Be open to change
 

Studying for a virtual course is different than studying for a traditional (on-campus) course.

Set time aside for study for your distance course

Organize your time. Use a planning calendar and mark out fixed responsibilities such as work, on-campus classes, social obligations, etc.  Enter study time of at least 10-12 hours per week, per class.

Don't over-schedule your time. Be realistic. Allow for "time crashers," (appointments that take longer than expected, computer program malfunction, ISP service not connecting, emergencies, etc.)  Schedule breaks and free time. You need these so don't feel guilty for taking a well-deserved respite.

The best time of day to do distance learning coursework is when you have the most energy.  Distance learning is difficult enough without trying to accomplish it while not at your peak performance level.   


Find a quiet study area

Study in a quiet area without distractions. Turn off telephones, cell phones, pagers, and televisions (unless studying televised educational programming). If using your computer while connected online, turn off email and IM programs.

If you don't have a quiet place to study at home, consider a public library.

Always have a current, updated, printed copy of the syllabus.  Don't rely on the eCollege platform to be available at all times. There are many reasons that might prevent your from connecting to the Web site.

You may encounter problems or have questions with your assignments. Some careful planning early in the semester will help avert problems later.  Always have your instructor's phone number and office hours available. Never rely merely on email as the only form of communication between you and your instructor and classmates.  Having the phone numbers and email addresses of a few classmates is a good idea, too.

When emailing your instructor or classmates, please allow sufficient time for a response before re-submitting your question or request. Your instructor will provide you with instructions on the electronic submission of assignments. Please follow these instructions. The closer you adhere to the instructor's instructions, the better the chance for a timely response.

Do not fall into the pit of procrastination

Even students with the best intentions may lose inspiration and motivation at some time during the semester. It is common for a student to experience a period of weariness, at some point. Sometimes the most intrepid, independent, and motivated student experiences a period of self-doubt and/or isolation. Remember your goal. Whether it is a class grade, a necessary course for a job promotion, or a degree. Maybe you are taking a course for the self-satisfaction of learning.

One motivational technique used by distance learners is to meet periodically at the Cyber cafe that you will find in many of the courses.  This area of the course is to simply talk to your fellow students about whatever might be on your mind.

When distance learning feels too distant

Distance learners often balance many major responsibilities (family, career, social obligations, on-campus courses, etc.) Distance learners may feel isolated at some point. They don't meet physically with classmates, and oftentimes are alone at their home with their computer and feel isolated from their family and friends.

If the feeling of isolation occurs, the best medicine is to go online and see if other classmates are online at that time.  Many courses have Cyber Cafes or chat rooms 

Don't sweat the small stuff

Life, like an emergency, happens.  We schedule too many things into our busy lives.  Whereas, flexibility is a positive factor of distance learning, it is also easy to mismanage, and you may find yourself falling behind in your studies.

Review time management and study skills to keep from falling perilously behind.  If you know about some potential "time crashers" looming in your future, consider completing your assignments ahead of time.  Many instructors do not want individual students to advance ahead of the rest of the class, but will sometimes allow students to work ahead, with prior permission and a valid reason. If you do fall behind, don't panic! Contact your instructor ASAP, and notify them of your situation. Most will attempt to accommodate you.

Don't be shy! If you are having a problem, or have a question, contact your instructor.  You will waste valuable time floundering without a clear notion of what is going on in class.

Be prepared! The best defense is a good offense!

Its important to note that the distance learner requires additional skills for success in the educational arena. A technological assessment survey page is there for your help. A low score on this assessment may indicate the need for supplemental skills required for distance learning.

Online students must be capable of basic computer skills: sending, receiving, and managing email; communicating online; and creating and formatting documents, to name a few.  A complete list of related mini tutorials are available for your assistance.

It's beneficial to know these basic skills before attempting an online course, or any course containing a sizeable Web requirement.

Familiarize yourself with any online tools provided. Read assignments and instructions carefully.  Become comfortable with course navigation. If you have never taken an online course, you will be required to take a tutorial in eCollege so you will learn how to use the features of this course management system.  Keep the help desk number.  .

Take time to review the computer and its functions. Browse the Internet. Use a search engine to look up key words and phrases that pertain to your course.  Bookmark sites that may be of use to you during the course of the semester.  This will save time for you later.

Stay in touch

Check into your class regularly even if you don't have anything specific to add to a discussion. Sometimes it's good to enter the class discussion area just to offer some constructive advice or provide brief responses to the postings of others. Class participation is a substantial portion of your grade and most instructors require posting 3-5 comments per discussion topic per week..

While your content should be structured and organized, feel free to speak informally.  When in class discussions, specifically synchronous, type as you would speak. Don't fret about commas and excessive grammar.  Try to do your best.

Be a responsible learner

Distance learners are responsible for their learning and must take the responsibility for being active learners, rather than passive learners.  The student does not sit passively, ready to be filled with information, but must discover the information by doing his/her own research.

Know your limitations

Students have an array of learning styles, goals and objectives.  Understand why it is you are taking a particular course. Are you fulfilling units for a degree? Learning skills for a possible job promotion or to get a new job? Just learning for the sake of learning? Understanding why you are taking a course will help you to stay motivated during the late nights of study.

Many students find that they are not cut out for distance learning.  Their educational goals may not be immediately apparent; they may be unclear as to why they enrolled in an online course; they can't seem to set aside enough quality study time; they do not work well independently, and constantly find themselves falling behind; or they just feel lost without the physical "bricks & mortar" of a classroom.

Distance learning may not be for you. This does not mean that you are a bad student!  It may be that your individual learning style is not conducive to distance learning. To discern your learning style, links on this page will direct you to several learning styles inventories.