Show up
The single most important thing you can do to be successful in IT classes is to show up. Try to be as prepared as you can be and bring the materials you need to take notes, and otherwise participate. Your instructors may not have regular office hours so if you miss a class, email your instructor.
Meet other students
Meeting other students in your class can lead to many rewards. Discussing the course material or working through example problems together in small groups has been proven to be a far superior way to learn than working only on your own. Learners retain more of what they learn when they discuss new concepts and use new terms in conversation or writing. Additionally, other students can be a valuable source of information when you miss a class due to an emergency or illness.
Review your textbooks and software as soon as possible
Ask your campus front desk or bookstore coordinator when your books will first be available. Typically, they are available several days before the first day of class. Pick up your books as soon as possible and devote some time to reading the table of contents, the preface, and the first chapter. Not only will this prepare you for your first day of class, but it will help you gadge how difficult the course will be. You will also have an opportunity to ask your instructor questions about the first chapter on the first day of class.
Carefully inventory any software packaged with your books and if there are activation keys or seals to be broken, do not break the seal or use the key before you go to class the first day. Your instructor may have special instructions for using your activation keys or you may change your mind about taking the class this quarter. If you break the seal or use an activation key, you will not be able to return your books.
Read the chapter before class
Continue to read your books throughout the quarter, reading each chapter before it is presented in class. When you read, take notes about any new words and definitions, acronyms, and concepts. This will prepare you to get the most out of each class period.
Take notes
In class, take notes. This will help to fix things in your mind, and will give you a record of what was discussed in class for review. Studies show that taking notes in class improves the success of students.
Devote some time every day to each class you are taking
Because many of the things we learn in IT are hands-on, you should devote some time everyday to practice what you are learning. Even if there is no homework due or quiz scheduled, work a practice problem or project from the book or review your previous, graded work.
Start homework assignments as soon as possible
By starting homework as soon as possible, you provide yourself with a chance to discover questions you have and get them answered before its too late. Also, by working on your assignments immediately, you have a better chance to remember important things from class that may make your work go more quickly.
Before each class, review what was covered during the last class
Reviewing your notes from the last class will put your mind into a state of readiness to engage with the instructor's next presentation. Also, you may discover that you have questions about the last class and if you ask, you may be able to get your questions answered right away.
More information
Your student handbook contains more suggestions for being successful in your classes. For the Globe University/Minnesota School of Business student handbook, here. If you are a student at Utah Career College, please inquire with your campus Director of Student Services.
