Drexel University's Online  eLearning Minute

Strategies for Succeeding in an Online College Course

Succeeding in an online course requires a different set of strategies than succeeding in an on-campus course. After all, your “classroom” is often your living room or kitchen. You may never see your instructor or classmates and you are one-hundred percent dependent on your computer to meet the course requirements.

The secret to succeeding in an online course is having a comprehensive plan. Here are some helpful hints to ensure a successful online experience:

• Get to know your instructor. Start by learning your instructor’s academic accomplishments and interests. You can usually find this information on the instructor’s personal website, the department’s website, by doing a “Google search”, or by simply e-mailing him/her with a short list of questions. At the same time, offer your instructor a short biographical sketch of your professional accomplishments and interests. A good instructor will tailor an online experience to match your goals and interests.
• Find a keypal. A keypal is another name for an online classmate who is willing to work closely with you, by way of e-mail, text or instant messaging, on course assignments. Essentially, this person is your online buddy, able and willing to provide both academic and emotional support throughout the course.
• Establish expectations with family, friends, and co-workers. It is critically important that those around you understand, respect, and support your need for quiet time to complete your assignments. However, it’s your job to communicate when and where you have reserved time for your coursework. For example, sitting at the kitchen table before dinner might not be the best time and place to complete your assignments.
• Learn to manage your time. Find a day, location, and time that works most or all times during the week. Establish a routine, involving 4-9 hours per week/per course. Most importantly, don’t procrastinate. Always keep moving forward, even if it’s only one chapter a day.
• Use available academic support services. Most colleges offer academic support services, like a writing service, to both on-campus and online students. Check the college’s website for the availability of these services, and take full advantage of the help available. After all, your tuition fee is paying for these services.
• Utilize the eLibrary. The biggest mistake online students make is not taking full advantage of the online resources available through their college library. E-mail a reference librarian, and have them show you how to access the databases and e-periodicals available with just a few mouse clicks.
• Practice Netiquette. Consider the Internet a public place, and speak or type as if you were in a classroom. A discussion board, for example, is a place where ideas and comments can be read by both your instructor and classmates. It should be a place reserved for well thought-out comments. Refrain from posting or e-mailing information that is not academically relevant. Likewise, remember that capitalized letters typically mean that the words are being shouted, and long winded editorials are often not well received by your fellow students.
• Upgrade your computer and your computer skills. Make sure your computer’s operating system and major applications (Microsoft Office, browser, etc.) are all running the latest version of the software. Likewise, check that you are operating with the latest computer skills necessary to succeed in the course. When in doubt, e-mail the instructor about the software and skills needed throughout the course.

There will likely come a time when you start to question your ability or desire to finish your online degree program. When this occurs, as it does for many students, contact your instructor or academic advisor for advice and guidance. Often a few words of encouragement, or an adjustment of the course requirements, may be all that is needed to get you back on track and heading towards success in your online program.

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