How to Keep Up with Your Online Classes When Traveling‏

raveling this summer? Whether it's for business or recreation, you can always tote along your online classes.

"I took some of my materials with me, in particular my ethics textbook, for a reason, and that's to make sure I don't fall behind," says Steve Slawin, who took a family vacation to Edinburgh, Scotland this summer. He is currently studying online at St. Petersburg College in Florida to earn an associate's degree in business.

If you are traveling and need to study, set daily goals for yourself, such as reading a chapter, then logging into your class for 30 minutes. Here are a few essentials to remember:

• Internet fees vary depending on your lodging; budget anywhere from $10 - 18 a day for service
• Laptop batteries typically last no more than 2 hours; pack a power adaptor for your computer (international travelers may need to pack an adapter plug as well)
• Touchpads, or trackpads, on laptops can be cumbersome; bring a small mouse with you for extra comfort

Take Stock of Your Computer Needs

Regardless of your summer travel plans, online classes generally
have ... Read more

Know How to Prioritize

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The Rules on Classroom Etiquette

Do you know the rules of online classroom etiquette?

Talking with professors and peers in an online classroom usually takes place over emails or discussion boards.

Professors typically open a discussion by posing a question to the class, and it's expected for students to offer their opinions. Because online discussions lack facial cues and vocal intonations, they can sometimes lead to miscommunication and even hurt feelings.

How do you argue with a classmate without appearing mean, bullying, or rude?

"Be respectful of other people's opinions, ethnicity, and gender," advises Bob Barrett, an instructor teaching MBA courses online at Franklin University.

Here are 5 helpful tips:

1. Use "I" statements as often as possible.
2. Argue with the idea, not the individual.
3. Steer clear of sarcasm.
4. Avoid using the word "you" when you mean "humankind" or "people."
5. Thank others for sharing their viewpoints, even if they disagree.

Collaborate With Kindness

How do people talk to each other in online courses? Knowing what to expect can offer context about how to best communicate with your peers. Read more

Prepare for Success

Are you new to online learning? Having an idea of how a typical online course works can offer valuable insight about how to best work with your classmates. Read more

How to Move Up at Your Company

Interested in developing your skills at your current company? Find out if your organization has a tuition reimbursement policy available to employees.

A number of employers offer tuition assistance as part of their benefits package. Talk to a human resources person at your company to find out if this benefit is available and if you qualify.

Taking a class could help your career in a number of ways:

1. Strengthen your job skills
2. Earn academic credit towards a degree
3. Get noticed at work for self-improvement

Know What to Ask

Want to take advantage of employer tuition reimbursement? Find out how both companies and employees can benefit. Read more