1. Develop a Routine
A large benefit of taking online classes is the ability to make your own schedule. You can turn on your computer and attend class at a time when it’s convenient for you. While that is a huge benefit, it can also work as a disadvantage too. Procrastination can set in and take over.
Successful students make a schedule and stick to it. No matter what your schedule looks like, keep it the same, and be a creature of habit. Find a routine that works best for you and that will add to your success.
2. Be organized
Online students use their computers for everything but it is still a good idea to also use notebooks and folders to organize coursework. The best online students make a habit of setting up folders for their projects and classwork. This enables them to be organized and efficient.
Most of the assignments and papers are on hard drives and good organization means keeping this straight too. There are several apps designed to help with organization (I cover the apps in another article). Backing up work means you will have access to it at a later date.
3. Get an early start
This is a trait all good students exhibit. When you’re taking classes online, it’s up to you to set the pace. Starting early may not always seem logical to you but it certainly pays off in the end. The earlier you begin working on a paper or studying for an exam, the better the results will be. It’s always best to begin early and set a reasonable pace toward your goal. This allows more time to cover material and absorb knowledge instead of cramming right before a due date or exam date.
4. Speak up and ask for help
When you’re in a traditional class setting, it’s definitely easier to seek help. Don’t let being an online student stop you from asking for help when needed. Do not wait until you’re behind or struggling. It’s important to maintain a strong foundation of knowledge so don’t wait long to ask for help if you feel yourself slipping behind.
5. Go above and beyond
Successful students will be willing to go the extra mile. You will have the required reading material and classwork but if you’re looking to be successful, look outside of the required material to gain more knowledge of the subject. Do more research on the subject and look to other sources to increase your knowledge. This will boost your grades and build your confidence.
6. Converse with others
It’s easy to be a loaner when you’re taking online classes. However, the strongest students will find opportunities to discuss their classwork with others. Find friends or family to share your experiences with and it will help you with motivation and organizational skills.
Sharing your experiences with others allows for conversations and questions to be asked. This gives you the ability to gain different perspectives and allows you the chance to express yours. The conversations taking place enables you to think more about your schedule and keeps you on track and organized.