Learn From Anywhere
Online Student Guide
Understanding Course Formats
BYU-Idaho online courses come in different formats. Choose what works best for your schedule and learning style.
Asynchronous
Work at your own pace within weekly deadlines
- •No set meeting times
- •Flexible scheduling
- •Weekly assignment deadlines
- •Discussion board participation
Best for: Students with irregular schedules or time zone differences
Synchronous
Live virtual class sessions at scheduled times
- •Real-time interaction with instructor
- •Scheduled Zoom meetings
- •Immediate feedback
- •More structured format
Best for: Students who thrive with scheduled accountability
Hybrid
Combination of live sessions and self-paced work
- •Some scheduled meetings
- •Flexible independent work
- •Best of both formats
- •Varied learning experiences
Best for: Students wanting structure with flexibility
Time Commitment
Plan your schedule realistically. Online courses require significant time investment.
3-credit course
9-12 hours/week
3-4 hrs reading, 3-4 hrs assignments, 2-3 hrs discussions
2-credit course
6-8 hours/week
2-3 hrs reading, 2-3 hrs assignments, 1-2 hrs discussions
1-credit course
3-4 hours/week
Varies by course type
Planning Tip: Most students take 12-15 credits per semester. At 9-12 hours per 3-credit course, that's 36-60 hours of coursework per week. Plan accordingly if you're working or have family responsibilities.
Technology Requirements
Make sure your setup meets these requirements before classes begin.
Computer
Windows 10+ or macOS 10.14+, 8GB RAM recommended
Internet
10+ Mbps download speed (test at speedtest.net)
Webcam
Required for proctored exams and some courses
Microphone
Built-in or external for presentations and meetings
Microsoft Office
Free through BYU-Idaho (Office 365)
Browser
Chrome or Firefox recommended for I-Learn
Free Software Access
As a BYU-Idaho student, you get free access to Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, and many other software tools. Access them through the BYU-Idaho portal.
Technical Help
If you have tech issues, contact the BYU-Idaho Support Center at (208) 496-9000 or visit support.byui.edu for live chat and troubleshooting guides.
Setting Up Your Study Environment
Your study space directly impacts your success. Create an environment that promotes focus.
Dedicated Space
Set up a specific area just for studying - even a corner of a room works
Minimize Distractions
Use website blockers, put phone in another room, close unnecessary tabs
Good Lighting
Natural light or a good desk lamp reduces eye strain
Comfortable Seating
Invest in an ergonomic chair - you'll spend hours here
Noise Management
Use noise-canceling headphones or white noise for focus
Required Materials
Keep textbooks, notebooks, and supplies within reach
Recommended Study Setup
Essential Items
- •Noise-canceling headphones for focus
- •Desk lamp with adjustable brightness
- •Comfortable, supportive chair
- •External webcam for better video quality
Helpful Apps
- •Forest or Freedom - website/app blockers
- •Notion or Todoist - task management
- •Grammarly - writing assistance
- •Focus@Will or Brain.fm - focus music
Discussion Board Success
Discussion boards often count for 20-30% of your grade. Here's how to excel.
Read Before Posting
Always read the discussion prompt and all instructions carefully before writing
Be Substantive
Aim for 150-200 word posts that add value - not just "I agree"
Cite Sources
Reference course materials and outside sources when relevant
Respond Meaningfully
When replying to classmates, ask questions or offer new perspectives
Post Early
Don't wait until the last day - others need time to respond to you
Be Professional
Write in complete sentences, proofread, and maintain a respectful tone
Sample Discussion Post Structure
Opening: State your main point or thesis clearly
Support: Provide 2-3 supporting points with evidence from readings
Personal Connection: Relate the topic to your own experience
Closing: End with a question or thought for classmates to consider
Proctored Exam Preparation
Many courses require proctored exams. Follow these steps to avoid technical issues and ensure a smooth experience.
Test Your System
Run the proctoring software check 24-48 hours before your exam
Prepare Your ID
Have a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, school ID) ready
Find Private Space
Secure a quiet room where you won't be interrupted
Clear Your Desk
Remove all materials except what's explicitly allowed
Check Your Internet
Use a wired connection if possible for stability
Plan Extra Time
Start 15-30 minutes early for technical setup
Common Issues to Avoid
- ✕Background noise or interruptions
- ✕Looking away from screen too often
- ✕Unauthorized materials in view
- ✕Poor lighting (face not visible)
- ✕Unstable internet connection
Best Practices
- ✓Close all other applications and tabs
- ✓Use the bathroom before starting
- ✓Have water bottle ready
- ✓Face a plain wall if possible
- ✓Keep phone in another room
Time Management Strategies
Online learning requires strong self-discipline. Use these strategies to stay on track.
Sample Weekly Routine
- Review weekly schedule and deadlines
- Watch/read new lecture content
- Note discussion board deadlines
- Complete reading assignments
- Start on discussion posts
- Work on larger assignments
- Finish and submit discussion posts
- Respond to classmates' posts
- Continue assignment work
- Complete remaining assignments
- Review and submit work
- Plan weekend study if needed
- Catch up on any missed items
- Get ahead on next week
- Take time to rest and recharge
Deadline Patterns to Know
- • Most assignments due Saturday at 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)
- • Discussion posts often due Thursday, replies due Saturday
- • Quizzes may have weekly or bi-weekly deadlines
- • Check each course syllabus - patterns vary
Productivity Tips
- • Use the Pomodoro Technique (25 min work, 5 min break)
- • Schedule study time like you would a class
- • Start with your hardest task when fresh
- • Review upcoming deadlines every morning
Group Project Success
Virtual group projects can be challenging. Set yourself up for success from day one.
Exchange Contact Info Early
Get phone numbers, email addresses, and preferred communication method on day one
Set Meeting Schedule
Agree on regular meeting times that work across all time zones
Use Collaboration Tools
Google Docs for documents, Slack/Discord for chat, Zoom for meetings
Define Roles Clearly
Assign specific responsibilities and deadlines to each team member
Communicate Proactively
Update the team on your progress and any blockers immediately
Build In Buffer Time
Set internal deadlines 2-3 days before the actual due date
Recommended Collaboration Tools
Documents
Google Docs, Microsoft 365
Communication
Slack, Discord, GroupMe
Video Meetings
Zoom, Google Meet, Teams
Building Community Online
Online learning doesn't mean learning alone. Stay connected with these strategies.
Discussion Boards
Engage meaningfully with classmates - these are your virtual hallways
Study Groups
Form virtual study groups using GroupMe or Discord
Virtual Events
Attend online devotionals, firesides, and student activities
Social Media
Connect with BYU-Idaho Online groups on Facebook and Instagram
Office Hours
Visit instructor virtual office hours - they want to know you
Student Services
Reach out to academic advisors and support services
Connect with Your Ward
Even as an online student, you can be an active member of your local ward. Attend Sunday services, participate in service projects, and build friendships in your community. The gospel community doesn't require being on campus.
PathwayConnect Program
A one-year program that prepares you for college success while earning BYU-Idaho credits
Program Benefits
- Affordable tuition ($75/credit)
- Flexible online format
- Weekly gathering with local group
- College preparation courses
- Pathway to BYU-Idaho degree programs
- Available in 180+ countries
Three Semesters
Semester 1
Life Skills course + Religious education
Semester 2
Professional Skills + Religious education
Semester 3
Math & Writing foundations + Religious education
After PathwayConnect
Upon completing PathwayConnect, you can apply for a BYU-Idaho online certificate or degree program. Many students continue to BYU-Pathway Worldwide for fully online degrees in fields like:
Business
Management, Marketing, Accounting
Technology
Software Development, Data Science
Healthcare
Health Services, Public Health
Education
Applied Education, Family Studies
More Helpful Resources
Whether you're fully online or taking some courses remotely, these resources will help you succeed.