Get a Life

Distance Learners need more than just web pages and online exams. They need social interaction with their peers and professors. Not only does interaction allow students the satisfaction of expressing themselves, it also gives them a chance to improve their learning and make new friends. Yet, even the most outgoing often struggle to form relationships over the internet. Distance and technological issues often stand in the way and many students are unsure of how to proceed. If you want to make some meaningful social contacts through the internet, give these tips and tricks a try.

1. Become a message board regular. A lot of course message boards are an optional component of the curriculum. Don’t miss out on the rich discussions that are often held via postings. Becoming a frequent poster will let you get to know your peers and professors and let you learn from their insights. A lot of friendships are formed over months of postings and you’ll be surprised at what you learn.

2. Join the discussion in chat rooms. Some classes have scheduled chat times in which students from around the world sign in all together. Others have an open room, where students are free to enter at their leisure. If your online course does not have a chat room, ask your colleagues and instructors if they know of any rooms related to the subject you are studying.

3. Keep in touch with email. Don’t lose contact with the friends you make at your online school. Make sure to keep everyone’s email address in a safe place and keep in touch often. It’s nice to know people who went through a similar experience and you never know when a peer may have a great position for you in his new company. Don’t forget to keep in touch with your instructors too. Many are happy to be mentors for years and are great recommendation writers.

4. Be available with instant messenger. When you’re working on a project or completing coursework online, you may want to sign on to an instant messaging program, such as AOL’s AIM. The program is free to download and allows you to chat with anyone who has the same program. Don’t want to install it on your computer? Check out an express program that allows you to run AIM from your internet browser.

5. Remember netiquette. The internet has social taboos just like real life. Don’t drive away potential friends by typing in all caps (this is considered yelling), posting advertisements to your site on message boards meant for other discussion, or forwarding hoax emails. Although you’re not in an actual classroom, you do send off a virtual impression to those you encounter on the world wide web. Make it a good one by being present for the discussions, being available to talk, and being considerate with technology.