The document provides 10 tips for success as an online student. It emphasizes that online learning requires as much time commitment as traditional courses. It stresses the importance of carefully reviewing course expectations and deadlines, creating a regular study schedule to avoid procrastination, having the necessary software and tools, actively participating in discussions, finding a dedicated study space, building a support system, using available resources for help, engaging critically in discussions, and taking responsibility for one's own learning. Planning and self-discipline are keys to thriving in the online learning environment.

1. Top 10 Tips for Success as an
Online Student

2. 1. Never take this online course because
you think it will save you work & time!
• Online learning is challenging! In many ways
harder than traditional learning because you are
on your own for much of the course and the work
load doesn’t change.
• Don’t assume you can devote less total time just
because you are taking a class online. A
traditional 3-credit college course requires about
120 hours of your time during a 16-week
semester. Plan on that time for your online class
as well!

3. 2. Know what is expected.
• Carefully review the syllabus, schedule, grade
scale. Know what the instructor expects.
• Be sure you know the deadlines for all
assignments.
• Ask questions about the course the first week
so you know exactly what you have to do to
get that “A”.

4. 3. Make a regular schedule.
• Look at your life and carve out dedicated time
to work on your class. If you don’t, it is too
easy to procrastinate.
• Decide when your mind is most efficient. Early
in the morning when distractions are often
fewer? During lunch at work? Saturday
mornings? Sunday afternoons?
• Procrastination is the greatest cause of
problems in online courses!

5. 4. Make sure you have the tools
needed for the course.
• LTU uses Blackboard. Blackboard works best in Mozilla
Firefox or Chrome. Be sure you have these browsers and
that the plug-ins are up-to-date.
• Many courses have embedded video and audio so be sure
you have any needed players installed, configured and
ready to go.
• Determine all software you will need for the course—word
processor, spreadsheet program, graphics software. Do you
need a specific version?
• Make sure you have a current edition of a good antivirus
program. You will be both adding (uploading) and getting
(downloading) many files, which makes your computer
vulnerable to viruses and worms.

6. 5. Be active & interactive.
• Although online courses may seem to have
less interaction than face-to-face classes,
there is no hiding in an online course.
• You can’t “lurk” in the back of the room or
remain silent.
• Identify how your instructor wants you to
interact (assignments, discussion boards, chat
rooms, or other tools), then make sure you
participate.

7. 6. Create a "study zone."
• Have a place where you habitually study, one
that tells you that you are "at school." This can
be a desk, an end of the dining room table, or
a spot out on the deck. Your real challenge as
an online learner is self-discipline. You have to
provide the structure you would normally find
in a classroom.

8. 7. Build a personal support system.
• Being an online course is a challenge, so ask
your family and friends to help you succeed.
• Tell your supporters about your regular study
schedule and your "study zone," and ask them
to help you stay on schedule and keep your
spirits on the positive side.

9. 8. Use the resources available to you
• Check the eHelp page for answers to common
questions, use the Blackboard tools to get
help from your classmates, reach out to your
instructor if you need help.
• LTU has provided these resources to help you
be successful. Use them!

10. 9. Take the discussion up a notch.
• Instead of repeating material from the book,
relate your assignments to the world around
you.
• Give examples of the topic under discussion to
show your understanding. Be careful not just
to repeat what another student has already
said.

11. • The best thing about online learning is you are in
control; the worst thing about online learning is you
are in control!
• It is all on you! You are the one responsible for what
you do, or don't, learn.
• In online courses, instructors don’t just dispense
knowledge while you passively sit there. Instead, since
the instructor is not present, you have to explore
resources and information yourself. Instead of asking
yourself what the instructor is going to teach you, ask
yourself what you are going to learn.
10. Take responsibility for your own learning.