Making the Best of an Online Education

Getting Started:

• Make sure you are comfortable with computers. Obviously an online course will require the internet and use of a computer so if you are not yet computer savvy you may want to take a short length introductory course in computers. These course are commonly offered by public libraries, community centers and large chain computer stores nationwide.
  
• Utilize the orientation programs before you begin. Most online courses will offer a demonstrative program or orientation program to introduce the student with the course work. These programs are a good way of determining the technical requirements you will need such as a scanner, fax machine, printer, digital camera etc. Finding out that you lack a piece of necessary equipment could make you re-think the cost of the course or better prepare you for what you will need.
  
• Introduce yourself to your classmates and instructors via discussion boards or e-mail as soon as possible.
  
• Utilize the “help” options on your online degree program these can answer a lot of questions you may initially have. Make sure you know how to get a hold of technical support should you need it in the future.
  

Study Habits:

• Check in regularly with your online program. Many online students have said they scheduled a consistent time of day or days of the week where they checked in on their online courses. This proves useful as many course instructors change their dates for exams, discussions etc on their syllabi. If you regularly check in with your online program you can keep up with modifications and schedule changes made to your program.
  
• Stay on top of assignments. Online degree programs are wonderful for people who need the flexibility that the online degree programs offer, but don’t fall too far behind. Falling too far behind may create a scenario that is impossible to ever catch back up.
  
• Not all online programs will have regularly scheduled exams and assignments due to check your progress. Creating a calendar filled with your own “due dates” can be helpful for keeping you on track with your studies.
  
• Some students find it helpful to schedule a “class time” each day to assure they stay on top of their studies. Online students have to be very self disciplined to not procrastinate.
  
• Get comfy while you study. One of the great advantages of online degree programs is no one can see you while you are in class. If you study better in your PJs and slippers no one will know. Be careful not to get so comfy that you fall asleep! Your instructor and classmates will only judge you by what you communicate not what you wear or look like. As shallow as that may seem this aspect of online learning can removes a lot of stress that may interfere with the learning process for some students.
  
• Avoid studying or participating in your online program in a place where you can be easily distracted.
  
• Read all your course material and access the hyperlinks that your instructor posts for you.
  
• If you need to, print out the text material to highlight and make notes in the margins. Some software will allow you to highlight text on your screen.
  

Participating in Cyber Class:

• Written communication is your life line throughout your online course. Make sure you communicate your “tone” of voice by allowing your personality to come through your discussions, questions and comments. You should always communicate appropriately and respectfully to your instructors and peers.
  
• Due to the fact that online learning is done at a distance, instructors can not gage confusion or boredom. Therefore it is very important that you as a student feel comfortable to e-mail, phone or fax your instructor questions for clarification on any given matter. Most online degree programs claim that their instructors try to respond to their students within 48 hours.