What Skills Are Needed for Online Learning?

On the surface, an online college education seems almost too good to be true. You don’t have to wake up early, dress for success, then commute to a classroom like traditional college students. You can schedule classes and homework to integrate seamlessly with your lifestyle. You can work and go to college at the same time.

Online education is a lot more than writing papers in your PJs, however. Here are some tips for online student success to help you make the grade and earn your degree.

Online Learning: 5 Tips for Success in Online Classes

Make no mistake, an online college degree isn’t yours for the taking. You’ll have to work just as hard as traditional students. If you want the grades that prove you’re better than average, utilize these tips to help you prepare for and excel at online college learning.

1. Be Courteous Online

Sometimes when communicating online, we convey emotions that are more intense than we intended. When writing to your instructor and other students, be more formal than you would be with your friends. In other words, don't use slang or excessive abbreviations. If someone should disagree with you, always be thoughtful about what they say. After all, you're all there to learn.

2. Manage Your Time

Only you know what’s doable in your life, time-wise. Organize your virtual classroom time and study time. Many online learners have jobs and families, so good organizational skills and time management are essential. Each class should have a syllabus, so you can create daily to-dos and even a long-term coursework completion calendar. Online learning systems might even have this mapped out for you, making it that much easier to keep up.

3. Never Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Don’t hesitate to ask for help with information you don’t understand. Your instructor should be more than happy to help, and can give you the extra time and tutoring you need before moving on to the next lesson. 

4. Speak Up!

It’s been said a major factor for success in college is showing up for class. With online learning, the key is speaking up. Ask questions. Challenge yourself. That’s how you learn and that’s how your teacher knows – and remembers – that you’re paying attention. When you care, they care.

5. Stay Motivated

Never forget the reason you’re doing this. Maybe you want a more interesting job. Maybe you want a better lifestyle for your family. Maybe you want to prove to yourself that you can do this! When you’re frustrated, tired, and thinking about giving up, remember your motivation. It’s what got you this far and could take you all the way to a college degree.

How to Prepare for Online Learning

To prepare for online learning, create your own classroom space. This is where you will review your online materials and take notes. It might be where you study. It’s important you design your space for online learning success. Here are 5 tips to help you prepare for your next semester:

• No Doom Scrolling: Even if you’re researching for class, there might be a distraction and then…You look up and 2 hours have slipped away.
• Cultivate a Comfy Environment: To minimize eyestrain, lighting should be as bright as your computer screen. Your chair should be comfortable, with the seat adjusted so your eyes, hands, and back are in a good position to work.
• Silence Your Phone: You can check your messages, snaps, and notifications on breaks. And do take breaks.
• Avoid Games: You might get up to legendary rank with more practice, but it's not worth failing a class.
• Create a Study Space: Make sure your family and other residents understand this is not a time to disturb you.

Online Learning is Convenience Without Compromise

Are you interested in earning a degree online? If you want to study business, criminal justice, technology, or health science, ECPI University offers degrees in these fields completely online. For more information on these exciting programs, connect with a friendly admissions counselor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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