Tips for On-Line Success

Participate
Do what you can to avoid feeling isolated. Participate in on-line conferences and chat rooms. Contribute your ideas and comments and read those of your classmates. Students can learn a great deal from each other.

Investigate
Investigate the course delivery systems before the class begins. Navigate the class website and familiarize yourself with the help file, links and various buttons.

Don't Procrastinate
Since you don't have to physically go to class, it's tempting to put off studying until later. This may be the most deadly sin for Internet delivered coursework. Staying current with assignments, readings, projects, etc. is crucial. Falling behind leads to troubles compounding exponentially. Don't wait until the last minute to do your work- when you are rushed and trying to do a lot of things at once on the computer it will most likely lock up on you.

Manage Your Time
Prioritize the demands on your time. If necessary, decide what can be eliminated or what someone else can do. You must build time into your schedule for course work. A time and place that class meets is not imposed on you, so you must build in time for your class.

Be Assertive
Speak up; take the initiative, when you are having problems. Ask for help and clarification. Don't wait. Pay attention to detail. Carefully read all information and material provided. As you know, to err is human, but to make really big mistakes it takes a computer. Computers are fast, but not smart. They can't interpret what you meant to say. They can only process what they have been given. Accuracy is important.

Buy Textbooks and Other Required Materials
Reading the textbook and other assigned materials, doing the homework and projects, and "attending" class all lead to better performance and higher achievement. Some material will be provided on-line, other material must be ordered. Be sure to find out what material is needed and how to get it. Do this immediately, because it may take some time for the material to get to you.

Study in a Good Workspace
Select an area that will be free from distractions and interruptions. The distractions of the kitchen and other living spaces are not conducive to good study habits and performance. Try to find a time when family obligations and interruptions will be minimized. It is better if you can have a space where you can leave your materials out and not have to put everything away.