Thomas Edison State University By Thomas Edison State University • April 19, 2016

Getting Started With Online Learning: 8 Things New Students Should Do After Time Off

We’ve all been a beginner at some point in our lives. Even if you’ve been married for 20 years, saw your kids off to college and prepared for retirement, you were once a newlywed, new parent or new employee navigating unfamiliar waters.

So when it comes to starting your college career, with technologies you never used and information you don’t remember, it’s understandable that you may feel hesitant and unsure of yourself. But now, this lifestyle change is completely different.

Because, unlike being a new parent, becoming a successful adult learner does come with a guide. There is a place to begin. And it’s right here.So if you’re looking for support, answers and advice on how to get started as an inexperienced adult learner in an unfamiliar online space, here’s what you can do to adjust to college life at TESU. 

1. Read the Thomas Edison State University Blog

Written by University staff who know what it is like to work fulltime and juggle various other responsibilities and commitments, the University blog is packed with guidance and advice on balancing your busy lifestyle. From articles on how to write an effective discussion board post to roadblocks that might prevent you from graduating, these articles offer practical tips and strategies to help you succeed as a college student.

2. Test Drive an Online Course (For Free!)

Trying out an online course before you enroll will help you better understand what it is like to learn in an online environment. In a series of modules, you can watch discussion board tutorials, learn how to communicate with your mentor and explore hypothetical course materials to get a feel for learning at TESU. Creating an account is easy and free.

Test drive an online course right here.

3. Check Out Enrollment Services

The Enrolled Services website offers new students tons of useful information and guidance about how to get started at TESU. Since your number one focus should be earning your degree, Enrolled Services can answer any administrative questions you may have on your academic journey. Check out articles like "Top 10 Technical Tips and Tricks To Know" and "Top 10 Tips for Taking Your First Course," and learn how to read your evaluation, order textbooks and much more to help you every step of the way. 

4. Join the University’s Student and Alumni LinkedIn Group

More than 4,900 professionals, who have been in your shoes, share articles and motivate one another daily in the Thomas Edison State University Students and Alumni Group on LinkedIn. Whether you want to find answers on any degree-related questions or discover new job opportunities, this TESU community of peers is always ready and willing to support one another in their professional and personal endeavors.

5. Browse the Student Discussion Board

As an enrolled student, your myEdison® account will provide you with access to your courses, Google Apps and other crucial student resources. But a little known feature of the myEdison® student portal is the University’s Student Discussion Board. Here, you can post questions to your peers about courses and exams, seek feedback on mentors and swap textbooks.

6. Speak With an Advisor

After you receive your completed Academic Evaluation, make an advising appointment with the Office of Academic Advising. Be sure to review your evaluation prior to your scheduled time. During your appointment, an academic advisor will help you select the appropriate courses to fulfill the credits you need to complete your degree. 

7. Sharpen Your Writing Skills

As a college student, regardless of your degree program, you will need to possess solid writing skills. So to build your strengths as a writer, you are required to take two general education courses, English Composition I and English Composition II, either as an online course or as a TECEP® exam. These two courses teach the basic writing skills necessary for academic and business writing, and focus on how to write the many research papers you will develop throughout your college career.

8. Register for SOS-110 Critical Information Literacy

Students who are new to online learning begin their educational program by taking a 3-credit online course designed to fulfill the Information Literacy general education requirement. Through interactive instructional software, you will evaluate and strengthen your academic skills in writing, mathematics and basic information skills. So if you are unsure what course to take first, registering for SOS-110 is a good place to start.

Thomas Edison State University

Written by Thomas Edison State University

Subscribe to the Thomas Edison State University Blog and get the latest updates delivered straight to your inbox.

!-- start Main.js DO NOT REMOVE -->