Staying on Track: Tips and Resources for Success at Tech

University services are available to support you and your success no matter where you are or the structure of your classes.
This page will provide you with tips, resources and links to help you manage your classes at Tech.

                                 Prior to classes starting

Set up the Technology

The IT Help Desk is ready to help you access Canvas, technology, and downloading software. And, technology is available for loan through IT on a limited basis. Email it-help@mtu.edu for more information.

Canvas:

Make sure that you have your login and you are checking your classes ahead of time. Make sure that you are logged into canvas and check for your syllabus.

                                 Class Expectation

Classes:

Whether your classes are in-person, remote, online or a hybrid, there are a few tips that will help you manage your class load. While it takes some time to adjust or pivot between class structures, being patient, being prepared, and being organized will help no matter the structure.

For remote or online classes, make sure that your computer is charged, make sure that your location is distraction free and make sure that you turn on your camera.

Attendance:

Class attendance may not be required for all classes but it is highly recommended that you attend all of your class sessions.  In session, you will be able to get clarification on the assignments, you may get notes that were not in the readings for exams, you will find peers to study with, and you will get to know your professors.

Being Prepared:

When going to class you should have read the material for that class, gone through the syllabus, and be prepared to take notes. This means bring your computer, tablet, pen/pencil, and paper.

                                 Being Successful in Class

Time Management:

Most classes require 2-4 hours of study time outside of class. It is important that you schedule time to do the work.  it is recommended that you review your notes, read the chapter, and write your papers several times before they are due. "Cramming" the night before does not work in college. Writing your papers last minute will no longer get you a passing grade.

Below are several helpful tips and tools for time management:

7 Ways to Manage & Make Time

Time Management for Online Courses

Time Management Tools on Canvas

Weekly Planner

Use Support Resources

If you find you need help, reach out to us. The Dean of Students, academic advisors, and staff members at the Learning Centers, Counseling Services, and Student Disability Services are all here for you. Folks might be available in-person, via phone or virtually through Google Hangouts or Zoom. If you know who to reach out to, email them. If you aren’t sure who to ask, contact success@mtu.edu or call 906-487-3558.

                                 Tips for Online Coursework      

Be Accountable

Though we’re sometimes working remotely, we’re still in this together. Keep in mind that your instructors may be breaking new ground, too. Patience, honesty, and a willingness to give and accept feedback will be integral to everyone’s success this semester. Keep University values in mind and support each other as best you can. 

Virtual Learning Centers

Learning Centers have set up virtual hours. Here is a current list of how to access appointments.

Tips for Taking Online Classes

These eight suggestions may help you be successful in an online setting.

Here are some more practices to help you get and stay on track if you are still struggling.

Use Remote Meetings

If you need to hold group meetings, using Google meet or Scheduling a Zoom Meeting might be especially useful. Plus, with Zoom, you can record your meetings in case team members can't attend.

Make it a PDF: Camera Scanners

Want to convert homework or other information to PDF format? Apps such as Genius Scan and Google’s PhotoScan make it possible.

                                 Tips for Note Taking

Note Taking:

Not taking can be intimidating. But there are several ways to take notes.  you just need to find a style that works best for you.  Note Taking 101 has some helpful tips.

The Cornell Method:  This style allows you to outline the major themes or subject headings on the left side of your paper, and the details on the right side of your paper. See Cornell Notes.

Outline Method: The outlining method is perhaps the most common form of note taking used by college students; an outline naturally organizes the information in a highly structured, logical manner, forming a skeleton of the textbook chapter or lecture subject that serves as an excellent study guide when preparing for tests.

Mind-Mapping: A Mind Map is an easy way to brainstorm thoughts organically without worrying about order and structure. It allows you to visually structure your ideas to help with analysis and recall.

Matrix note-taking is a way of organizing previously taken linear notes. For example, if you took notes in class using the Outline Method, you might then make more concise notes from these in a matrix format. How it works: As you read through your notes, pull out the major topics and categories, which become the headings at the tip of your chart. Fill the chart in with common aspects or important pieces of each topic or category. You might also find it helpful to write down questions you have in the left-hand column to help better organize and compare each category.

Lecture Slides: If your professor puts their slides on canvas ahead of time, print them off and take your notes right on the slide to help you recall what was said about each slide.

                                  Tips for Studying

Now that you have all these great notes what do you do with them?

Planning study time is just as important as showing up to class. Here ae some great planners to help you manage your time.

7-day study plan

Active Learning

Backward Planning

Making it stick

Evaluating your study space