Date Published: April 27, 2020
When it comes to online learning, one of the biggest learning curves comes in figuring out how to work and communicate with your instructor effectively. Keep these tips in mind to help make working with your nursing instructor work more smoothly.
Contact your instructor as often as you need to: Since you won’t have in-class interactions, you won’t have in-person opportunities to ask questions or talk to your instructor about problems you may be having, whether those issues concern coursework, a scheduling conflict, or technology problems you’re running into. Make sure you reach out whenever you need to.
Keep in mind as well that your instructors are handling all the nursing students in your class and any others they may be teaching – this means they’re likely to have very busy inboxes. If more than a day or so has gone by with no answer, don’t be afraid to send a follow up email.
Work ahead of deadlines: Maybe you’re prone to procrastinating or getting your assignments done at the last second. While this probably isn’t the best thing to do anyway, this tendency can be extra harmful in online learning. If you find yourself with questions or problems, your instructor may not be available right away to be able to give you answers or support. Make sure you check through your syllabus and assignments early so that you can ask questions early enough to get the answers you need.
Want more strategies for online learning? Check out 8 Characteristics of a Successful Online Student
Put your class name in the subject: If you’re using email, put your nursing class in the subject line. This will identify to the instructor that the email is coming from a student and help give them some more context for your message. It will also help make sure your email stands out among all the other messages they’re receiving.
Don’t forget to identify yourself: Make sure you sign off with your name at the end of your message. Your instructor may not remember your email address, but they will know your name – help ensure they know who they’re talking with.
The more you’re in contact with your instructor, the better you’re likely to feel about how you’re progressing in class and getting everything you need out of your nursing education. Keep the lines of communication open – it’s the best way to get the support you need.
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