Online Learning Self-Assessment: Am I Ready?

Are you ready to take classes online? What qualities does it take to succeed in an online education program? It's important to ask yourself these hard questions before you sign up for classes, because the answers might determine whether you succeed or fail in your efforts.

What Does Your Schedule Look Like?

The majority of online students work part or full-time jobs. Many also have families. Work and family obligations can take up a significant amount of your time. It is important to review your schedule and determine when, where, and how you can fit the inclusion of online education into your calendar.

You will need to determine how to juggle your obligations so that you have time to study, complete assignments, and take exams. In most cases, you will discover that minor adjustments can create plenty of time to dedicate to your studies.

Are You Motivated?

Taking classes online means that you have to be self-motivated. While you will have contact with professors and peers in the program, it is up to you to maintain a high degree of motivation at all times. There will be good days, bad days, great days, and days when you want to throw in the towel. Successful students know how to manage the successes and stresses that earning an education creates.

Are You Passionate About the Field?

Students earn an online education generally because either they want to advance within their existing field, or they want to move into a new field. One of the first questions you need to determine is how passionate you are about your degree choice. Students who are "ho hum" in their choice and taking classes because "it's something to do" may struggle to complete their studies.

Conversely, students who have a strong desire their chosen field in an online degree program have much better odds. That is because these types of students understand the field and the opportunities that are available. They have a passionate desire deep within them that motivates them to achieve their goals. If you have the passion for a particular field, it is that passion that will drive you forward to obtain the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed.

Do You Learn from Defeat?

No matter how passionate you are about a subject, and no matter how smart or experienced you are, there are going to be concepts and material that are going to throw you for a loop. There will be a test you fail, a math question you miscalculate, or a term paper you weren't excited to write. That's what school is for--learning experiences. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes. 
 

Remember, a setback does not negate progress. When life knocks you down, you have to get back up and try again--it's a vital lesson. Every student experiences this at some point, and you will, too. The key is to learn from your mistakes to adjust and improve. What makes a student successful? The ability to recognize their own errors, determine where things went wrong, and develop new learning and study habits.

Do You Have the Tools You Need?

You don't have to have the latest computer or the fastest internet connection. However, you do have to own a computer that is reliable and is set up on a connection that you can depend upon. Your online success depends on it. Of course, things happen. Computers break down. Service gets disrupted. When these events happen, you need to have back-ups in place so that you can continue pursuing your online degree. Libraries are a great free option, just make sure you have a library card and account beforehand (signing in for the first time can be tricky). 

What is Your Learning Style?

Every student is different, and each learning style is unique. Do you understand how you learn and what helps you remember information from texts and lectures? Understanding how you learn is essential because you will need to adapt for the online classroom.

In particular, you will need to have the ability to ask questions and request clarifications. If you are shy, you will be happy to hear that you don't have to raise your hand. You can simply post your question to an online forum or directly to the instructor to receive the answers and support you need. An intellectual introvert's dream! 

Are you interested in online learning?

If you want to earn a degree in criminal justice, business, technology, health science or more, consider ECPI University's 100% online degree programs. From whether you're just beginning your journey with a bachelor's degree or want to return to school for your master's, ECPI University has a variety of accelerated programs. For more information, connect with a helpful admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya.