Online Distance Education

Earning a college degree or certificate often represents many years of hard work. Although an online distance education is definitely more convenient than having to attend in-person courses on a college campus, it represents its own set of unique challenges that can be just as stressful. Here are three keys to succeeding in an online distance education environment.

1. Clear some space for your online distance education adventure, because you are going to need it. If you are getting ready to launch into your first foray into the busy world of online distance education, you should know that it requires a great deal of self-discipline and organization. You will want to find a place that is free of noise and distractions. If there is no such place in your home, you might want to consider your local public library or work place, where you can possibly study before work or during your lunch hour.

2. Identify all the learning tools that you will need before the course even begins. Will you need a computer with high speed Internet and DVD viewing capability? Will you need access to a VCR, fax machine, tape player, etc? Read the syllabus thoroughly before the class officially begins and collect all the necessary materials.

3. Set regular and realistic goals. If this is your first foray into the world of online distance education, you may be under the impression that it will be a lot easier than having to attend class on a weekly basis. However, you will soon find out that online distance education can be quite hectic. You will have to learn to set interim goals that are both realistic and consistent. Take a stab at that old guideline: two study hours for every credit that you are taking. This is actually a very helpful guideline, and even though you may not be able to abide by it, you will find that it provides a pretty accurate estimate of the amount of time you need to dedicate to your coursework in order to excel.