Top 5 tips for navigating your first online course at Capella

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By: The Capella University Editorial Team with Kristin Ralston, Assistant Program Manager, First Year Experience

Starting your first online course can be exciting, but also a little intimidating. You might wonder: Am I prepared? Do I have what I need to succeed? What should I expect from online learning?

At Capella University, we understand your concerns and we can help you resolve them. Whether you’re pursuing your first online degree or returning to school after a break, a little preparation can go a long way.

Here are five essential tips to help you get ready for your first online class.

1. Take advantage of onboarding

Get to know your learning environment with Capella’s online Onboarding Experience, an online introduction to the Capella community and our virtual Campus. You’ll see what your academic courses will look like and learn about tools and resources available to support you throughout your program.    

The courseroom is the virtual heart of your online learning experience, so explore it early. You can even take a trial course to experience the Capella courseroom and see how assignments, discussions and feedback work before your program begins.

Familiarize yourself with where to find due dates, grades, instructor contact information and course materials. Knowing how to navigate your courseroom helps you to focus on learning instead of logistics, so you can dive right into your first assignment on day one.

2. Explore student support services

Capella offers a range of online student support services including academic coaches, enrollment specialists and the Career Development Center. Learn more about these resources early so you know where to turn when you need help. Successful online learners use support proactively, not just when challenges arise.

3. Connect with your instructor and classmates

Online learning doesn’t mean learning alone. Introduce yourself in the courseroom discussion boards and reach out to your instructor if you have questions. Building connections helps create a sense of community, improves engagement and can make your first online course feel more personal and supportive.

4. Understand academic expectations

Success in your courses depends on understanding how your work will be evaluated and presented. At Capella, two key tools support that process: the scoring guide and the APA style guide.

Scoring guide

• Most assessments include a scoring guide that aligns with the course competencies and outlines how your work will be evaluated. At Capella, these guides are typically checklists or rubrics.
• Review the scoring guide before you begin each assessment. Note the essential elements the assignment is designed to address, make sure you understand the instructions and identify the criteria used to evaluate your work.
• If the scoring guide includes a rubric, review the performance levels so that you understand how each level is defined.
• Using the scoring guide as a roadmap helps you stay aligned with your instructor’s expectations and demonstrate the competencies outlined for the course.

APA style guide

• Capella University uses APA style across most programs, especially in psychology, education, business and health sciences.
• APA style is a set of guidelines for writing, formatting and citing sources developed by the American Psychological Association (APA). It provides a consistent way to present research and ideas clearly and ethically.
• The APA style guide covers elements such as paper structure, headings, in-text citations, reference lists, tone and punctuation to ensure your writing is clear and properly credits original sources.

5. Create a realistic study schedule

As you begin your program, it’s important to think about how your studies fit into your daily life. You’ll be expected to participate consistently in your courses, so take time to plan a schedule that balances school, work, family and personal commitments.

An effective time management plan includes dedicated blocks for coursework and flexibility for life’s demands. When planning your week, be sure to set aside time for:

• Required course engagement
• Assignments and discussions
• Preparation and review
• Family and work responsibilities
• Rest and personal time

Time management looks different for everyone, so build a schedule that fits your life. Over the course of your studies, your plan may need to be adjusted. Revisit your approach regularly, seek support when needed and make changes that help you stay on track.

Ready to begin your journey?
Learn more about Capella University’s online degree programs and take the first step toward achieving your personal and professional goals through flexible online learning.