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Student Resources: Learning During Disruptions

Success in online and flexible learning environments depends on staying connected, organized, and engaged. Whether your course is designed for online learning or temporarily shifts format due to a disruption, the strategies below can help you maintain your progress and achieve your academic goals.

Need technology support? Visit the Online Student Resources page for help accessing course technologies, software, computing resources, and other online learning tools.

Online Communication

Student-to-student and student-to-instructor interaction is key to success in an online, HyFlex, or disrupted learning environment. Contact your instructors via UMSL email or through the built-in messaging tools in Canvas.

  • When in doubt, send a message.
  • If your course delivery changes, find out what communication methods your instructor will use and how course activities will continue.
  • If you are unable to participate in a course activity, find out if alternative ways to participate are available.
  • If you do not have the required technology or internet access, be proactive in communicating this to your instructor and seeking support.
  • Things move quickly during disruptions. Instructors, students, and staff may be operating in unfamiliar circumstances, so be diligent with communication. Ask for feedback, seek clarification when needed, and reach out before spending too much time struggling with a task.
  • Canvas courses need to be published before you can see them. If you cannot locate your course on your Canvas Dashboard or Courses menu, contact your instructor.
  • Even when learning online or remotely, you are still expected to follow the University of Missouri Student Standard of Conduct.

Time Management

Expect to check your campus email and Canvas courses daily when course delivery changes. Reading announcements and notifications is crucial to staying informed and successful.

  • Students who are successful in online courses often spend 3-4 hours per week for each hour of course credit.
  • For a 3-credit-hour course, plan to block out approximately 9-12 hours per week for coursework, including time you might otherwise spend attending class.
  • Just as you would schedule time to attend a face-to-face class, establish regular times to engage with your coursework.
  • Know yourself. Choose times when you are most productive and focused.
  • Set aside dedicated time for reviewing course materials, participating in discussions, and completing assignments.

Staying Organized

Disruptions often require students to be more organized and intentional in managing coursework. Below are some helpful tips for managing the remote workload of a course: 

Use your course syllabus and calendar

  • Visualize your semester by creating a calendar with important assignment dates, exams, projects, and deadlines.
  • Work backward from major due dates to determine how much time should be devoted to larger assignments.
  • Make note of personal events or responsibilities that may require you to work ahead.
  • It's okay to revise your calendar when circumstances change.
  • Consider linking the Canvas calendar to your preferred calendar application to keep deadlines in one place.

Keep a daily or weekly task list

  • Create a list that includes both academic and personal responsibilities.
  • Prioritize the most important and time-consuming tasks first.
  • If time becomes limited, focus on the activities that will have the greatest impact on your academic success.
  • Leave time for meals, sleep, exercise, and activities that support your physical and mental well-being.

Claim your time

It is easy to get pulled in multiple directions by school, work, family, and personal responsibilities.

  • Protect the time you have set aside for coursework.
  • Learn to say "no" when additional obligations interfere with your academic priorities.
  • It is okay to prioritize your studies during periods of disruption or transition.
  • If you do not intentionally claim your study time, it can quickly be absorbed by competing responsibilities.

Create a study space

Creating a dedicated study environment can help you focus and stay productive.

  • Establish a space you associate with learning rather than relaxation or entertainment.
  • Develop a routine that helps you transition into "class mode," whether that means moving to a different location, changing environments, or setting aside dedicated study time.
  • If you share your living space with others, communicate when you need uninterrupted study time.
  • Think about what helps you focus. Do you work best in silence, with music, at a desk, or somewhere more comfortable?
  • Adjust lighting, seating, and other environmental factors to support concentration.

Ask for help early

If you are struggling, confused, or feeling overwhelmed, seek help as early as possible.

  • Contact your instructor if you have questions about assignments, expectations, or course content.
  • Reach out to classmates, family members, friends, or campus resources when you need support.
  • Do not wait until you have fallen behind before asking for help.
  • Many challenges become easier to address when they are identified early.