How to be a Successful Online Student

Tips to Successfully Completing a Course Using the Internet

Nov 10, 2009 Katrena Wells

Get helpful hints on how to successfully prepare, navigate, and communicate in a web based training course.

Many students are seeking the flexibility and self-directed nature of online courses in order to complete a wide range of educational opportunities, but others find themselves thrust into an online class because a preferred traditional classroom format was not available. Regardless of the motivating factors for taking an online class, students have control over how well they complete the course.

Learn what to do before the class starts, how to approach assignments, and find ways to effectively communicate throughout the class in order to successfully complete a web-based course.

How to Prepare to Take an Online Course

Students who wish to be well-prepared for an online course ensure that they:

Understand and meet the requirements of the class
Have access to a reliable computer with at least the minimum hardware requirements
Use a browser that is supported by the online course web site
Have installed any necessary software for the class
Feel comfortable using a computer, including sending and receiving emails, navigating web pages, reading directions online, etc.
Know how to access the class once it is available – web site address for getting to the class, username, password, course key, etc.

Some online courses offer or require a pre-class or practice class that enables students to navigate a web-based class before entering the actual class. Taking advantage of this opportunity before the class starts will help students to identify any technical difficulties before the start class, which can lead to a smoother start.

How to Perform Well in an Online Class

The most successful online students are often self-directed and self-motivated. A syllabus and expectations for an online class should be clearly outlined, and students who carefully read, understand, and follow class requirements are much more likely to succeed.

A successful student taking a class over the internet develops a game plan for completing assignments. For example, the student may create a calendar with specific times to study, complete assignments, take online tests, etc. This plan ensures that all required assignments are completed well before deadlines with a back-up plan in case of unpredictable problems. Students may check off assignments as they are completed to make sure that none are missed.

Students who perform well in online classes consider the environment in which they are taking the course. Those with young children at home may find it much easier to concentrate if someone else watches the children during "class" time. Another option might be to access the class while the children are asleep, but that plan may often go awry.

Those who plan to access class from a computer outside of the home or are using a shared computer in the home should be aware of when the computer will be available and plan accordingly. Students who wish to use a computer at a work site should adhere to any work policies regarding computer use.

Successful online students prepare well by thoroughly studying class materials and actively participating in the interactive parts of the class. A desire to learn how to apply the information makes for a well-rounded student. Honor code policies should be followed carefully as well.

Those who make mistakes can view those as a learning opportunity and move forward enlightened. Students should always double-check work. For example, the student should see that discussions or chats are appearing after posting and that grades are visible in the grade book.

Effective Communication Leads to More Success in Online Classes

One of the most important ways to become successful in an online class is to communicate effectively. An online course may have a Frequently Answered Questions (FAQ) section, offer a Question and Answer (Q&A) discussion, or may give trouble-shooting tips for common problems, so it is important to browse throughout the class to see if answers may already be available.

An online instructor will usually not know that a student has a question unless that person contacts him or her. Students who have unanswered questions or are experiencing technical difficulties should communicate immediately with the course instructor, technical support, and any other recommended venues. Most online classes do not have live chat with an instructor available, so students should check back frequently for an answer to any questions.

If email is used by the online instructor as a means of communication, it is important that students are able to receive emails. An email inbox that is too full, a changed or incorrect email address, or emails that are automatically sent to a “junk” email box can greatly hamper communication. If an instructor requests a response, the student should ensure that she does so in a timely fashion.

Students should also be clear in email communication by identifying themselves by name and class because instructors may teach numerous students and email addresses do not always contain a student's name. Questions should be specific. Rather than emailing "I don't understand question #3," students should either copy and paste the test question into the email or type the test question and what information is unclear to them because many instructors may utilize techniques in which the order of questions and/or answers is altered for each test attempt.

Secrets of Successful Online Students

Being a successful online student is really no secret at all. Students who have little or no experience with online classes often perform quite well when they follow directions, study and apply the material, complete assignments well before due dates, and communicate effectively with the instructor. Perhaps after completing one online class successfully, those less experienced students may find that they, too, enjoy the flexibility and self-directed nature of an online class.

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The copyright of the article How to be a Successful Online Student in Educational Issues is owned by Katrena Wells. Permission to republish How to be a Successful Online Student in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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