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Home: Succeeding in DL: How to Succeed Simulations (Text Version)

How to Succeed in Distance Learning Simulations

Girl sitting at desk laments and speaks:

"I’m getting an F in the one course that I thought was going to be the easiest. My distance learning course was supposed to be a breeze, but I kept postponing the work and now I am flunking it. If I can only turn back time and make better decisions when it mattered, I’m sure I could’ve gotten an A."

Three students, John, Mara and Luis need your help! They all have made some poor decisions during the semester and are facing failing grades in their classes. Read about their scenarios and help them pass their courses by turning back time and making better decisions at crucial times.

Student 1: John (online course)

John is on the phone, exasperated.

John: “The final test is tomorrow? I thought since it is an online class I could take it when I am read… ah, tomorrow is the last day of class? I’m not at all prepared and I did not do well at all in the other tests during the semester… I am going to fail miserably! I’m afraid that I’m so far behind that it’s going to be too difficult to get caught up. These online classes are tricky; I am sure I could have done better if I could only turn back time and make different decisions in crucial times…"

John is in trouble and wishes he could turn back time to help avoid failing the test in his online course. Guess what - You have the option of turning back time a week, a month, or the entire semester and help John make critical decisions in his learning process.

John - Week

John is on the phone, leaving a message on Amy’s answering machine:

John: “Hi Amy! I guess our final exam is coming up some time soon and I really need some help getting ready for it. I don’t know where the semester has gone but I’ve really fallen behind in this class. Could you call me to schedule some time?? Thanks!, Bye…”

Will Amy call John back? And if so, when? And would she available to help him? Calling a friend at this critical time is not a smart thing to do. John should not rely on too many unknowns to prepare for his final test.

Following are choices that John could have made in an effort to better manage his time. Read about each choice and see if it would help improve his grade or not.

  • "Make an appointment for an on-campus meeting with the course instructor"
    Instructor on the phone with John “I am glad you contacted me. I would be happy to meet with you and help you clarify the content from the course but you need to find a way to get yourself better organized.” As you can tell, this is not the most appropriate option. John could use this appointment to clarify points or concepts that he may need clarification for but he should not rely on his instructor to provide him with a study plan.
  • "Take a day off to study"
    Not the most appropriate option. This option will ”buy” John some study time for his course but at what sacrifice? Will he miss work, other classes? Has he even figured out what he needs to do if indeed he takes a day off? At this point he may not even be organized enough to take full advantage of the time. A well thought out plan will allow him to balance all elements of his life.
  • "Make a To Do List"
    One way to organize each day more effectively is to create a daily "To Do" list, using the ABC priority method. By selecting this option, you have helped John to organize his time in a way that allows him to effectively prepare for his test. (Download To Do List PDF)
  • "Make a time management schedule for this week"
    Great! By selecting to use a Time Management Schedule you have helped John to organize his time and construct a schedule to effectively prepare for his test. (Download Time Management Schedule PDF)
  • "Plan a reward for meeting all the deadlines"
    Yes! Having a reward to look forward to will help John to stick to his schedule and prepare for his test. Procrastination is a problem for most people and choosing a reward for meeting all the deadlines he established for himself is a good incentive to keep himself on task. To learn more about procrastination, visit the Procrastination Page.

Congratulations! Instead of calling a friend to set a study date and waiting until they met to get prepared, you helped John do three things differently to use his time more effectively a week ago:

If you have reviewed John's choices at a week, a month, and a semester, you will have helped him to get an "A" in his course.

You can now go back to John's Introduction, John's Month, John's Semester,or go on to other students Mara or Luis.

John - Month

John is sitting in his car:

John: “I totally forgot that I should be doing my work for my online class… but it is Valerie’s birthday and she’ll be mad if I don’t show up. I guess it doesn’t matter if I put it off my class work for one more day and go to the party now. That’s why I took this class, so that I could work on it at my own pace.”

If John had been better organized, he would have realized that he had an important social occasion and could have planned his schedule so that the birthday party would not have taken precedence over his class work.

Following are choices that John could have made in an effort to better manage his time. Read about each choice and see if it would help improve his grade or not.

  • "Plan to 'get it together' next week"
    Incorrect. That’s what John decided to do and see where it got him… Even though 'planning' to get it together next week may seem like a good plan to John, he wasted precious time by procrastinating. To learn more about procrastination, visit the Procrastination Page.
  • "Review lecture notes"
    Incorrect. While it’s always a good idea for John to review and organize the notes he took in class, at this point this would not be enough for him to get caught up with his course work. If all John does is review notes he will still end up behind with his assignments. There are more urgent factors that need to be considered immediately as a part of a study plan.
  • "Create a Monthly planner"
    Correct. Creating a monthly planner will allow John to have a long-range view of his goals and provide him with a way of breaking down larger projects into more manageable steps. He will also have a method of keeping track of his accomplishments. Although it is better to create the monthly planner in the beginning of the semester, it is never too late to create it. (Download Monthly Planner PDF)
  • "Attend a Study Skills Workshop"
    Correct. You recognized that part of John’s problem is due to poor time management skills. Getting help from a study skills professional will help John to learn to gain better control of his time. (go to Study Skills Website)
  • "Make a list of outstanding assignments"
    Correct. You recognized that John’s having a problem organizing all of the requirements of his course. Listing his outstanding assignments is a first step in gaining control and frequently helps procrastinators to find a starting point. To learn more about procrastination, visit the Procrastination Page.

Congratulations! Instead of attending a party scheduled in a time that conflicts with completing class assignments, you helped John do three things differently to use his time more effectively a month ago:

If you have reviewed John's choices at a week, a month, and a semester, you will have helped him to get an "A" in his course.

You can now go back to John's Introduction, John's Week, John's Semester, or go on to other students Mara or Luis.

John - Semester

John is sitting at a desk in beach attire with books and the course syllabus in hand:

John: “I know it’s going to be tough to discipline myself enough to work independently on this course. I have so many demands on my time with work, family, school, and friends. The only way I’m going to make it in this course is if I clear my head. There’s so much to do in this course… I am going to the beach and I will be ready to start working on course when I come back.”

At the start of the semester, John already realized that there were steps he needed to take to help himself succeed in this course. Going to the beach instead of using the time to get organized did not help him to prepare for his online class.

Following choices that John could have made in an effort to better manage his time. Read about each choice and see if it would help improve his grade or not.

  • “Read over and master syllabus”
    Incorrect. Becoming familiar with the requirements of the course that are spelled out in his syllabus is vital to John’s success in any class. However, before analyzing the syllabus in detail, it would be more helpful for John to analyze his time to create a monthly schedule.
  • “Do nothing until a few days before the first test is due”
    Incorrect. That’s what John has decided to do and it did not get him the results he was hoping for. In the first weeks of the semester, it may seem to John like time stretches ahead of him. He shouldn’t be fooled! Analyzing how time is spent and wasted, along with planning the tools to stay on track is critical in online classes. Without this, John will be facing his first test or project in a panic.
  • “Analyze if time is used effectively”
    Correct. This would be ONE way John could avoid failing the class. John will have a good start toward a successful semester if he learns to analyze how he spends and wastes time using time journals, time monitors, and determines his time wasters. Online courses offer students greater freedom in scheduling their time but we all have the same 168 hours a week. If John learns to use his time effectively and efficiently, it will set him on the path to success. (Download Time Analysis PDF)
  • “Talk to Family and friends about this course commitment”
    Correct. Gathering support from his family and friends will be instrumental to John’s success in his online course. They will need to understand and respect his time commitments and help him to control the distractions that may keep him from his responsibilities.
  • “Review the computer skills needed for this class”
    Correct. If John anticipates what computer skills he may need to be successful in his online course assignments and reviews those skills at the beginning of the semester, he will save time and anxiety later in the semester.

Congratulations! Instead of going to the beach, you helped John do three things differently to use his time more effectively at the beginning of the semester:

  • Analyze if time is used effectively (Download Time Analysis PDF)
  • Talk to Family and friends about this course commitment
  • Review the computer skills needed for this class

If you have reviewed John's choices at a week, a month, and a semester, you will have helped him to get an "A" in his course.

You can now go back to John's Introduction, John's Week, John's Month, or go on to other students Mara or Luis.

Student 2: Mara (Hybrid Course)

Mara sits in her living room.

“I wasn’t really interested in this writing class but my counselor said I needed to take it. I liked that it was a hybrid course - it is an ideal format for working people like me. I guess if I were more enthused about the subject I could have done better. If only I could turn back time and make different decisions in crucial times…”

Mara is in trouble and wishes she could turn back time to help her realize that succeeding in this course would help her to fulfill her goals. Guess what - You have the option of turning back time a week, a month, or the entire semester and help Mara make critical decisions in her learning process.

Mara - Week

Mara is sitting in her living room.

“I’m so tired of my job. Long hours and not great pay. I am looking for a new job! I also have to finish my class assignments. Too much stuff. I know it is only 8 in the evening, but I am going to sleep now. I’ll be able to think more clearly in the morning. “

Looking for a new job may help to reinforce the need for a college education but it won’t ease the more immediate stress Mara is under now. If Mara focused on her education perhaps she would be able to get a better paying job with fewer hours! Mara does not realize the consequences of not succeeding in her class.

Help Mara make a better choice than going to sleep in such critical times. Read through the following options and see how the right decision would improve her grade and help her succeed in her course.

  • ”Email the teacher to ask for an extension”
    Incorrect. Asking for an extension will only put off Mara’s assignments until finals week when she will have even more to do. Those few extra minutes of sleep may feel good to Mara at the moment, but she needs to make sacrifices in order to stay focused on her priorities and successfully finish all of the work for her hybrid course.
  • “Work on resume for job search”
    Incorrect. Mara hates her job and is obsessed with finding a new one even though working on her resume means sacrificing time that should be spent on her project. Instead of stressing over her work situation, Mara needs to stay focused on the academic goals she’s set and successfully finish all of the work for her hybrid course.
  • “Stay up and finish the final project due for class”
    Correct. In this last week of the semester it’s crucial that Mara realize the consequences of not succeeding in her class and stay focused on her priorities to complete her assignments even during the times that she may not feel like it. Therefore, at this stage, it is important for her to sacrifice some sleep to finish her final project and successfully complete this course.

If you have reviewed Mara's choices at a week, a month, and a semester, you will have helped her to get an "A" in her course.

You can now go back to Mara's Introduction, Mara's Month, Mara's Semester, or go on to other students John or Luis.

Mara - Month

Mara is looking through a newspaper, and puts it down in frustration.

“I’m really tired of my current job. I’m beginning to see that if I had a degree I would a more interesting job. I better get it together tonight and finish the assignments that I’m behind in my English class so I can still get a decent grade.”

Mara may have identified her long-range goal relating to a career but now she needs to learn effective goal setting to realize that a consequence of not being successful in her class is not meeting the short-range educational goals needed to achieve her dream job.

Following are choices that Mara could have made in an effort to realize how important her success in this class is to achieving her goals. Read about each choice and see if it would help improve her grade or not.

  • “Complete entire course this week”
    Incorrect. Mara’s attempt to complete all remaining assignments for her course in a short period of time is setting herself up for failure and even more frustration with school. Realistic and timely goals are a part of effective goal setting
  • “Make lunch date with friends”
    Incorrect. While it’s important to eat lunch and relax, lunch time and breaks are good opportunities for “found time” - time that you may not have allowed for in a planner. This time is a part of an effective goal setting plan and can be used to review for a class or to work on a project.
  • “Make appointment with career counselor”
    Great. Now that Mara has established her long-and short-range goals, her next step will be to learn to set those goals in a S.M.A.R.T. way that will ensure her success in fulfilling them. Getting career and educational information will help Mara to construct measurable and timely goals relating to her career.

If you have reviewed Mara's choices at a week, a month, and a semester, you will have helped her to get an "A" in her course.

You can now go back to Mara's Introduction, Mara's Week, Mara's Semester, or go on to other students John or Luis.

Mara - Semester

Mara stands in her office in a business suit:

“I know that my English class starts today but I can’t be there; Right now my career is my focus and I have committed myself to be part of a special project at work. I’m only in school to keep my parents happy...”

If Mara recognized that her education is invaluable to her future success, instead of missing the first class meeting, she would look forward to this new challenge with enthusiasm. Mara’s lack of motivation is the result of her not knowing how this class fits in her goals. Lack of motivation is one of the reasons why students procrastinate.

Following choices that Mara could have made in an effort to realize how important this class is to achieving her goals. Read about each choice and see if it would help improve her grade or not.

  • "Take overtime assignments at work"
    Incorrect. Mara is thinking only of her immediate needs when she chooses to work overtime and have less time for her schoolwork. If Mara were more aware of her goals, she would realize the importance of success in this class.
  • "Read syllabus to make up for absence"
    This could help but it is not enough. Reading the syllabus will help Mara to be aware of what’s expected, but it is not a sound substitution for attending class. As Mara learns more about her goals, she will realize the value of her education.
  • "Make a list of personal and career goals"
    Correct. If Mara had specific goals she would realize that her education is not to just keep her parents happy but it is the key to her success that will take her where she wants to go in life. This realization would prevent the frustration of scheduling a professional meeting that will conflict with the schedule of her classes.

If you have reviewed Mara's choices at a week, a month, and a semester, you will have helped her to get an "A" in her course.

You can now go back to Mara's Introduction, Mara's Week, Mara's Month, or go on to other students John or Luis.

Student 3: Luis (Telecourse)

Luis sits in front of his television:

Luis: “I decided to take a telecourse, because I like to watch TV and I didn’t want to go to campus every week. But my schedule was very busy and I missed most of the few campus meetings … I will probably flunk this class… I could have done better if gave more of myself to this course. If only I could turn back time and make different decisions during the semester….”

Luis is in trouble and wishes he could turn back time to take steps to feel more of an active participant in his telecourse. Guess what - You have the option of turning back time a week, a month, or the entire semester and help Luis make critical decisions in his learning process.

Luis - Week

Luis sits at computer:

“Ugh – I just got an email from my instructor because I ‘m late turning in my last assignment. He must have changed the due date because I thought I still had another week – How did I get so confused?”

Luis should have realized that one of the most important elements for creating his own classroom success is staying involved in his course. Help Luis make a better decision at this critical time and assist him to create his own classroom success.

Following are choices that Luis could have made in his effort to succeed in his telecourse. Read each option and see which would best help Luis.

  • “Check the Syllabus on the course Web page regularly”
    Distance education courses require that students be well organized, familiar with the course requirements and stay involved in order to do well. So checking the syllabus is not a bad idea, however, since the instructor changed the due date at the last minute, this information might have not made the syllabus.
  • “Check the Discussion Forum on the course Web page regularly”
    Incorrect. The discussion forum would be an excellent way for Luis to engage in “conversation” with classmates and stay involved in the process of his course, but it is not where changes in assignment schedule would have been reported.
  • “Check the Announcements on the course Web page regularly”
    Staying involved in his course is more than just watching videos and doing assignments. To be an active participant, you ensured Luis accesses the various features on the course Web site including the Announcement feature where he can stay current with any last minute changes.

If you have reviewed Luis's choices at a week, a month, and a semester, you will have helped him to get an "A" in his course.

You can now go back to Luis's Introduction, Luis's Month, Luis's Semester, or go on to other students John or Mara.

Luis - Month

Luis still in front of TV:

“I’m keeping up with the videos for my course but I’m stuck on a topic for my research project. I wish I could talk to another student who is also taking this class... but I’ve never used the email system on my computer.”

Luis should have anticipated the technical requirements for the course and reviewed the computer skills he will need to be successful. Being prepared for his course would save him the frustration and anxiety of being out of touch with his classmates.

Following are choices that Luis could have made in an effort to realize how important communication is to his success in a distance education course. Read the options and see which would best help Luis.

  • “Ask for a classmate’s phone number in the next class meeting”
    Incorrect. Luis will waste a lot of valuable time waiting until the next class meeting. Distance education courses offer several options for students to stay in touch and feel part of a community. If Luis were to take advantage of these communication opportunities, he would benefit from the mutual support of his classmates.
  • “Call his uncle, the computer expert, and ask him to fix his email”
    Incorrect. If Luis had anticipated the computer skills he would need to be successful in this telecourse, he would have sought help before the semester began. Luis needs the support he could receive from using the course’s communication tools to establish personal contact with his instructor and classmates.
  • “Call customer service to figure out the email system and email a student from the class”
    Correct. Emailing classmates and participation in the Discussion Forum would help Luis to exchange ideas with his classmates and feel part of a classroom community. Communication with his instructor and classmates will give Luis the mutual support he needs to feel less isolated as a distance education student.

If you have reviewed Luis's choices at a week, a month, and a semester, you will have helped him to get an "A" in his course.

You can now go back to Luis's Introduction, Luis's Week, Luis's Semester, or go on to other students John or Mara.

Luis - Semester

Luis is seated with TV Guide in front of a TV:

“I know my telecourse is shown on PBS but I have no clue when or on what channel… I need to check the TV cable schedule but I haven’t yet received it this week. It should arrive tomorrow“.

The instructor has provided the important information necessary for success in this course and Luis needs to be aware of his responsibilities in staying involved in his learning. Without a clear understanding of the course requirements and deadlines, Luis is likely to remain confused and frustrated.

Following are choices that Luis could have made in his effort to become aware of the requirements for his telecourse. Read through the options and see which would best help Luis.

  • “Wait for the Cable guide to arrive to find the broadcast schedule”
    Incorrect. Waiting for a cable guide is a bit risky: the guide might not arrive at all, or it may not have the details that Luis expects to find there. If Luis were aware that his course has a web site where he can find course information, he wouldn’t waste time waiting for his cable schedule to know when to view the course.
  • “Contact the instructor to tell you”
    Incorrect. It may take some time before the instructor would get Luis’ message and take the time to respond. Luis needs to learn to stay involved in his learning and begin to act on his own without waiting for someone to remind him.
  • “Become familiar with syllabus”
    Correct. Instead of leaving Luis wallowing in confusion, you helped him to become familiar with the syllabus and aware of the requirements for his telecourse at the beginning of the semester. The syllabus is Luis’ “contract” for his class. Just as Luis wouldn’t enter a business contract without reading it carefully and knowing it completely, he shouldn’t just skim through the syllabus once and then ignore it in the future.

If you have reviewed Luis's choices at a week, a month, and a semester, you will have helped him to get an "A" in his course.

You can now go back to Luis's Introduction, Luis's Week, Luis's Month, or go on to other students John or Mara.

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