To get the most out of your QM professional development experience follow these tips:

1. Determine the best time for you to take QM workshops or courses. 
   Review the Schedule and Checklist linked at the top of each workshop or course description page on the website to understand the due dates and assignments during the asynchronous facilitated workshop or course. QM includes due dates to keep participants on track. When firm due dates are indicated, this means participants won’t have enough time to complete the rest of the course or workshop activities if those deadlines aren’t met. 
2. Log in on Day 1 and complete the Participant Agreement.
   A lot happens on the first day of a new course or workshop, including the Participant Agreement, which clearly outlines the course or workshop expectations. This is due on Day 1. Day 1 is also when your fellow participants will begin posting their introductions, making it the perfect time to introduce yourself and form connections as you prepare to work together in the course. Logging in early and checking the course or workshop schedule can also help you plan your time accordingly.
3. Participate in the discussions throughout the course/workshop.
   Most QM courses and workshops are designed to include learner-learner interaction. If you participate in the discussions regularly, you will benefit from the experience of your colleagues and they will benefit from yours. If you wait until the end to participate in discussions, you’ll miss out on the rich exchange between colleagues that occurs.  
4. Contact your facilitator if you are struggling. QM Facilitators want you to succeed.
   Don’t struggle in silence! If you have a question about an assignment or concept, you can post to the Q & A Discussion or contact your facilitator via the Canvas Inbox for more assistance.
5. Review the Syllabus, and the Schedule and Checklist.
   Reading the Syllabus and the Schedule and Checklist closely makes you aware of QM’s policies/expectations and due dates for assignments. This knowledge helps ensure you stay on track and successfully complete the course or workshop.
6. Practice time management.
   Some workshops — and all certification courses — have firm due dates that must be met in order for you to be successful. It’s important to plan accordingly. You may have to adjust your schedule in order to meet one or more of the due dates or work on the weekends and after normal work hours to finish the assignments. Familiarizing yourself with what is due and when at the beginning of the workshop/course will help set you up for success and help you meet the required deadlines. See the Schedule and Checklist for the workshop or course you’re taking on the QM website before you register.
7. Read the Canvas Participant Guide.
   The Canvas Participant Guide contains information on how to use the tools and features you will be using in Canvas. If you need additional help, please Register for the Canvas Orientation.
8. Read the Announcements.
   Make a habit of checking the Announcements area every time you log in to the workshop/course and read the announcements posted there by your facilitator(s). The announcements contain helpful information on completing assignments, due dates, viewing feedback, and more.
9. Check your Progress.
   Use the Grades tool in Canvas to keep track of your progress in the course or workshop. Check the Grades area frequently to see all of your grades and feedback to determine if you've met expectations for all graded activities in the course or workshop.