Learning Online: Tips for Students
Penn provides numerous resources to help you navigate online learning successfully and be intentional about how you engage with your coursework and classmates.
Stay up-to-date with Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources.
Penn provides numerous resources to help you navigate online learning successfully and be intentional about how you engage with your coursework and classmates.
Incorporate new strategies that help you learn online
The Weingarten Learning Resources Center’s Quick Tips for Online Learning provides useful strategies for successful online learning. You’ll find tips for how to create a flexible schedule, participate actively, manage distractions, and taking productive screen breaks.
You’ll also find tips to help you incorporate Proactive Time Management for Learning Online and handouts that help you break your to-do list into manageable chunks.
Stay informed
Check your Penn email frequently and set your Canvas notifications preferences. Your professors may use both to communicate information about course materials, instructions for completing coursework, invitations to real-time videoconferencing sessions, or other important class-related information.
You have several options for receiving Canvas notifications including sending them to an additional email address, receiving them via text, and enabling push notifications in the Canvas Student app (iOS or Android).
Consider subscribing to your Canvas calendar feed so that your Google or Outlook calendar contains assignments and events for your Canvas courses.
Set to Notify me right away
- Due Date (assignment due date changes)
- Announcement (new announcements)
- Grading (a grade is entered)
- Invitation (web conference, group, collaboration, and peer review)
Optimize your technology tools
Apply operating system and browser updates. Many of the tools your professors might use will work best if you apply operating system updates and download the latest versions of commonly used browsers. Keeping your system up-to-date helps to minimize technical issues.
Consider reviewing Canvas’s supported browsers and basic computer specifications and downloading the Canvas Student app on your iOS or Android device.
If you experience difficulties or don’t think you’ll be able to access or use a technology tool, let your professor or TAs know right away. Find additional support by reaching out to Student Remote IT Support.
Get help
Be patient with yourself. Get in touch with your professors and TAs if you run into challenges and know that it’s ok to ask for help. Penn offers a range of resources that you can call on during this challenging time.
| FAQs | Academic Assistance | Wellbeing | Technology Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester FAQ | Contact your advisor or the advising office for your school | Counseling & Psychological Services | Student Remote IT Support |
| Weingarten Learning Resources Center (Office of Learning Resources, Student Disability Services, and the Tutoring Center) |
Wellness at Penn | ||
