Qualities to be a Successful Online Student

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Qualities of an Online Learner
Learning online is an adventure that will expose you to some entirely new, and not always comfortable, experiences. The ability to be flexible and remain open minded is critical to having a positive experience as you move into the Online environment. Some important and 'critical' qualities are as follows:

• Self-motivation
• Like to figure things out on your own
• Like to work by yourself
• Enjoy the challenge of working with new technology
• Can commit 6-9 hours per week per three-credit class
• Good at reading and following instructions
• Good at remembering deadlines without being reminded
• Use email, including how to attach file
• Ability to save files as html or web pages
• Ability to download and install programs from the Internet
• Ability to search the web
• Ability to copy and paste from one program to another
• Never procrastinates
• Enjoys communicating in writing and reading the writing of others
• Ability to work with others to complete projects
• Notify instructors when problems arise

Skill and Course Requirements
Text materials presented on the Internet are the primary source of information for online courses; therefore, strong reading skills are very important for success in an online course.

Resolving problems at a distance without the mechanisms that exist in a regular classroom can pose some challenges. Online students need to be assertive in order to make their needs known.

Time management skills are necessary as you will have to plot - and follow - a schedule for accomplishing your assignments.

Research and writing skills are vital for many classes. Knowing how to effectively research the Internet and having strong writing skills comes in handy.

Many online classes require team activities, so the ability to work well cooperatively is an important skill. The online environment adds some additional challenges.

Remember, technology fails. If you are disconnected from the Internet you may lose your work. Type and save all writing assignments into a word processor, such as Word. By saving all your work in a word processor, you have the capability to copy and paste into the assignment box or attach the document to an email. It is also good practice to print out all your assignments and completed quizzes (if allowed) to use as study guides and as backup.

Coursework, Midterms and Finals
Coursework is usually broken down into chapter or module assignments, each with a specific due date. Assignments vary from class to class and those turned in after the due date may be penalized.

Coursework usually consists of several activities:

• Reading the syllabus and class information
• Reading the text - Yes, textbooks are required
• Reviewing online material
• Participating in online discussions
• Taking online quizzes
• Listening and/or viewing online lectures
• Answering questions based on assignments
• Internet research

Midterms, finals, or final projects may also be required in an online class. Most exams are taken online, but some academic divisions require you to come to campus or other proctored site. As proctored exams are course specific, you will be given further instructions from your professor when a proctor is needed.

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