tips to succeed in online learning

To be self directed, or is self direction innate? Most educators would agree there is an element of both at play. Intrinsic motivation is needed for learners of any age in any situation, though for the most part self direction competencies can be learned, that is specific behaviours can be practiced and implemented. In this post I write for two sets of readers, first for online students. Ive included a five step strategy that includes a set of behaviours real students have identified as crucial to their success in completing online college courses for credit. For educators, Ive included a set of suggestions, actions that support students in becoming self directed learners, one of which involves giving the responsibility to the learner, a critical component in the instructor learner relationship.

The syllabus is a critical resource for any course. It is the road map or game plan for the entire course get to know it well. Print a copy on the first day of class, read through it twice. At the same time highlight, then record the due dates for assignments and threaded discussions in your personal calendar. If you need reminders, add those too. Once the course gets going, review assignment instructions, discussion topics, etc. at the beginning of each week and consult grading guidelines and check dues dates again. Youll be amazed how much easier assignments become once you are very familiar with the instructions.

Studying, participating in forums and completing assignments in an online class can be challenging, even more so when juggling multiple responsibilities. Time management is vital for online students. Planning a regular study time, blocking off set times each week is what successful online students do most often. According to the study referenced in this post, 79% of students identified this method of managing their time as critical to their success Roper, 2007 . Plan a schedule and stick to it.

Instructors want to help, they want students to be successful and expect students to ask questions. When I work with course instructors this is one complaint that is expressed most often about online students, why dont they ask? The virtual space in online learning can be a barrier, if you let it get in the way. If you have a question about course content, need clarification on a difficult concept ask. And when you do ask a question, make it count. Before you post a question, know what you are asking and why. Be clear and concise in your communication. Youll be glad you asked.

Connecting with online classmates and building a learning community is easier than you might think given all of the social tools and applications available today. Reach out to one student, send an email to ask a question, or create a Facebook group for your class, even create a small study group. If assigned to a group project, try Google Docs, which is a terrific collaborative tool, and while in Google, try Google+ Hangouts, an application that allows you to video chat and discuss in real time, even share documents and Web pages.

Print a copy and do NOT just file it away check it early and often!

Become familiar with using multimedia technology and the course tools click around the course room! Googles tools can be an amazing resource for your studies. Improve your research skills by mastering Google Search, Google Scholar, Google Books, and other popular resources.

Whether you have an entire office or just a desk in your living room, make sure it is organized with the supplies you need and is available for use at any time.

When learning at home, its often difficult to balance the load. Anticipate scheduling problems and come up with a solution that works for everyone. If youre going on vacation or have a meeting out of town, work ahead.

Note reviews can be uninspiring. Personalizing your study time should make it more enjoyable and more productive find out what your learning style is and use it to excel by taking the Smarter Measure survey at