Six Online Distance Learning Success Steps

6-steps-to-success-in-distance-learning.gif

In an earlier posting I laid out a five point plan on how to determine what your next steps should be once you thought going back to school in your future. Below I have outlined six steps to being successful once you start. Are you nervous to try online education? I myself was very skeptical of taking online versus the traditional classroom setting. I felt I was not disciplined enough to take responsibility for my studies without procrastinating until the very last minute on assignments and test. It was not until a friend of mine started taking classes online and logged in and showed me how to navigate the course (Liberty University uses Blackboard technology). Once I saw how simple the technology was to use and how the students and faculty interacted it took the fear out of trying this. I was in my early 30’s when I decided to attempt my MBA online. I felt I was very computer literate, but I still was nervous until the above encounter showed me I could do it. I can imagine for older students the fear of the technology is even greater.

However with a plan you can succeed.

1. Set Goals – goals keep you focused and striving for something. (read my article on preparing)

2. Carve out time from your normal schedule – most students fail because they fail to alter their time table. Something will have to go to fit school in.

3. Establish a regular routine – this is tied very closely with step 2. Once you carve the time out, make sure you follow a routine.

4. Participate in the group chats and study groups – to often students feel isolated and do not take advantage of interacting via chartrooms with other students. This creates community and will enhance your experience.

5. Celebrate success – start one class at a time, ease into it until you are comfortable. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Soon a degree will follow.

6. Ask questions – as the online industry becomes more competitive, schools are trying to increase the interaction and quality of the student experience to increase retention rates. Use this to your advantage and ask questions.

July 13, 2008 · Filed Under Distance Learning, Misc

Comments

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.