Learning Resources Getting Started With Online Learning

Getting Started With Online Learning Icon Taking an online class is a different experience from taking an in-person class. Learning online often requires us to be more proactive in using technologies, asking for support, and engaging with the content. Use the tips below to learn how to succeed and thrive in online classes.

Video Summary (1-Minuite)

First Things First: Plan for Your Success

Man climbing chalk drawn stairs to success on a blackboard

Welcome to the first step in your online learning journey! Success in an online environment starts with clear goals and a solid plan, and that’s where this interactive tool comes in. Using the GROW model and SMART goals, you’ll learn how to set achievable objectives, assess your current situation, explore solutions, and create actionable steps to accomplish your aspirations. Whether you’re striving for better grades, improved time management, or personal growth, this tool is designed to help you take control of your learning and stay on track. Let’s get started on building the foundation for your academic success!

Navigating an Online Class

Find Your Online Classes on Canvas

BYU uses a learning management system called Canvas to host some of its online courses. Follow these tips below to start getting familiar with this platform!

Once you've selected your course, in most courses, the "Modules" tab will be the best place you can go to find all of the content to learn and assignments to turn in for your class.

Screenshot of canvas modules page

Check out our Canvas Help Guide to get more familiar with Canvas!

Find Your Online Classes on Buzz

BYU also uses a learning management system called Buzz to host some of its online courses. Follow these tips below to start getting familiar with this platform!

Access your Buzz account by logging in with your BYU credentials at https://byuis.next.agilixbuzz.com/login

Once you've selected your course, the home page of the course will be the best place you can go to find all of the content to learn and assignments to turn in for your class.

You can also use the hamburger menu on the top left-hand corner to navigate to other areas of the course like your gradebook.

Screenshot of Buzz modules page

To get additional help navigating Buzz, select the question mark on the top right-hand side of the page to open of the Help search bar.

Set a Schedule

Online classes allow you to be more flexible with your time, but sometimes this can make it easy to put things off. Use the added flexibility to your advantage to complete high-priority tasks and even get ahead in some classes!

Did you know that BYU classes expect you to work 3 hours/per week for every credit of class you have? For example, if you are taking a 3-credit course, expect to spend about 9 hours/week on the class! To ensure you give yourself adequate time for each class, block out specific times in your schedule to work on each one.

Transcript Forthcoming

Check the calendar in your course to see all the due dates for your class assignments and exams. Consider setting reminders on your phone so you remember them!

Contacting Support

Customer Support

For questions related to courses, requesting an exam, finding a proctor, or any other general course information, please contact our customer support team via phone or email.

Contact information for Customer support
Phone Hours:	Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (MT)
Toll-Free:	1-800-914-8931
Local:	801-422-2868
Email:	Send us a message

Technical Support

For questions specific to technical issues including trouble logging in or submitting an assignment, please contact our technical support team via phone or email.

Contact information for Technical support
Phone Hours:	Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (MT)
Toll-Free:	1-877-897-8085
Local:	801-422-8524
Email:	Send us a message

Additional Resources and Links

Connecting With the SSC

BYU Continuing Education Student Success Center

BYU Student Success Center is dedicated to helping students achieve their educational and personal goals. We offer personalized guidance, academic support, and access to helpful resources. Whether you are a new student starting your educational journey or a seasoned student looking for additional support, we are here to support you in your learning experience.

Contact information for the BYU Continuing Education Student Success Center
Website:	https://academicsuccess.byu.edu/
Phone number:	801-422-7024
Email:	academicsuccess.byu.edu

Connect with Instructors

Connecting with a teacher can be highly beneficial. It can help you better understand the course material, whether it's asking for further explanation or seeking feedback. Connecting with an instructor can help establish a mentoring relationship and build connections in areas that interest you.

Student communicating with an online instructor

Here are ways to communicate with your online teachers and instructors:

Check your course syllabus or instructor's welcome message: This will often include instructions on how to communicate with your instructor and any preferred contact methods.
Use the communication tools provided: Online courses have various communication tools such as email, discussion boards, messaging, and video platforms. Find a form of communication that works best for you and your instructor.
3. Be Proactive: If you have questions or concerns, don't wait until it's too late. Reach out to your instructor. They are there to help and support you in your learning.

Connect with Peers, Peer Educators, and Mentors

Here is a secret about online learning: successful students seek help. They use supportive resources like their classmates, peer educators, and mentors as often as necessary to get the support they need to succeed. Talking to or interacting with other students, peer educators, and mentors builds a connection that can benefit and improve learning.

Here are some ways to connect with classmates, peer educators, and mentors

Participate in discussion forums: Participate in discussion forums by posting questions, responding to prompts, and engaging in conversations with your peers.
Schedule appointments with peer educators or mentors: Seek out peer mentoring opportunities by connecting with mentors who can provide academic support, answer questions, and offer guidance throughout the course
Virtual study groups: You can form virtual study groups where you can discuss course materials, ask questions, help
each other with assignments, and study for quizzes and exams.
Email or online messaging systems: Use email or online messaging systems to communicate.
Be proactive: Be proactive in contacting classmates and peer educators to build relationships and foster a sense of community within the online learning environment.
Be civil: Communicate civilly in online courses by avoiding offensive language, listening actively to others' perspectives, and maintaining a respectful tone in your communication.

Seeking Help

No matter how alone you feel, there are people who can help you. In the box below, list the people in your life who you can turn to for help in times of emotional or mental distress.

Remember that these people love and support you and want to help you. You can reach out to them whenever you need help.

Page Attributions

Manning, C. (2016). The Fearless Mind: 5 Essential Steps to Higher Performance. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
Creativa Images/stock.adobe.com Afro student steps on a stair toward success (Adobe Stock Education License).
CarlosBarquero/stock.adobe.com Young black African college girl studying online on her laptop. Smiling applied Latin woman taking an online virtual class sitting in campus cafeteria. Close-up portrait happy woman in concentration. (Adobe Stock Education License).
Rido/stock.adobe.com Studying with video online lesson at home (Adobe Stock Education License).

Connect with a Peer Mentor

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