All computers eventually suffer failures. Have a plan in case yours goes down. Back up or copy your work onto a disk regularly. You should try to log on at least three times a week and more often if possible. Develop a logon routine that's comfortable with your schedule.
Online classes tend to generate a large number of e-mails and web announcements.
If you don't logon for a few days you will overwhelmed and have trouble catching up. Respond promptly to e-mail. In the online environment you are invisible to the rest class. If you don't respond, we will think didn't get the e-mail or don't want to respond. Don't change e-mail addresses.