What Makes a Successful Online Student?
One in every four students is currently enrolled in online a course incorporated either with on-campus classes or as part of an entirely online program. Online classes have become a favorite for students looking for flexibility and balance between school and work or family.
If you’ve never enrolled in an online course before, wading into the waters of this program for the first time can be challenging, especially if you don’t know how it works or how to be successful. Here are some tips to get you started on your journey.
Online Classes Are Pretty Much Like In-Person Classes
Opting for online courses over traditional courses is not an easier way to earn your degree. While online courses offer you the flexibility to manage your time and space it doesn’t change the amount of workload. The amount of work is still the same and the only thing missing is the formal classroom setting. The flexibility offered by online courses can be substantial but that same freedom can also create extra pressure. It is your responsibility to take the initiative to keep yourself on track and avoid distractions.
The Potential for Improved Performance in Online Classes
Students taking online classes have an added incentive to perform the same or better than their counterparts enrolled in a traditional classroom setup. While the quality of education is the same, the key difference lies in the delivery. If you tend to feel lost in the crowd of a classroom, online lecturers are a great option. Not only do they give you the ability to pause and revise your notes but you can also re-watch certain parts that proved complex to understand the first time.
You’ll Need Technology to Be Successful
Online courses are mainly accessed through a tablet, the mobile app, or a personal computer. Having a reliable internet connection and operating system is essential to staying focused on your work. You should also ensure that the school has adequate resources that support distance learning.
Qualities of a Successful Online Student
When you become an online student, what must you bring to the table to foster a successful experience? Here are some of the qualities that you must possess:
- excellent time management and organizational skills
- a strong sense of independence
- self-reliant and self-motivated
- ability to adapt well to change and value flexibility
- a strong interest in learning
- confident and willing to speak up and ask questions
- open-minded about sharing educational experiences with classmates and instructors, as part of the learning process
Tips for Online Education Success
Here are some of the ways you can stay successful in an online course:
Establish a Good Workspace
Finding a serene environment with access to power, reliable internet connection and freedom from distraction is crucial to excelling in an online program. Ideally, this would be a place where you just know it’s time to work. A coffee shop, the community library, or a home office can do.
Create a Schedule
You can make or break your online course with time management. You need to schedule time in your personal calendar to study and complete assignments in time. Treat each study session as seriously as you would an in-person class by sticking to each objective and letting loved ones know that you are unavailable during such times.
Procrastination is a real threat and can derail your performance and grades. It’s critical to ensure timely management and follow a strict schedule to catch up in case you lag behind.
Get Acquainted With Your Resources
You can only be successful in an online program if you can access all the materials. As such, you’re going to need to identify what the technical requirements are and all the websites and campus resources needed for the course.
Make sure that your computer is in good condition and updated with the latest software and browser. If special tools are needed, test them out in advance so that you don't have to spend time trying to figure out the technology during the course.
Stay Organized
Since you have to find your own way to stay on top of your work, you really need to be organized from the beginning to be successful. Keep copies of any content needed for submission just so you can resubmit it should a technology issue arise. Take adequate notes when watching online lectures or studying from your textbook. Create online or paper folders and calendars for each week and keep all coursework materials together.
If you’re looking to enroll in an online program, you’ve come to the right place. ECPI University's Online Campus provides the same academic rigor and credentials as on-campus courses. Connect with a friendly admission counselor today to learn more about our exciting online programs.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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