Taking an online class has many advantages, including increased
          flexibility in completing homework assignments, the ability to
          communicate with classmates and your instructor from the convenience
          of your own home or workplace, and enhanced access to materials 
          ranging from specific internet resources to instructor's class 
          announcements. However, an online class is not for everyone. 
          Not all students are successful in online courses. Some students 
          need to develop their time management skills. Discussions with 
          former students have shown that some need the structure of a classroom. 
          If you need the discipline and structure of meeting on campus several 
          times a week and you enjoy the in-person interaction between students 
          instructor, you may be more likely to succeed in a regular class. 
          The following are characteristics of students who should do well 
          in an online class.

A successful online learner:

  is self disciplined, budgets time wisely, and does not procrastinate often
  enjoys the challenge of learning on his or her own and likes to read and learn
  takes charge of his or her own learning and is willing to ask questions when necessary
  communicates well in writing
  is able to learn from the printed word
  understands that flexibility does NOT mean that online courses will be easier
  treats the opinions and comments of classmates with respect
  keeps track of due dates reads carefully and refers to the readings and Web pages
  is able to use required technologies - word processor, the Internet, e-mail
  is motivated to read, write, and participate in class activities
  has clear educational goals 
  actively participates in Discussion Forums. Taking part regularly can lead to a better understanding of the topic, and may help you to stay motivated and on schedule. 
  takes advantage of the fact that there are no time and place barriers. Online learners can access their courses 24 hours a day, at home or away. They use this flexibility to fit their studies into their busy schedules, not to procrastinate. They work on their course when they can give their full concentration to it. I have been taking classes and teaching classes online for a while, and the biggest problem students have had is procrastination.
  uses the time flexibility in order to fully grasp the course content. The only strict deadlines are those for  assignment due dates. Some assignments may take some students longer than others. Because there is more flexibility in pacing than in a classroom, learners can take the extra time they need to absorb material before moving on, or return to material for review.
  is proactive and uses resources. The course material provided online is just the beginning. The advantage of the Internet is that the browser provides access to electronic libraries, online handouts, and other sites that may provide new perspectives on the course material and resources for assignments. 
  understands the power of the computer. In addition to mastering the Web as a research tool, online learners know how to manipulate text, cut and paste citations, and e-mail. 
  starts early. Do not wait a few days or weeks before getting started. Connect, get an overview of the course, plan your schedule, and explore the resources that are available
 

Start by reading these pages:

   Discussion Forum
   Technical Requirements
   Computer Competencies
   Role of the Student
   Site Use and Navigation
   Tips for Success
   Plagiarism
 

Familiarize yourself with the Web site so that you will be able to locate all the pages you will need to read to complete required work. You will need to complete Assignments to accompany the chapters. It will also be necessary to participate in the Discussion Forum.  Make sure that you keep up with these because there will not be reminders about when they are due. There will be more than one session before each test, and you will be required to attend at least one for each test.
 

Remember -- When you decide to take an online course, you accept the responsibility for completing the required reading and assignments. Each student will have to decide how much time must be devoted to studying and test preparation. Tests will not be postponed, and if a student falls behind, he or she will have to accept the responsibility for a poor performance. Students will be treated as adults and will be expected to behave like adults and to take their work seriously.
 

                                 MEETING DEADLINES

You must pay careful attention to the deadlines for completing each assignment or test. Meeting deadlines is the student's responsibility. Failure to complete discussion forums, quizzes, exams, and essay or other written assignments will result in a reduction of grade or NO GRADE for a particular assignment. Be sure to save your work in a document file on your computer before you submit it and allow plenty of time for transmission of your files electronically by e-mail. Don't assume that the telephone line connections are always working and always instantaneous.
 

                                   Submitting Assignments

All work should be in standard edited English with no errors in spelling, grammar, and
mechanics. All papers must be typed in an acceptable word processing form: Microsoft Word
or WordPerfect.
                                      Do not use Microsoft Works. 

                  Files sent using Microsoft Works will be returned unopened. 

                  Files should be sent as attachments. Do not send ZIP files. 

All assignments which are e-mailed MUST be sent as attachments. Using attachments allows files to be sent exactly as you format them in Microsoft Word. 

Any assignments which are not sent as attachments will lose their formatting.

Assignments should have a specific subject line:
Read      Communicating With the Instructor . . . .

Keep at least one backup copy of all the assignments, preferably on a 
floppy disk. Students have had computer problems every semester, and 
since they did not keep a "safe" copy of their assignments, they had to 
redo some of their work. Computers crash. Computers get infected with 
viruses. If you do not keep a backup, sooner or later you will have 
problems, and late work will be penalized. 
 

Take one of these to see if Online Learning fits your learning style.

   OnLine Learning.net Self-Assessment Quiz  UCLA

   Is Online Learning For Me?  Colorado Community College Online

   Are distance learning courses for Me?  Center for Independent Learning

   Online Learning Readiness Checklist
 

Helpful Links

   What Makes a Successful Online Student?  Illinois Online Network

   Tips For Online Success

   How to Succeed in Distance Learning Courses

   What Every Student Should Know About Online Learning

   Distance Learning Calculator

   Guide to Grammar and Style

   How to Proofread and Edit Your Writing