Although taking college courses online is a very different experience than going to school on campus, it can be every bit as rewarding and informative. But because it is different, online students have found it useful to practice the following seven tips for success:
Know what to expect. Some students assume that online courses are somehow easier or less demanding than on-campus classes, but this is simply not true. Course content and materials are generally the same, and online instructors have equally high expectations for academic rigor and advanced learning outcomes as traditional instructors. Just as they would with bricks-and-mortar classes, students will get as much out of online courses as they invest into them.
Make a time commitment. Perhaps because students are often not required to show up to class at certain times, it's easy to fall into the habit of thinking of online courses as less important and letting coursework slide. But to succeed, students should make coursework one of their top priorities. For the most part, online students will want to set their own schedules by setting aside consistent times each week for lectures, reading, studying, interacting with classmates, and doing homework. The benefit of asynchronous classes is that there is flexibility when it's needed, but successful students will always map out an alternate plan for the week to make sure they stay on top of their game.
Focus. Online students often report that they can get a lot accomplished in a relatively short amount of time when they block out routine study periods, eliminate distractions (like phones and social media), and get down to business. This is especially beneficial when students choose to do this during their most productive times of the day.
Connect with others. Some students perceive online learning as a solitary—perhaps even isolating—endeavor, but it doesn't have to be. Discussion boards, message boards, social media, and online organizations all provide avenues for connecting with fellow students. Not only is it important to establish a supportive network of friends throughout the college experience, it can be useful in creating a professional network for career growth in the future.
Play to your strengths. Every student has a preferred learning style, which could involve reading, listening, or viewing. Many online course instructors utilize learning materials that appeal to multiple learning styles. At the start of each course, students should explore the learning options available to them. For example, there may be narrated Powerpoint lecture notes available, the instructor may offer lectures as both audio recordings and written transcripts, and some e-textbooks may also be available as audio recordings.
Reach out for help. Regardless of the learning environment, every student needs information, advice, and other kinds of assistance from time to time. Online students will find that instructors and classmates are often available through the class's message boards when there is a question about the course material or assignments. Beyond that, online instructors usually have "office hours" by phone or email, in which they're happy to provide further instruction. Finally, most schools offer the same resources and assistance to their online students as they do for their on-campus students. Librarians, tutors, counselors, and advisors are usually available for support.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Spending long hours in front of the computer can take a toll on a student's physical health, so it's important to offset the negative effects by resting the eyes, stretching, and taking short breaks to walk around. Beyond that, eating a healthy diet, getting sufficient exercise and rest, and balancing the demands of school with fun activities all help to keep the mind sharp.