{"id":20364,"date":"2022-08-01T13:46:05","date_gmt":"2022-08-01T17:46:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/?page_id=20364"},"modified":"2026-03-26T13:36:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T17:36:52","slug":"online-learning-what-you-need-to-succeed","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/learn\/online-learning-what-you-need-to-succeed\/","title":{"rendered":"Online Learning: What You Need to Succeed"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>How do online classes work?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Online learning is an accessible, affordable, and flexible learning environment that allows students to work around their personal schedules to obtain quality education.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Many learners prefer this method of learning, which can be completed when convenient for you. While there are still deadlines for some assignments, you can choose to study online wherever you are, at any time of the day (or night). All you need is access to high-speed internet and a suitable computer or tablet. Please see Technology Requirements (below) for more information about internet and computer specifications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Our online course modules are offered through Brightspace, an online learning platform. This is essentially a password protected website where you can access everything you need including course materials, quizzes, grades and feedback. When you start the course there will be videos and tutorials to orient you to Brightspace.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Digital Connectivity Options:<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you have limited access to reliable internet or an internet connected device:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To complete coursework: you may contact<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/county-offices\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">your local Extension office<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to schedule a time to use their WiFi during office hours (in the building) or use WiFi anytime from the parking lot.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Contact the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/digitalequitycenter.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">National Digital Equity Center<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (external link) for no cost or low cost tablets for Maine Residents who are of low to moderate income.<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Many public libraries have computers available for public use. Contact your local library for more information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Will I succeed as an online learner?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While we can not guarantee success, many students are surprised at how well they manage online classes. Certainly, there are personal attributes that can help you be more successful and comfortable with online learning. Please check the list below when deciding if online learning is for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #003263\">Successful online learners:<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Are self-starters<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Having a flexible learning environment requires you to make a plan to complete the learning modules within the scheduled time-frame.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Are resilient and patient. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You\u2019ll need to keep yourself going even when there are technical difficulties or some of the material is not as easy to understand.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Use effective time management. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Be sure to check for weekly assignments and schedule time to complete each module.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Are comfortable with technology, or are willing to become comfortable. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">An online learning environment requires using various types of technology including Zoom, discussion boards, and navigating Brightspace. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Don\u2019t worry too much, though- we will supply you with the orientation you need to get started, and you will have access to IT support during the course.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Set themselves up for success. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">An important part of online learning is a good study environment. Find a quiet place to work, mute your cell phone, set up good lighting and comfortable seating. Choose a time during the day that you will be more focused and less distracted. And don\u2019t forget about ergonomics!\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">First Day of Class tips:<br \/>\n<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Who do I contact if I have trouble logging in: <\/span><a href=\"mailto:extension.brightspace@maine.edu\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">extension.brightspace@maine.edu<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Plan to spend time orienting yourself to the learning environment.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Add any due dates and other course related dates to your personal calendar.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Bookmark the login page for easy access.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How do online classes work? Online learning is an accessible, affordable, and flexible learning environment that allows students to work around their personal schedules to obtain quality education.\u00a0 Many learners prefer this method of learning, which can be completed when convenient for you. While there are still deadlines for some assignments, you can choose to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":137,"featured_media":0,"parent":12691,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"templates\/page-withsidebar.php","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-20364","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Online Learning: What You Need to Succeed - Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard - University of Maine Cooperative Extension<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/learn\/online-learning-what-you-need-to-succeed\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Online Learning: What You Need to Succeed - Cooperative Extension: Garden and Yard - University of Maine Cooperative Extension\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"How do online classes work? 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