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Online Success Strategies

Online learning is a great opportunity that provides a great deal of flexibility and convenience in earning your degree. You can log onto this course from anywhere in the world, and whenever it is convenient for you.

Pursuing a fully online degree also requires self-discipline and motivation on your part to be successful. Most online courses are asynchronous, meaning that you can participate in this course in a location and at times that work best for you. While there is plenty of flexibility in the online environment, there are also deadlines for assignments and specific expectations set by the instructor so that you can excel as an online student. Become familiar with all requirements and expectations, make a plan, and then carry out this plan so that you can maximize all learning opportunities!

Your online classes may include individual assignments, discussion postings, and quizzes/exams; there are may also be cooperative group projects and group assignments. Your instructor will support you by: guiding you through activities, posting announcements, providing lectures, responding to questions, and providing timely feedback on assignments and exams. Most importantly, online learning requires significant responsibility on your part to be prepared, remain engaged, and be successful. See the following information regarding strategies for being a successful online student.

Ten Habits of Successful Online Students

Successful online students:

Find support and positive encouragement from friends and family who understand what motivates them and will help them to achieve their goals.
Form a "game plan" to proactively address time management, stress, and other personal barriers that may impede their success.
Reflect on their progress throughout the course.
Are proactive about asking questions and will take the initiative to contact their instructor when clarity is needed.
Identify their own goals each week and seek resources that will help them to meet the challenges of these goals.
Participate in online learning communities and get connected with other students.
Use and apply feedback from the instructor toward their progress.
Realize all students have different strengths and challenges, and do not compare themselves to other students. They seek to acquire new skills that may be more challenging for them than others.
Reflect on personal and professional goals and how they are related to the course.
Set aside quiet, uninterrupted time to focus on their success.

Links and Resources

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