Is online right for me? To be a successful online learner, you need to be self-motivated, proactive and have good time management skills. You need to have basic computer skills, be familiar with the MS Office suite, email, and browsing the internet. You should also have a high-speed internet connection (DSL or cable) and ideally a computer of your own. If this describes you, then the tips below will help you succeed in your courses.
Prepare to Be a Distance Learner. You need regular access to a computer that meets the technical requirements for taking online and blended courses.
Establish good study habits and stick to them. Dedicate time each week to participate, study, and complete course work online. Online learning offers flexibility for learners, but it requires discipline and strong time management skills. Be mindful of work deadlines, travel, and other commitments when setting aside time for your course.
Join your classmates. Share your perspectives and experiences with others in ways that enhance or elaborate on course topics. You and your classmates bring a diverse range of professional experiences that contribute to the knowledge that is shared and built in an online or blended course. Participation demonstrates your mastery of the subject matter and promotes community with your peers, who play an important role in your educational growth.
Stay Engaged. Stay engaged with your lessons, instructors, and classmates. You may not have a lot of time to devote to school work each day, but make a habit of checking-in on a regular basis to look at new content, discussion posts, announcements, etc. Over time, this helps you manage the workload and get the most out of online learning.
Communicate. Raise questions or problems with your instructor as they arise. Don't wait until an assignment is due or past due to report technical problems, misunderstandings, or other barriers to completing course work on time. Remember that your instructor does not have the benefit of seeing your body language or fielding your questions in real-time. If a problem or questions arises, speak up immediately. Respond to your instructor and your classmates in respectful ways, even when you have a different perspective. Behind each electronic communication is a real person who should treat others with respect, and who should expect to be treated in the same manner.
Apply your knowledge. Apply skills and concepts you learn to activities, problems, or processes in your professional setting. Knowledge and skill-building is most powerful when you apply them to situations in your own life.
