Your First Day of Online Class: A Simple Guide to Getting Started

Starting a new class online can bring up a mix of excitement and uncertainty. What does the instructor expect? How is the course structured? Where do you even begin? These are common questions, and the good news is that a few straightforward steps can help you feel oriented and ready to engage from day one.

Here are suggestions on  what to focus on when your new session begins.

Review Your Syllabus (Also Called the Course Overview)

The syllabus is your roadmap for the course. On your first day, take time to read through it carefully. Near the top, you will find the course objectives, which outline what the course is designed to cover. You will also find your instructor's contact information and office hours, both of which are worth noting early.

As you scroll further, the syllabus breaks down each unit, including:

• Overall unit outcomes
• Reading assignments and learning materials
• Assignment types for each unit, such as AIU’s intellipath^® if attending an AIU program, or the Discussion Board, Individual Project, or  Group Projects that may be assigned in your course  
• A point breakdown showing the weight of each assignment

Read Your Instructor's Announcements

Once you have reviewed the syllabus, check for any announcements your instructor has posted. Many instructors share a welcome message or course expectations post at the start of each session. These announcements often clarify grading preferences, communication expectations, and any course-specific guidelines that may differ from what you have experienced in other classes.

If anything in the announcements is unclear, reach out to your instructor using the contact information from the syllabus. Connecting early can help you avoid confusion later in the session.

Check the Live Chat Schedule

Many online courses include live chat sessions, which give you the opportunity to hear directly from your instructor, ask questions about assignments, and engage with course material in real time. Think of live chats as the online equivalent of a classroom lecture.

If you are able to attend a scheduled chat, it is worth doing. If your schedule does not allow it, chat sessions are typically recorded so you can review the content at a time that works for you. Check your course for specific details on how recordings are made available.

Dive Into Unit One

With your syllabus reviewed, expectations understood, and chat schedule noted, you are ready to begin. Navigate to the home page of your classroom and locate Unit 1. From there, follow each step in order. This approach can help ensure you complete all reading assignments and review all relevant learning materials before moving on to your first assignment.

A helpful strategy: review the assignment details before you begin your reading. Knowing what you will be asked to do can help you read with purpose and identify the information most relevant to your work.

For courses beyond your first, the same approach applies. Work through each unit step by step, and do not hesitate to contact your instructor if you need guidance along the way.

A Few Final Tips for Day One

• Save your instructor's contact information somewhere easy to find.
• Note any high-point assignments early so you can plan accordingly .
• Reach out to your instructor if you have questions because they are there to support you.

Getting started on the right foot does not require perfection. It requires a little preparation and a willingness to engage. Follow these steps on your first day, and you will be well positioned for a productive session of learning.

Explore more tips and resources for online learners on the AIU Blog.

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