As I continue in this series of posts on critical or key steps to becoming an online student, it is important to consider the following:
Don’t Procrastinate
1. Ask yourself the question, “Can I work independently?” Students studying online need to be self-motivated, disciplined and proactive. The virtual classroom is much different than the traditional classroom. I have three specific pieces of advice here:
a. Proper planning prevents poor performance.
b. Do it today.
c. Tomorrow will be today tomorrow.
2. I am often asked by my students how they should approach online learning in the virtual classroom. My advice is simple — find your best available time and place and make those your “personal” college classroom. If you are still finding that unexpected interruptions or unusual settings make consistent study patterns difficult do not panic. Do the little things that can pay big dividends — fully engage during your personal classroom time(s), place something on your computer or at your study area that remind you of your long-term educational goals, and use aides to help you focus - (e.g. “Do Not Disturb –Learning Taking Place” sign in your study.)