How best to tackle an online Spanish class

An online class is the most flexible way to learn a foreign language.  You literally can structure the class around your busy life!  But here are some tips for successfully tackling this type of project!

• Try to set a schedule and do your best to stick to it.  If your weeks vary, as they do for many folks, sit down with your calendar at the top of each week.  Decide what days and times you are going to work on Spanish and then do your best to stick to it.  Routines are best, so if there is a way to always spend the same hours on the class each day, then do so.
• Secondarily to that, things happen that change schedules.  If you needed to spend an hour in class both Monday and Tuesday, but had to miss Monday... make sure you build two hours into Tuesday.  Don't short cut your studies, your learning will suffer.
• Realize that because online classes are very independent in nature, you must first orientate to the technology and the structure of the course.  If you are just getting started with Croghan Language Academy, it is going to take you a while to orientate, know where to go, what to do, make sure your technology is compatible...  This can feel frustrating and overwhelming.  Be patient, spend as much time as you can learning your way around.  It will all come together soon!
• Make sure you know how you can get in touch with the instructor.  A quality online class will have an instructor that is available for feedback and answering questions.  Find out when open office hours are and spend some quality time with the instructor then.  At CLA, the instructor is widely available via phone, email, text message, and depending on what curriculum you are enrolled in, computer instant messaging.
• Print as much of the course material as possible and keep a notebook.  Keep the notebook with you at all times, just in case you find a few minutes to scan it.  While waiting for an appointment, while riding to your destination (if you are a passenger, of course), during television commercials, etc.  Find small opportunities to engage in the content.
• Have fun!  Remember what you are doing is really cool, and that if you stick with it, you will one day have opportunities for more friends, travel and careers!