Successful Online Transition - Spring 2021

To assist you in making a successful transition to online learning, we have gathered some useful tools and information. Please know that we are here to assist you through this process in order to reach your academic and personal goals. Reach out to the Centers for Learning team with questions and concerns.

Step 1: New Formats – New Expectations for Online Study

  • Adjust to a changing learning environment and expectations of greater communication with faculty and classmates by reviewing the UMass Lowell online learning transition website.
  • You will need to be an active participant in online discussions and assignment clarification.
  • It is important to understand that everyone in an online classroom is responsible for generating thoughts, ideas, and questions typically shared in the classroom.
  • Online communication, tutoring, or group work can be beneficial. The Centers for Learning is utilizing an online platform for tutoring during this period.

Step 2: Re-Examining Preparation Time for Online Study

  • Be prepared to schedule as much time as you need to maximize your learning and grade in a course.
  • The amount of time needed for study for an online course will increase as the semester progresses.
  • You need to establish definite study hours for each day of the week.
  • Committed time will make studying an important habit that will allow you to stay up to date on assigned work.

Step 3: Creating a New Schedule for Online Study

  • The University recommends 2-3 hours of study for each 1 credit hour of course work.
  • We have posted a sample weekly schedule for you to reference as it may help in planning.
  • You should review and begin using the calendars/schedules/to do lists built into your phones and Outlook email.
  • As everyone’s preferences differ, you can also search the internet for additional calendar / schedule/to do list apps to meet your own unique planning needs.

Step 4: New Approaches to Online Study

  • You should read a textbook chapter before it is assigned to the online class for either discussion or assignment.
  • Address challenging work when you are most alert and save routine work for times you may be a bit more tired.
  • Think about your optimal study environments; everyone learns differently and under different conditions.
  • If you find that your schedule requires constant adjustments, revise it to ensure a realistic & practical schedule.

Step 5: Personal Changes for Online Study Success

  • It is important to be realistic about the goals you set and to re-evaluate them if they are not effective for you.
  • In moving to online classes, you will be connected to technology for both learning and socializing. This might feel like “communication overload.” Disconnecting can be healthy for you when necessary.
  • You may get discouraged, unmotivated, and perhaps frustrated at times. Reach out to your professors and advisors when this happens for additional support.
  • Supporting a healthy mindset means allowing for free time for family, friends, music, television and exercise.