Student Accounts

Here are what students are saying about taking courses with CDLI:

Student View– Courtney

As a new student with CDLI, as with a new student in any new school situation, success is based on a solid understanding of what is required to ensure the best possible results.

The student must attend classes regularly, not logging on for classes with CDLI is just as serious as skipping classes in your actual school. Completing all assigned work is crucial, as it allows lessons learned to be reiterated for a better understanding. As well, the importance of studying for tests, and keeping on top of work rather than letting it build up is always stressed by online teachers the same as with teachers in a regular classroom. And of course, one of the most significant similarities would be the importance of listening to as well as participating in the classes. If online class time is used wisely, then the amount of time and effort needed to grasp the subjects later will be a lot less time consuming and stressful.

Along with the similarities there are also differences between online school and actually sitting in a classroom. A bit more responsibility and independence is placed on the student because a teacher can’t be there chasing students or looking over their shoulders all the time. Students are responsible for obtaining, completing and sending any given homework or assignments, as well as making sure someone can supervise tests and exams. They also have to know how to use time wisely, and not take advantage of the fact that someone isn’t always there watching. More so than in a normal classroom setting, it is expected that a student will take it upon themselves to ask for help when needed and take advantage of sources such as online tutors that are provided. It basically comes down to the importance of communication between students and the teachers. Since the teachers aren’t there, they can only assist when a problem is brought to their attention, therefore as an online student one should never hesitate to ask for help because as good as online teachers are, they aren’t mind readers!

No matter what the similarities or differences may be, and no matter whether a student is new or familiar with the program, the most important key to success is determination. As long as a good work ethic, and dedication to achieving their own personal best is in check then any student can be a successful online student.

Student View – Leah

Success in online courses depends on the student who is taking the course. The student needs to be independent and able to work hard without a teacher present. A student should be able to work alone without the teacher looking over their shoulder telling them to get their work done.

The most important thing to do is to get all your work passed in on time because if you fall behind it is very hard to catch up. As soon as one due date has gone past then there is another assignment to get done, this is most common when you are doing more then one online course. Keep up on your work because if not it will pile up and you do not need to get stressed.

Go to your online class! Pay attention to everything that is being said. This is very important because it is easy enough to read the lesson that you have missed in class but you will not understand it as well as you would if you attended class and listened to your teacher.

Try to stay focused on what it is you have to do, this is hard when you have the World Wide Web right in front of you, knowing you can browse for whatever you want at anytime. It is very easy to get distracted especially if you could be doing something that you think is more interesting than your work or your online class.

It is always good to ask questions. If you have a problem make sure you ask about it. Instead of sitting there not knowing what to do with your work or your computer ask someone if they can help you instead of getting more confused with what you are doing.

I hope this helps you with the courses you are doing online this year. Just stay focused, take these courses seriously, and remember that these courses require a lot of hard work. Just have the attitude that you can do it and have a positive outlook on things and you should do great.

Student View – Chelsea

At the beginning of this school year I was a newcomer to CDLI, and I knew going into it that it would not be any easier, and if anything a bit more difficult than a normal classroom setting. I was both right and wrong. It was easier in the sense that I found a lot more support, guidance and help with my studies, but at the same time doing courses over the internet can have its fair share of difficulties and problems.

In the beginning online courses can be very foreign and a bit intimidating, but within a few days you grow more comfortable and eventually get used to this unusual method of teaching. The workloads for each course are just as challenging as any other regular classroom course, so if you think that it’ll somehow be any easier over the internet you’ll be in for quite a shock. When online you must always be attentive, because at any given moment a teacher could ask you a question and if you don’t respond, because they cannot see your face, they’ll just assume you’re not paying attention. As far as attendance goes, if you deliberately do not show up for class and you’re name is not listed, it’s very obvious that you are absent. One of the perks however of not being able to show up for class, for a good reason, is that most teachers record the classes and post it later so that you don’t miss anything, but just like regular classes it’s always better for both the class and yourself if you’re there. CDLI places special emphasis in reaching out to students who need that extra help with any problems or concerns, this is why you must never be afraid to ask questions. Tutors are available in every subject and teachers are always just a click away.

To succeed in online courses is not hard as long as the student shows up for each class on time, with a positive attitude and a readiness to learn. The student must be very organized and as usual must always keep school as their top priority. I’ve found that CDLI has been a much more positive experience and is more interactive than any of my normal classroom courses. CDLI has helped boost my confidence and therefore has helped me to participate more in class. Normally in a classroom I could get away with just showing up and not contributing to any class discussions, whereas now I actually want to contribute.

Student View – Wendy

WENDY’S TIPS FOR CDLI STUDENTS

As a former CDLI student, I would like to pass on some helpful tips that I feel helped me succeed in online courses:

Avoid Procrastinating – Manage Time Wisely!

I feel that time management is the biggest factor in succeeding in any course, especially in an online course. Successful online students have to take responsibility for their own learning. To succeed in an online class it is important to make good use of your offline class time. Although offline classes offer the leisure of completing work at your own pace, avoid procrastinating or “goofing off.” If you do not have any work assigned during this time take the initiative to do practice problems from the text or even better, ask your online teachers for old sample exams/assignments to work on. Remember - You Get What You Give!

To master time management, you may want to dedicate a certain amount of time each day to your course and stay committed to that reserved time. Some students also find it helpful to set weekly or daily goals that will allow them to reach deadlines.

Ask Questions – “The only silly question is the one that does not get asked!”

Don’t be afraid to ask for help and don't ever be afraid to ask what you fear is a “silly” question. As an online student there are several ways to get the help you are seeking. You can always direct questions/concerns to your online teacher, as well as to other teachers within your own school. Online discussions also allow you to get in contact with other students taking the same course and ask questions or discuss assignments. More than likely another student taking the course has had or will have the same question.

Work Together – Working Together Works!

It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed. Working together with your fellow classmates can allow you to learn more and stay motivated. Don’t let yourself miss out on the benefits of working together just because your classes are online. Work together during offline classes and stay connected with students at other sites through message boards, e-mail, or other sources.

TEAM = Together Everyone Achieves More

Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes – Try Your Best!

Remember that learning is never done without errors and defeat… it is okay to make mistakes. Success comes in cans, failure in cannots!