One big misconception about online college is that students are lone wolves that have to work with the modules on their laptops until they graduate. This is absolutely not true. Distance learners are actually encouraged to reach out to their classmates to give them that feeling of a traditional classroom environment. Social media is a good avenue for interactions like these, and below are how it can help online college students.
Student initiative Using Social Media
Most online college professors encourage their charges to create social media groups or chat groups to allow distance learners to exchange ideas after class. But even if the teacher does not initiate this, you as a student should already have this in mind. Create a Facebook or WhatsApp group or even your own forum on Reddit and include everyone in the class. Sharing of thoughts shouldn’t end when the online class does.
Personal connections
Through social media, online college students can also try to get to know each other personally. This allows classmates to build a stronger bond and a networking opportunity. Of course, consent from the people involved must be given before taking the classroom relationship to another level. Having a deeper connection can help with classroom success and even after graduation.
Get advice from professionals in your field.
For distance learners trying to get a degree that leads to a career in a particular field, try to pick the brains of those who have professional experience. Use social media groups and forums to get advice from them. You can also get an idea if you are indeed on the right path by talking to these people. Useful knowledge can be found beyond the classroom, and the internet can definitely help you with that.
Build an online portfolio Using Social Media
Even if you are yet to graduate from an online college, you should start building an online portfolio. LinkedIn is a good avenue for you to do this. If you are in the graphic arts industry, build an online portfolio through Pinterest. You can also showcase your work through Youtube. This gives potential employers an idea of your skills even as a student.
Check some of our other articles: Keep yourself motivated while studying at home.
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