In case you haven't figured it out thus far, attitude is everything when it comes to learning with technology. You will find that having the following attitude will significantly contribute to your success as a digital learner. To sum things up, be positive about the experience coming your way.

Make sure your attitude is “tuned to the right station:”

Have a positive attitude towards technology.

Some things may not work how you want the first time or, you may have to spend extra time learning how to use a tool. Embrace this as a learning opportunity!

Have an open mind towards alternative educational formats

Maybe you did not “choose” to take an online course, but try to approach the experience with an open mind and don’t start out comparing this to a fully face-to-face course. The experience WILL be different, especially if you’re used to attending classes that are lecture based.

Have a willingness to share your experiences with others

As was mentioned previously, online courses build in, and rely on, your participation in discussions and activities. The dialogue between you and your classmates will be enhanced if you share your experiences; the things you’ve learned so far in other schooling, at jobs, at parenting, caregiving, well… just about everything you’ve experienced can help make the learning experience great.

Have a willingness to be resourceful and seek solutions before contacting the instructor

Of course you should feel like you can reach out to your instructor in times of need, but it’s wise to make sure there aren’t other ways to get answers to your questions so you leverage your instructor when you need to (like to discuss something you’re really “stuck” on in class versus how to find a resource). Consider:

Posting questions in the “Ask and Answer Forum” of your course (if there is one)
Reaching out to a classmate
Reviewing the syllabus again.
Searching the Canvas Guides (click on Help in the global navigation menu)
Searching Google or YouTube. Begin by asking 'How do you ...'

It is reasonable to expect a response or direction from your instructor within 24 hours of your request, but do not expect an immediate reply!

Have patience with yourself, peers, and instructor

When you’re using technology and it works well, it’s great! When it’s not working, it can be quite frustrating. Please have patience with yourself, classmates, and instructor. When teaching and taking classes that use technology, glitches can be expected. Nothing is perfect the first or even second time and sometimes things just don’t work right now no matter how hard we try. Take it in stride and assume the best; everyone is working hard to make this learning experience great. Let your instructor know, politely, if something isn't working! Modules 2 and 4, in this tutorial, provide specifics on how to get 'help'!

A sense of humor

Last and not least, have a sense of humor through the experience and when 'glitches' occur. Life is too short to take little issues seriously! Learn, laugh, move on. Now that you’ve got the right mindset for learning online, let’s turn our attention toward how to navigate your online classroom.