What a marvel the internet is. It makes nearly everything so much easier. It’s easier to find a restaurant. It’s easier to stay in touch with friends. It’s easier to watch other people play video games (and listen as they talk constantly through it).
So, why is it that when they put an Algebra class online it didn’t seem to get any easier? Well, never fear. We’ve got some tips that’ll have you rationalizing denominators faster than you can say… well… “rationalizing denominators.”
Master Your Mindset
They say that if you think about your muscles while working out, they get even stronger. Well did you know it works for your brain, too? It’s true. While your brain may not have to bench press 225 pounds, your mental mindset matters when you are learning.
There’s a quote attributed to Henry Ford that goes “Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right.” That means the best start to succeeding in your online Algebra class, is to believe you can! This doesn’t make it any easier, but it does give your brain extra motivation for the hard parts. Like that guy in the gym who says you can do one more rep. Go you!
Set a Routine
There’s a place for everything, and everything should be in its place. At least that’s what my mom said when I was told to clean my room. And our brains are like our rooms for learning. It’s harder to find the knowledge you need when everything’s a mess.
Tidy up your mental mathematical learning space by setting a routine. When you set a routine, your brain doesn’t waste any energy on getting going. It automatically shifts to learning mode. The best part about learning online is that some programs, like ASU Prep Digital, allow you to learn on your schedule, wherever you are. So, make your routine personal.
Grow with Teamwork
The Loch Ness Monster. Bigfoot. You’re on your own in an online course.
All three are myths.
Nothing is more frustrating than when you are struggling with binomial distribution and you feel alone. But you aren’t! There is a whole learning community for you to call on.
You can set up a study group with some of the other students in class. If you’re not sure who to invite, your instructor will be able to identify some peers who are in the same part of the course as you.
Speaking of instructors, you can also ask your them for help. As scary as it is to ask an adult for help, struggling in the course is even scarier. Their whole job is to help you learn, so don’t hesitate to call, email or text your instructor with questions.
ASU Prep Digital also has Success Coaches who are determined to help you be successful. If you don’t ask them for help, they can’t realize their dreams. And you don’t want to rob them of their dreams, right?
Do the Practice
I may lose some of you here, but the students who really want to succeed in online algebra courses will do the practice problems. There’s no pressure, you have the freedom to get them wrong, and they are great ways to prepare for when it really counts. Many online Algebra courses offer pre-tests as well. And you can’t just select C on all the questions. You must take them seriously.
At ASU Prep Digital, Algebra 1 is set up as an adaptive course. This means that the more you show you know on pre-tests, practice and assessments, the more the course can adapt to your skills. Think of it like how Netflix suggests new shows for you based on what you’ve watched. Giving your best effort on the pre-tests and practice means the course won’t waste your time teaching you stuff you already know. You may even skip ahead!
Now that you’re on your way to mastering math online, you should think about how online classes can help you get even further ahead. Like taking college courses in high school instead of in the big lecture halls on college campuses. ASU Prep Digital is an online high school, where you can earn high school and college credits at the same time! To see the full course catalog, or sign up to take Algebra online, visit asuprepdigital.org/courses.html.
