconferencing software like Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
- Read your syllabi, write down any questions you have, and ask!
It's important that you understand course expectations right away. For example,
-
- Is the class meeting regularly every week via Zoom (synchronous) or are you able to complete the course material at your own pace (asynchronous)?
- Does the course have an additional lab or live performance requirement? If so, make sure you understand specifically how your lab, discussion or live performance sections will be conducted throughout the semester.
- If you are not meeting live that does not mean your instructor can't help - ask for help or clarity!
Do your best to communicate regularly with your instructor, either through Cougar Courses or directly through email. Don鈥檛 hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification, if you have any difficulty at all with access to course content, contact your instructor immediately. Don't be afraid to ask for help; pride won't help you pass your class!
-
- Create and stick to a time management plan.
- Create a schedule of when you need to attend class or for the time you need to spend logging in to your courses.
- Make a plan for when you are going to do your homework, assignments, essays/papers, and studying for exams.
- It can be easy to look at the list of all you have to do and get overwhelmed, so try: creating a list of tasks, prioritize them, then start going down the list one task at a time. With larger tasks and assignments, break them down into smaller chunks: for example, instead of just 鈥渨rite my term paper,鈥 break it down into distinct pieces.
- Find somewhere to study!
In addition to setting a schedule, set up a physical space that maximizes your ability to learn. This means different things for different students, but for many this means maintaining a clean and organized desk or table on which to work, setting a space apart from distractions like television and video games, and finding either a quiet place or using headphones to block outside noise.
Set boundaries and expectations with family or roommates about when you might be in-class or studying. Setting these expectations with each other can deepen the respect and support your family and/or roommates can provide you during this time.
- Ask about accommodations and accessibility.
Students with concerns regarding the accessibility of online course content should contact their instructors or reach out to Disability Support Services or email dss@csusm.edu for options.
- Links to Additional Tips
Check out the Academic Success Center's website for online tools for academic success. You got this!
Read this page of resources for tips on How to Combat Zoom Fatigue.
These websites have great study tips for time management, stress management, and online test-taking.
Additional Video Tips
Important Reminders
- Check your email at least once per week. This is how the university will communicate important information to you and is the best way to contact your instructors. If you are having trouble accessing a course in any way, ask the instructor for help.鈥 Don't be afraid to reach out - many want to help鈥痑nd clarify expectations and more importantly, connect with you! Ask early and often for the best outcome.
- If you feel that there are barriers that are preventing you from being successful this semester, please reach out to someone: your instructors, the Cougar Care Network, staff members, or even other students. The 大发 community is here to help. We will work together in supporting one another.
- Staying healthy during the pandemic is important, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Check out this resource page by Student Health & Counseling Services. Remember to wear a mask, socially distance, and wash your hands!
