Successful distance learning students are self-disciplined, self-motivated, prepared, good readers, good organizers and have good time management skills.
In order to prepare yourself for your online learning experience, the first step is to become orientated to how online learning works. Two key advantages of online learning are flexibility and convenience. But online learning is a lot more challenging than it may seem.
Are you considering taking some or all of your courses online? Make sure you're ready to succeed. Online courses require just as much time and energy as traditional classroom courses. It also requires specific computer skills and learning strategies in order to succeed.
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Essential Skills
The ability to be independent and self-directed in your learning while effectively managing time is key to success in online learning.
Self-discipline and self-motivation
To be successful, you will need to have self-discipline and self-motivation to regularly log in to the course, monitor deadlines, and complete your course work regularly.
- TIP: Take action, participate, and keep yourself on track. Know you what your best learning settings look like and proactively turn off or minimize your distractions (including your mobile phone, music, etc.).
- TIP: Engage and Read. Be sure to read all of your instructor's emails, announcements, and communications. Often these will contain important deadlines, to-dos, assignment instructions, etc.
- TIP: Check your email regularly. The key is to have a dedicated time set aside for your course work and to minimize obstacles that hinder you from studying and participating.
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Time management
Have you planned enough time? Consider this: The rule of thumb for class time and homework is the same for both in-seat and online classes. You should expect to spend a minimum of 2-3 hours additional for each hour of class time. Therefore, in a 3-credit hour course you should expect to spend at least 6-9 hours per week to complete the readings, assignments and participate in class discussion.
- TIP: Use a time / task calendar or schedule and set reminders for logging in regularly. Setting up a daily schedule, marking essential due dates for learning activities and assessments, and blocking off time for reading course content and participating in course requirements is key.
- TIP: Don't procrastinate and try to do all of your work in one session. Break up readings, assignments, and projects into smaller manageable tasks.
- TIP: Use your time wisely. We all have the same time available to us: 24 hours in a day, and 168 hours in a week – use your time wisely. Be sure to review these time management tips for some additional helpful strategies.
Space to study
Create a quiet study space for yourself to read course materials, work on class assignments, and engage in the class dialogue. During this time, you should log on to your course site to read course content, complete a learning activity, participate in class discussions, or submit an assessment.
- TIP: Keep your space organized, keep yourself and your course materials organized!
Ask for help
If you need help, do not wait, ask!
- Be willing to ask your professor for help.
- Ask classmates or colleagues for support.
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