Successful Online Learning

Able to manage time well, organized, and self-discipline.

  • Online courses are convenient and flexible because they usually do not have scheduled class meetings, you must devote as much time for studying, reading, working on assignments, and engaging with peers and the instructor as they would for classroom courses.
  • Consciously schedule time to complete the requirements of online course work;
  • Are well-organized and can effectively budget time to complete required course learning activities; and
  • Know how to "make time" for online course work in their busy lives.

Motivated, proactive, and committed to their learning

  • Learning, participation, and engagement in online courses mostly happens asynchronously, which means you, your peers, and your instructor are working on course activities at different times.
  • Take responsibility for their work, meeting due dates for required weekly work while preparing for long term assignments, independent research, and collaborative projects.
  • Ask questions of the instructor and their peers and inform their instructor of concerns.
  • Participate in online discussions and check their course site periodically for updates instructor feedback, and peer interaction.  
  • Are engaged, motivated, and self-disciplined during the course.

Can communicate well in writing

  • Much of the work you do in an online course will require communicating your learning through writing.
  • Is comfortable communicating in various forms of writing.
  • Express themselves in carefully thought-out worded responses.
  • Are able to stay focused on the topic and question in their responses.
  • Seek assistance proactively

Have a place to study

  • Have a place with enough space for them to work on course activities that is a familiar and comfortable place to retreat to complete online work.

Comfortable Using Technologies

  • As an online student some technologies will be familiar to you (like watching internet videos) while other technologies may not (like the course management system, webinar system, or simulations).
  • Is comfortable using various kinds of technologies.
  • Know how to navigate webpages, open new browser windows, and how to download and upload files and images.
  • Know how to use several search engines to locate information, and can install software.
  • Know how to find answers to troubleshooting problems by using HELP features, finding contact information, and using searches to find answers to common computer problems.
  • Know how to determine the problem and who to contact to get assistance or get it fixed.