How to Succeed in Distance Learning Courses

• Familiarize yourself with the course design.  Check the college website to view the distance learning course syllabus.  Spend time looking at the course syllabus even before you register.  Decide if you can be a successful self-directed learner in this particular study content.
• Identify tools necessary to complete assignments.  Before enrolling in a course, make sure you have access to the tools necessary to complete assignments.  Access to a computer with adequate hard disk space and a modem for e-mail and Internet connections are "musts" for most classes.
• Be realistic.  You will not have to keep a class attendance schedule, but you WILL have to do regular academic work and submit it when due.  Remember you should be spending at least two study hours each week for every credit you are taking.  So if there is insufficient time in your personal schedule to do the work for the course, you will be frustrated.
• Set interim goals and deadlines for yourself, and STICK TO THEM. Keep a calendar showing the number of weeks in the semester and mark it off with the amount of work you need to do each week.  Especially note the days when you will expect to take tests, submit projects, and contact the instructor.  Don't fall behind in your work!  Keep reminding yourself that you will always have more to do near the end of a course than at the beginning.
• Organize your goals in a study schedule.  Identify study times when you are fresh and attentive and stick to those times every week.  Think of study times as "reserved time."  If you miss too many study times, revise your schedule.
• Avoid interruptions.  Avoid all interruptions and distractions while you are viewing a video or PowerPoint presentation, listening to a cassette, reading a textbook, working on the computer, or studying.  Turn off the telephone if there is no one available to answer it but you.
• Know where to study.  Find a place that is free from distractions.  You might consider work--before hours or after hours and on your lunch hour--a public library, or a separate room in your home.
• Stay in touch with your instructor.  Contact your instructor regularly, especially when you have questions about course content materials.  Instructors are available by phone and/or email, or you may make an appointment for an on-campus meeting.  You may also correspond with your instructor by mail or FAX.
• Prepare for assigments and tests.  In distance learning, course assignments could involve the use of different mediums:  print, videos, audios, and the Internet.  Remember, you are not just watching or listening.  You are learning from the information on those various mediums.  Take notes.  Imagine questions that might be on a test from your study guide, from your textbook, from videos, or audot tapes, or from the Internet course assigments.
• Use good communication skills.  Pay careful attention to instructions and be certain that you understand what is being asked when submitting assignments.  It often helps to develop a brief outline before responding to questions whether they are submitted in writing, via e-mail, orally or on video/audio tape.
• Evaluate your own progress regularly.  Re-read the course objectives and standards often to see how you are progressing with them.
• Time your tests wisely.  Before you take a test, make sure you understand the information covered in the course assigments that will be the basis for a particular test.
• Find some study-buddies.  If you feel the need to study with other students from the class, ask your instructor for help in identifying other students who may want to work with you.
• Discuss your progress.  Ask your instructor at various points in the semster how your progress is going.  Also ask for help and point out any areas that you think are difficult or unclear.
• Use relaxation techniques to focus better.  Relaxation techniques can benefit learning in a number of ways, such as, heightening concentration, heightening attention focusing, and lessening anxiety.  Some common relaxation techniques include deep breathing, stretching, and listening to soothing music.

Source:  "How to Succceed in Distance Learning Courses," Terra Community College Distance Learning.  August 16, 2001 <http://www.terra.cc.oh.us/detips.html>